how do download and install macOS X on a machine without a hard drive

If your computer is from Late-2011 or later, then you can use Internet Recovery. If the computer is from any prior year, then you will need the Software Restore DVDs that came with the computer when new.

Internet/Network Recovery of El Capitan or Later on a Clean Disk

     If possible, back up your files before proceeding.

You will need a fast, working Internet connection, preferably, Ethernet. If you must use Wi-Fi, you will be asked to select your network and enter the network password. This procedure will install the original version of macOS that came pre-installed from the factory.

1. Restart the computer. Immediately, at or before the chime, hold down the (Command-Option-Shift-R) keys until a globe appears.
2. The Utility Menu will appear in from 5-20 minutes. Be patient.
3. Select Disk Utility and click on the Continue button.
4. When Disk Utility loads select the target drive (out-dented entry w/type and size) from the side list.
5. Click on the Erase button in Disk Utility's toolbar. A panel will drop down.
6. Set the partition scheme to GUID.
7. Set the Format type to APFS (SSDs, only if installing Mojave or Catalina ) or Mac OS Extended, (Journaled.)
8. Provide a volume name, usually "Macintosh HD."
9. Click on the Apply button, then click on the Done button when it activates.
10. Quit Disk Utility and return to the Utility Menu.
11. Select Install OS X and click on the Continue button.