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Versatile General-Purpose Drilling with Jobber Length Drills

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What is a Jobber Length Drill? How does it work?

A jobber length drill is a standard, general-purpose drill bit characterized by the relationship between its length and diameter. Here's how they're defined and how they work:

What is a Jobber Length Drill?

  • Length: Jobber length drills have a flute length (the cutting portion) that is generally 9 to 14 times longer than their diameter. This creates a drill bit with a longer overall length compared to other types.
  • Versatility: This length makes them suitable for a wide range of common drilling tasks. They can create reasonably deep holes, while remaining suitable for a variety of materials
  • Commonality: Jobber length drills are the most common type of drill bit you'll encounter.

How Does a Jobber Length Drill Work?

Jobber length drills work just like other twist drill bits:

  1. Rotation: The drill bit is secured in a drill chuck and rotated at high speeds.
  2. Cutting: The cutting edges at the tip of the drill bit remove material as it penetrates the workpiece.
  3. Chip Removal: The spiral flutes of the drill bit help to move the removed material (chips) away from the cutting surface and out of the drilled hole.

Key Points about Jobber Length Drills

  • They balance depth of drilling with overall bit strength and versatility.
  • Other common types include screw machine length drills (shorter) and taper length drills (longer).

How are Jobber Length Drills manufactured?

While the specific manufacturing process for jobber length drills can vary between manufacturers and materials, here's a breakdown of the typical steps involved:

1. Raw Material Selection:

  • Material Matters: The most common material for jobber length drills is high-speed steel (HSS), but other options like cobalt steel, tool steel alloys, or carbide exist for specific applications. Baucor can advise on the most suitable material based on your drilling needs.

2. Blank Formation:

  • Shaping the Base: The selected raw material is cut and formed into cylindrical blanks with the approximate dimensions of the final drill.

3. Fluting and Point Grinding:

  • Defining Features: Specialized grinding equipment creates the flutes (spiral grooves) that are essential for chip evacuation.
  • Sharpening the Cut: The tip of the drill is ground to form the desired point angle and cutting edges. Grinding accuracy is crucial for drilling performance and could be an area where Baucor excels.

4. Heat Treatment:

  • Enhancing Strength: HSS and many tool steel alloys undergo heat treatment processes to improve their hardness, wear resistance, and overall durability. Baucor's expertise in heat treatment optimization can ensure your drills achieve their full potential.

5. Coating (Optional):

  • Performance Boost: In some cases, jobber length drills may receive a coating like TiN, TiAlN, or others to further enhance wear resistance and performance. Baucor might offer various coating options to suit your needs.

6. Finishing and Inspection:

  • Polish and Quality Checks: Final surface treatments might be applied to improve smoothness and reduce friction. The finished drills undergo rigorous dimensional and performance checks to ensure they meet quality standards.

GET A QUOTE

What sizes does Baucor manufacture Jobber Length Drills?

Baucor's Jobber Length Drill Range: Exploring the Possibilities

While we can't divulge Baucor's exact jobber length drill inventory, they potentially offer a comprehensive size selection to cater to your diverse drilling needs. Here's an overview of typical size ranges you might expect and why consulting them directly is the best option:

Possible Jobber Length Drill Sizes:

  • Fractional Sizes:

  • Common: 1/16", 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2" or larger, depending on specific offerings.
  • Smaller increments or larger sizes might be available based on Baucor's inventory or custom manufacturing capabilities.
  • Metric Sizes:
  • Common: 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, or larger.
  • Baucor could potentially offer decimal increments or sizes beyond this standard range.

Baucor can manufacture drill bits for you ranging from very small sizes like 0.05 mm to large sizes up to 180 mm, accommodating a wide spectrum of drilling requirements. Please contact us for the appropriate dimensions. Baucor can produce drill bits in the most specialized sizes tailored to your needs.

What materials are used to make Jobber Length Drills?

The optimal material for a jobber length drill depends on the specific application and the workpiece material being drilled. Here's a breakdown of possible options, including those for both common and more specialized drilling tasks:

Common Materials:

  • High-Speed Steel (HSS): The most widely used material for jobber length drills. It provides a great balance of affordability, hardness, and wear resistance, suitable for various materials like wood, plastics, and softer metals.
  • Cobalt Steel (HSCO): An upgrade from HSS, containing cobalt for improved wear resistance and heat tolerance. Well-suited for drilling tougher materials like stainless steel and high-strength alloys.

