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Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners

Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.

What you’d do

  • Monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary, stopping machines when problems occur.
  • Select and mount grinding wheels on machines, according to specifications, using hand tools and applying knowledge of abrasives and grinding procedures.
  • Set up and operate grinding or polishing machines to grind metal workpieces, such as dies, parts, and tools.
  • Inspect, feel, and measure workpieces to ensure that surfaces and dimensions meet specifications.
  • Perform basic maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating machine parts.
  • Remove finished workpieces from machines and place them in boxes or on racks, setting aside pieces that are defective.
  • Study blueprints or layouts of metal workpieces to determine grinding procedures, and to plan machine setups and operational sequences.
  • Dress grinding wheels, according to specifications.

Skills that matter

  • Operation and Control
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Monitoring
  • Repairing
  • Troubleshooting

How to get there

Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

Also called

  • Grinder
  • Grinder Operator
  • Saw Filer
  • Tool Grinder
  • Crankshaft Grinder
  • Cutter Grind Tool Technician (Cutter Grind Tool Tech)
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