What Does a Tool & Cutter Grinder Do?

A Tool and Cutter Grinder sets up and operates grinder machines such as surface, cylindrical, pedestal and tool or cutter grinders to shape or sharpen precision cutting tools and cutters.

Job -Related Skills, Interests and Values

• studying job orders or interpreting blueprints
• setting up and operating machine tools to perform repetitive machining operations
• verifying dimensions of parts machined using precision measuring instruments
• preparing etching solution
• immersing metal parts in etching solution to remove unwanted portion
• performing routine maintenance on equipment and machinery

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

To become a Tool and Cutter Grinder you must complete Grade 12 with a secondary school diploma, preferably with senior credits in Math and Science, before entering an apprenticeship of approximately 4,000 hours of training, including 240 hours in-class theory.

What’s Your Future as a Tool and Cutter Grinder?

Tool and Cutter Grinders generally work indoors, in factory or other industrial settings. They may be exposed to high noise levels and potentially hazardous work areas. The job requires performing the same task repeatedly, and workers may frequently have to lift and carry materials. Tool and Cutter Grinders work 35-40 hours a week and often work shifts, allowing for overtime.

Employers who hire Tool and Cutter Grinders include:

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

Wage Rate

• you start at a wage rate that is less than that of a journeyperson tool and cutter grinder
• this rate increases gradually as you acquire skills and gain competency
• the journeyperson’s wage rate varies in the range of $12.00 to $20.00 per hour, often with benefits and the opportunities for overtime

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Tool & Cutter Grinder For You?

Do you enjoy working with your hands to fix and repair things?	Yes      No
Are you interested and/or knowledgeable in Metallurgy?	Yes      No
Are you comfortable with a job that may be repetitive?	Yes      No
Are you able to lift, carry and manipulate heavy objects?	Yes      No
Can you visualize how things fit together for them to work?	Yes      No
Do you find it easy to concentrate in a noisy or crowded environment?	Yes      No
Are you good at planning how to accomplish a task from start to finish?	Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as a Tool & Cutter Grinder may be for you!

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

• Machinist
• Tool and Die Maker
• Tool Maker