What Does a Roll Grinder/Turner Do?

Roll Grinders/Turners generally work in steel manufacturing and metal production companies. Customers such as automotive manufacturers, often require the metal to be specific size and thickness. The metal is heated and then rolled through machines which flatten them to half the previous size. The Roll Grinder/Turner measures and grinds the metal when it comes off the rollers and repeats the process until the steel is just the right thickness.

Job -Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • carefully following safety protocol
  • grinding, turning and texturing cast iron, cast steel, iron, high chrome, tool steel and forged rolls
  • reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics and job orders
  • setting up and operating machine tools
  • verifying dimension of parts machined
  • using and maintaining precision measuring instruments
  • performing routine maintenance on equipment and machinery
  • texturing work rolls
  • calibrating equipment
  • performing rigging and hoisting
  • inspecting and measuring rolls

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

Grade 12 or the equivalent is required to apprentice as a Roll Grinder/Turner. Students who have completed Grade 10 have an opportunity to become registered apprentices while finishing secondary school under the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). This is an unrestricted certified trade, which means you do not need a valid Certificate of Apprenticeship to work in this trade, although employers may require it.

Achieving a Certificate of Apprenticeship for a Roll Grinder/Turner involves completing an apprenticeship of approximately 2-3 years (4,000-6,000 hours). This includes 1 eight week block of in-school instruction.

What’s Your Future as a Roll Grinder/Turner?

Roll Grinder/Turners work primarily indoors in an industrial setting. They may do very repetitive work and be expected to carry and lift heavy materials, and stand for prolonged periods of time to operate machinery. They may work shifts and generally work 35-40 hours per week, not including overtime. They may be exposed to high noise level. Employers who hire Roll Grinder/Turners include:

  • Primary steel producers
  • Metal product manufacturing companies
  • Tool and cutlery manufacturers

Wage Rate

Fully qualified Roll Grinder/Turners earn an average of $12-$24/hr not including overtime or benefits.

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as a Roll Grinder/Turner For You?

Are you comfortable working in a hot and potentially hazardous environment?

Yes      No

Do you mind doing repetitive work?

Yes      No

Can you stand for prolonged periods of time?

Yes      No

Do you like working with large machines?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy working with your hands?

Yes      No

Are you safety conscious?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy working with your hands?

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as a Roll Grinder/Turner may be for You!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Machining Tool Operator
  • Machinist
  • Tool and Die Maker

For additional information, check out www.stelco.com/businesses/les, and www.ctma.com/index.htm.