Specialty Materials:

  • Tool Steel Alloys: A broad category of specialty steels formulated for specific cutting tool applications. Baucor might offer jobber length drills made from tool steel alloys optimized for enhanced wear resistance, toughness, or other desired properties.
  • Carbide: Incredibly hard and wear-resistant. Ideal for drilling highly abrasive materials or when extended tool life is crucial. Might be offered by Baucor for demanding applications requiring jobber length drills.
  • Powdered Metal: Some manufacturers utilize powdered metallurgy techniques to create high-performance tool steels with enhanced properties. Baucor might offer custom jobber length drills made from these powdered metal alloys.
  • Diamond-Coated Drills: Not as common as other materials, but Baucor might offer them for specialized tasks involving exceptionally hard materials like glass, ceramics, or composites.

Choosing the Right Material with Baucor's Expertise

The specific materials Baucor offers for jobber length drills may vary. Here's why consulting them is beneficial:

  • Application-Specific Recommendations: Our experienced team can recommend the optimal material for your application, considering factors like material compatibility, desired performance, and budget restrictions.
  • Custom Manufacturing: For highly specialized applications, Baucor might be able to produce custom jobber length drills from unique materials or apply specialized coatings.

Contact Baucor: Unlocking the Potential of Jobber Length Drills

Don't settle for standard jobber length drills. Partner with Baucor and discover the drilling performance you can achieve with the perfect material for your project. 

What coatings improve Jobber Length Drills?

Performance-Enhancing Coatings for Jobber Length Drills

Applying specific coatings to jobber length drills can significantly enhance their performance, reduce wear, and extend tool life. Here's a look at common coatings you might find, as well as some specialized options:

  • Titanium Nitride (TiN): A highly versatile coating that increases surface hardness, reduces friction, and improves heat dissipation. TiN-coated jobber length drills are likely a staple in Baucor's inventory, suitable for many materials and applications.
  • Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TiAlN): An evolution of TiN coatings, offering even higher hardness and superior performance at elevated temperatures. Baucor might offer TiAlN coated jobber length drills for demanding drilling applications.
  • Chromium Nitride (CrN): Provides excellent wear resistance and lubricity (reduced friction). Consider contacting Baucor to see if they offer CrN-coated jobber length drills for applications involving abrasive materials.
  • Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC): An advanced coating known for its exceptional hardness, low friction coefficient, and high wear resistance. While less common on jobber length drills, Baucor might offer DLC coatings on custom solutions for specialized tasks.

Additional Considerations:

  • Compatibility: Certain coatings might be better suited to specific base materials (HSS, cobalt steel, etc.) or workpiece materials.
  • Application: The benefits of each coating can vary. Factors like increased wear resistance, reduced friction, or improved heat dissipation influence the ideal coating choice.

GET A QUOTE

Where are Jobber Length Drills used?

Jobber Length Drills: Versatile Tools for Diverse Applications

Due to their standard length and widespread availability, jobber length drills are utilized in numerous industries and projects. Here are some common areas where they are used:

General Purpose Drilling:

  • Metalworking: Drilling holes of various sizes in metals like steel, aluminum, and alloys of varying hardness.
  • Woodworking: Creating holes for fasteners, dowels, and other purposes in wood and wood-based materials.
  • Plastics: Drilling precise holes in acrylic, PVC, and various other plastics.

Machine Shops and Manufacturing:

  • Component Fabrication: Creating holes for assembly, fasteners, or functional features in manufactured components.
  • Jigs and Fixtures: Drilling holes in custom tooling and workholding devices for accurate machining operations.

DIY and Construction:

  • Home Projects: Versatile drill bits for various tasks, from hanging pictures to installing shelves.
  • Light Construction: Drilling holes for anchors, fasteners, or utility lines.

Additional Industries:

  • Aerospace: Drilling holes in certain aircraft components where their length and versatility are suitable. Baucor's material and coating expertise could be valuable here.
  • Automotive: Drilling tasks on automotive components during repair or custom work.
  • Hobby and Craft: Utilized for precision drilling in small-scale projects, models, and crafting applications.

Choosing Standard Or Specialized Drills

While jobber length drills are incredibly versatile, certain applications might benefit from:

  • Shorter Drills: Stub length drills offer increased rigidity for specialized scenarios where shorter hole depths are required.
  • Longer Drills: Aircraft drills are designed for drilling deeper holes than jobber length drills can accommodate.
  • Specialized Materials and Coatings: For demanding materials or high-performance needs, Baucor might offer jobber length drills in advanced materials or with performance-enhancing coatings.

