Hougen 12256 Annular Cutter 1-3/4 in Hss Weldon Shank

Product Description

The HOUGEN 12256 is a high speed steel annular cutter designed for clean, full-diameter hole cutting in mild steel and steel plate. With a 1-3/4 inch cutting diameter and a 2 inch depth of cut, this cutter removes only a thin ring of material rather than a solid core, reducing cutting force and heat compared to twist drills. The 3/4 inch Weldon flat shank with two flats provides positive drive engagement and prevents slippage under load. The bright, uncoated finish is standard for HSS tooling used in general fabrication and structural steel applications. Licensed electricians, ironworkers, pipefitters, and mechanical contractors use annular cutters like this one for precise hole placement in structural members and steel enclosures.

This cutter is suited for drilling through mild steel and structural steel in fabrication shops and field installations. Typical applications include punching clean holes in beam flanges, steel plates, pipe supports, switchgear enclosures, and mechanical equipment frames. The 2 inch depth of cut accommodates thicker stock and stacked material. It is designed for use with magnetic drill presses that accept a 3/4 inch Weldon shank, which is the industry-standard mounting for portable mag-drill platforms used in structural and mechanical trade work.

Key Features

• 1-3/4 inch cutting diameter removes a thin annular ring for reduced cutting force
• 2 inch depth of cut handles thick plate and stacked steel sections
• High speed steel construction provides durability across repeated cuts in mild steel
• 3/4 inch Weldon flat shank with 2 flats ensures positive, slip-free drive engagement
• Bright, uncoated finish — standard HSS presentation with no added coating to manage

Compatibility

Designed for use with magnetic drill presses and portable drilling units that accept a 3/4 inch Weldon flat shank. Material application includes mild steel and general steel stock.

Installation Notes

Annular cutters of this type are installed and operated by qualified tradespeople using magnetic drill presses or drill press fixtures rated for the shank size. Secure the shank firmly in the arbor, verifying that the Weldon flat seats fully against the set screw before operation. Always use cutting fluid or cutting oil appropriate for HSS tooling on steel to extend cutter life and control heat buildup. Inspect the cutter edge before each use and do not operate with chipped or damaged flutes.