Tool & Cutter Grinders set up and operate grinder machines to shape or sharpen precision cutting tools and cutters. Machines include surface, cylindrical, pedestal, and tool or cutter grinders.
Job Related Skills, Interests and Values
- Studying job orders and interpreting blueprints
- Setting up and operating machine tools to perform repetitive machining operations
- Verifying dimensions of parts 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?
- Secondary school diploma with senior math and science credits
- Completion of a 4,000-hour apprenticeship, including a combination of on-the-job and in-school training
What's Your Future as a Tool & Cutter Grinder (602C)?
- 35-40 hours per week, often in shifts; overtime opportunities
- Generally indoors in industrial settings; exposure to high noise levels and hazardous work areas
- Work often requires repetition and lifting/carrying heavy materials
- Employers include metal product manufacturing companies, tool and cutlery manufacturers, and primary steel producers
Wage Rate
Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $14.00-$20.00 per hour.
Self-Rating
Tool & Cutter Grinder (602C)
| Ask Yourself: | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Do you enjoy working with hand tools? | ||
| Are you interested and/or knowledgeable in metallurgy? | ||
| Are you able to lift 50lbs comfortably? | ||
| Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines? | ||
| Can you work in high volume situations? | ||
| Would you enjoy interacting with site supervisors, customers, suppliers, co-workers and other tradespeople to get the job done? | ||
| Do you enjoy planning and completing a project? |
If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Tool & Cutter Grinder (602C) may be for you!
You might want to look at these similar trades as well;
- Machinist
- Tool and Die Maker
- Tool Maker
General Machinists are skilled craftspeople who set up and operate precision metal cutting and grinding machines including lathes, milling machines, drills, shapers, boring mills, and grinders. They may use equipment to manufacture, install, operate, adjust, and repair machine tools and other machines in common use.
Tool/Tooling Makers make repairs to specialized equipment, cutting tools, gauges, jigs, fixtures, prototypes, and mechanical devices used for testing parts. They also produce components to build machines and tooling used to create various industrial and consumer products.
Saw Filer/Fitters repair, set, and sharpen blades for band, chain, hand, circular, and other types of saws.
Tool & Die Makers are skilled craftspeople that make, repair, and modify custom-made, prototype, or special tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and gauges to very specific and precise dimensions. The work involves the operation of lathes, grinders, and milling and boring machines.