Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
What is a Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners?
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners are skilled tradespeople who specialize in shaping and maintaining the edges of cutting tools and implements used in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and repair. Their primary role is to ensure tools are effective and efficient, which often involves using specialized machines and hand tools to grind, sharpen, and polish tools such as blades, chisels, drill bits, and other sharp instruments. These professionals possess a deep understanding of different materials and the properties of various tools, allowing them to select the appropriate techniques and tools for grinding and sharpening. Maintenance and precision are key aspects of their work, enabling machines and tools to perform optimally and extend their lifespan. Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners work in a variety of settings, from manufacturing plants and machine shops to small repair shops, and play a crucial role in ensuring safety and effectiveness in various mechanical applications.
Tasks
- Monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary, stopping machines when problems occur.
- Inspect, feel, and measure workpieces to ensure that surfaces and dimensions meet specifications.
- Study blueprints or layouts of metal workpieces to determine grinding procedures, and to plan machine setups and operational sequences.
- Select and mount grinding wheels on machines, according to specifications, using hand tools and applying knowledge of abrasives and grinding procedures.
- Compute numbers, widths, and angles of cutting tools, micrometers, scales, and gauges, and adjust tools to produce specified cuts.
Technology Skills
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Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- ANCA ToolRoom
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Electronic mail software
- IBM Lotus Notes
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Computer aided design CAD and computer aided manufacturing CAM system
- Vero Software Edgecam
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Data base user interface and query software
- Zoller
Tools Used
- Power grinders
- Calipers
- Dial indicator or dial gauge
- Bench grinder
- Micrometers
Knowledge
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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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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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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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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Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
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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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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.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
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Less than high school diploma
Work Activities
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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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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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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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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Detailed Work Activities
- Operate grinding equipment.
- Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
- Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
- Inspect finishes of workpieces or finished products.
- Calculate specific material, equipment, or labor requirements for production.
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
$32020.0 - $68150.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.