Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
What is a Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand?
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand are skilled tradespeople who specialize in refining metal surfaces and materials through various grinding and polishing processes. They utilize hand-held tools and equipment to remove imperfections, sharp edges, and rough surfaces from metal, glass, ceramics, and other materials. Their work is critical in ensuring that products meet specific surface finish requirements and achieve the desired aesthetic and functional properties.
These workers often begin by inspecting items for defects and selecting appropriate abrasives and tools needed for the job. They are adept at operating both manual and powered sanding, grinding, and polishing tools, and they must have a keen eye for detail to assess the quality of their work. The processes they employ can vary widely, from using fine-grain sandpaper for delicate finishes to powerful grinding wheels for heavy-duty applications.
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand typically work in manufacturing environments, such as metal fabrication shops, machine shops, and glass or ceramics production facilities. Their contributions are essential in a range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, jewelry making, and construction, where the quality of a finished product is a top priority.
In addition to technical skills, these workers often need to maintain a safe working environment by following proper safety protocols and wearing appropriate protective equipment to guard against dust, debris, and noise. Their expertise plays a vital role in quality control, helping to ensure the durability and performance of various products across multiple sectors.
Tasks
- Verify quality of finished workpieces by inspecting them, comparing them to templates, measuring their dimensions, or testing them in working machinery.
- Grind, sand, clean, or polish objects or parts to correct defects or to prepare surfaces for further finishing, using hand tools and power tools.
- Measure and mark equipment, objects, or parts to ensure grinding and polishing standards are met.
- Trim, scrape, or deburr objects or parts, using chisels, scrapers, and other hand tools and equipment.
- Mark defects, such as knotholes, cracks, and splits, for repair.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
Tools Used
- Power buffers
- Power grinders
- Power sanders
- Dial indicator or dial gauge
- Micrometers
Knowledge
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skills
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Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Abilities
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Less than high school diploma
Work Activities
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Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
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Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Detailed Work Activities
- Compare physical characteristics of materials or products to specifications or standards.
- Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
- Clean workpieces or finished products.
- Polish materials, workpieces, or finished products.
- Smooth metal surfaces or edges.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$30140.0 - $57990.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.