Which industries use Jobber Length Drills?

Industries Where Jobber Length Drills are Essential

  • Manufacturing: A cornerstone of various manufacturing processes – drilling holes for fasteners, assembly components, jigs, fixtures, and more. Baucor's selection of materials and potential for custom drills can cater to the diverse needs of the manufacturing sector.
  • Metalworking: Creating holes in various metals and alloys for fabrication, repair, and assembly work. Baucor can advise on the optimal drill material choice (HSS, cobalt, etc.) based on the metals being drilled.
  • Woodworking: Drilling holes for dowels, joinery, hardware installation, and other woodworking tasks.
  • Construction: Drilling into wood, light metals, concrete, and other materials for anchoring, fastening, and installing utilities during construction projects.
  • Aerospace: Drilling holes in specific aircraft components or maintenance tasks where jobber length drills are suitable. Baucor's potential for high-performance drill materials and coatings can be an asset in this demanding industry.
  • Automotive: Used for repair, modification, and customization work on vehicles, drilling into various automotive components.
  • DIY and Home Improvement: A popular choice for homeowners tackling various tasks due to their wide availability and adaptability.

Additional Industries and Applications:

  • Hobby and Craft: Utilized for precision drilling in small-scale projects, models, and crafting applications.
  • Electronics: Drilling holes for components on circuit boards or casings where appropriate.
  • Medical Devices: In specific applications where precision and standard length are suitable. Baucor's expertise in advanced material selection and coatings might be of value here.

When Standard Jobber Length Drills Might Not Be Ideal

Certain industries or specialized applications might necessitate different drill lengths or advanced customizations:

  • Short Drills: When increased rigidity is necessary for specific tasks, stub length drills might be better suited.
  • Long Drills: Industries like aerospace often require aircraft drills for deeper hole drilling.
  • Unique Materials: For drilling extremely hard or abrasive materials, Baucor might recommend specialized jobber length drills in advanced materials like carbide or with performance-enhancing coatings.

What machines use Jobber Length Drills?

The versatility of jobber length drills stems from their compatibility with numerous drilling machines. These include:

Drill Presses:

  • Benchtop: Small and versatile for general-purpose drilling in workshops or DIY projects.
  • Floor Standing: Offer more power and drilling capacity for larger workpieces and heavier-duty tasks.
  • Handheld Drills: Both corded and cordless handheld drills readily accept jobber length drill bits for portable use in various applications.
  • CNC Machining Centers: These computer-controlled machines offer precise positioning and automated drilling with jobber-length drills, especially for high-volume production or applications demanding exceptional accuracy.
  • Lathes: While primarily used for turning operations, lathes can incorporate tailstock chucks for drilling holes on-center with jobber length drills.
  • Milling Machines: In some setups, milling machines can be used for drilling operations with jobber length drills.
  • Magnetic Drills: These specialized portable drills with strong magnetic bases are often used with jobber length drills for drilling large workpieces or in hard-to-reach locations.

Factors Influencing Machine and Drill Choice

While jobber length drills can be used on various machines, specific factors guide the ideal combination:

  • Material: Harder materials might necessitate machines with more power (heavy-duty drill presses, CNC machines) and specialized drill materials (cobalt, carbide).
  • Hole Size and Depth: The desired hole diameter and depth influence the required machine capacity and choice of drill size.
  • Precision Requirements: High-precision applications might demand CNC machines for accurate positioning and consistent drilling results.

What design and engineering support does Baucor provide for Jobber Length Drills?

At Baucor, we believe that even standard jobber length drills can be optimized for exceptional performance. We go beyond simply offering off-the-shelf options, focusing on design and engineering to ensure you have the perfect drill tailored to your specific needs.

Expertise in Drill Optimization

  • Material Selection: Our team will guide you in choosing the most suitable drill material, such as HSS, cobalt steel, tool steel alloys, or carbide, based on your drilling material, performance goals, and budget.
  • Coating Recommendations: We'll suggest appropriate coatings like TiN, TiAlN, CrN, or DLC to enhance drill performance, wear resistance, and lifespan according to your application requirements.
  • Geometry Refinements: In specific cases, we can optimize flute design, point angle, or web thickness in standard jobber length drills to improve performance for your specialized applications.

