Carbide jobber-length drill bits are designed for drilling a variety of materials due to their hardness and heat resistance. They are particularly effective for:
1. **Hardened Steel**: Carbide bits can drill through hardened and high-carbon steels, which are challenging for other types of bits.
2. **Stainless Steel**: Their durability makes them suitable for stainless steel, which can quickly wear down softer bits.
3. **Cast Iron**: Carbide bits can efficiently penetrate cast iron, which is abrasive and can dull other bits.
4. **Non-Ferrous Metals**: They work well with metals like aluminum, brass, and copper, providing clean cuts without excessive wear.
5. **Titanium**: The strength of carbide allows it to drill through titanium, which is tough and heat-resistant.
6. **Nickel Alloys**: These bits can handle nickel-based alloys, often used in aerospace and other high-performance applications.
7. **Plastics**: Carbide bits can be used on hard plastics, though care must be taken to avoid melting due to heat.
8. **Composites**: They are suitable for drilling composite materials, which can be abrasive and challenging for other bits.
9. **Wood**: While not typically necessary, carbide bits can be used for wood, especially hardwoods, providing long-lasting performance.
10. **Concrete and Masonry**: Specialized carbide-tipped bits are used for drilling into concrete and masonry, though these are often not jobber-length.
Carbide bits are not ideal for softer materials like softwood or thin plastics, as they can cause chipping or cracking. They are best used in applications where precision and durability are required, and where other bits would wear out quickly.