Tool Grinder / Filer / Sharpener

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

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Crankshaft Grinder; Cutter Grind Tool Technician (Cutter Grind Tool Tech); Cutter Grinder; Grinder; Grinder Operator; OD Grinder Operator (Outer Diameter Grinder Operator); Polisher; Saw Filer; Tool and Cutter Grinder; Tool Grinder

Tasks

• 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.
• Remove and replace worn or broken machine parts, using hand tools.
• Fit parts together in pre-assembly to ensure that dimensions are accurate.
• File or finish surfaces of workpieces, using prescribed hand tools.
• Inspect dies to detect defects, assess wear, and verify specifications, using micrometers, steel gauge pins, and loupes.
• Compute numbers, widths, and angles of cutting tools, micrometers, scales, and gauges, and adjust tools to produce specified cuts.

Knowledge

• Mathematics
• Mechanical
• Production and Processing
• English Language
• Engineering and Technology
• Design
• Education and Training

Skills

• Monitoring
• Critical Thinking

Abilities

• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Manual Dexterity
• Near Vision
• Finger Dexterity
• Control Precision
• Visualization
• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Perceptual Speed
• Selective Attention
• Rate Control
• Static Strength
• Oral Comprehension
• Written Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Inductive Reasoning
• Category Flexibility
• Flexibility of Closure
• Reaction Time
• Auditory Attention