Addressing Unique Challenges

  • Application Analysis: Our engineers will work closely with you to understand your specific drilling requirements, identifying any challenges where a standard jobber length drill might not be the best solution.
  • Customization Possibilities: If your project demands a unique drill configuration, our design and engineering team can explore custom jobber length drill solutions, tailored precisely to your needs.

Engineering Support Throughout the Process

  • Simulation and Analysis: We use specialized software to simulate drilling forces and optimize the design of your custom jobber length drill for exceptional performance.
  • Prototyping and Testing: Depending on the complexity of your project, we can create prototypes for rigorous testing and validation before finalizing the design of your custom drill.
  • Quality Manufacturing Processes: Our commitment to quality ensures your custom jobber length drills are manufactured to the highest standards for exceptional performance and durability.

Benefits of Baucor's Design and Engineering Support

  • Enhanced Drilling Performance: A finely-tuned jobber length drill, whether standard or custom, can significantly improve drilling efficiency, accuracy, and tool life compared to a generic option.
  • Reduced Production Costs: By optimizing the drilling process and extending tool life, our solutions can contribute to long-term cost savings for your operations.
  • Solutions for Demanding Applications: If you have a specialized drilling task that standard drills can't handle, our design and engineering expertise can help you overcome those challenges with custom solutions.

Contact Baucor Today!

Experience the difference that design optimization can make in your drilling operations. Explore our expertise and potential custom solutions for jobber length drills. Our team is ready to discuss your project requirements and guide you toward the perfect drilling tool for superior results.

UNMATCHED ENGINEERING SUPPORT

Your Solution, Your Scale

Whether you need a single prototype or full-scale production, BAUCOR''s engineers are ready to collaborate with you. Contact us to discuss how we can bring your concept to life.

Tailored Solutions for BAUCOR Customers

BAUCOR specializes in providing unique manufacturing and engineering solutions designed to meet the specific needs of each client. Our expertise covers a wide range of industries and applications.

What are the design guides for Jobber Length Drills?

Understanding Jobber Length Drill Design

While the term "design guides" might suggest published standards, jobber length drills generally follow common practices and well-established geometries. Here are crucial aspects of their design:

Length:

  • Standard Range: Jobber length drills typically fall within a length of 8 to 12 inches (or 9 to 14 inches depending on where you source the definition). This length offers versatility for various drilling depths while minimizing excessive deflection.
  • Variations: Stub length drills (shorter) and aircraft drills (longer) exist for specific use cases.

Flute Design:

  • Twist drills, the most common type of jobber length drill, feature spiral flutes for efficient chip evacuation.
  • Flute Geometry: Considerations like the number of flutes, flute angle, and flute depth influence chip removal, rigidity, and overall drill performance. Baucor might possess insights on optimizing these for specific applications.

Point Angle:

Standard Angle: A common point angle for general-purpose jobber length drills is 118°.

Optimizations: Different point angles may be used for specific materials or applications where a standard angle is less suitable. Baucor could advise on these specialized variations.

  • Shank Type: Jobber length drills often feature a straight shank, making them compatible with common drill chucks.

Material Selection:

  • HSS: The most widely used material, offering a good balance of cost, hardness, and durability.
  • Advanced Options: Cobalt steel, tool steel alloys, or carbide can be used in jobber length drills for enhanced performance in demanding applications. Baucor's material expertise is invaluable here.

Baucor's Potential Expertise and Customizations

While these design considerations are foundational, here's where Baucor can take things further:

  • Proprietary Optimizations: Manufacturers like Baucor might have unique design refinements within the standard jobber length drill category to enhance performance beyond general-purpose drills.
  • Application-Specific Guidance: Our engineers can analyze your drilling needs and recommend subtle adjustments to standard jobber length drill geometry (point angle, flute design, etc.) for significant performance gains in your specific application.
  • Material and Coating Expertise: Baucor can guide you towards the most suitable drill material and potentially suggest advanced coatings to further boost performance and extend the lifespan of your jobber length drills.
  • Custom Manufacturing: For truly unique drilling challenges, Baucor might be able to manufacture custom jobber length drills with tailored design features, materials, or coatings, exceeding the limitations of standard offerings.

The Importance of Consulting a Manufacturer

Understanding these design aspects is crucial, but direct consultation with a manufacturer like Baucor is indispensable for getting the perfect jobber length drill for your specific needs.

Contact Baucor: Achieve Drilling Excellence with Optimized Drills

Discover how Baucor's expertise and potential for customization can enhance your drilling operations with precisely tailored jobber length drills.