Tool Grinders, Filers, & Sharpeners

realistic interests hand tool production equipment study blueprints monitor machines precision smoothing measure dimensions compute numbers wheel cutter grinder

Grinder, Grinder Operator, Saw Filer, Tool Grinder

What they do:
Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.
On the job, you would:
  • Monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary, stopping machines when problems occur.
  • Inspect, feel, and measure workpieces to ensure that surfaces and dimensions meet specifications.
  • Study blueprints or layouts of metal workpieces to determine grinding procedures, and to plan machine setups and operational sequences.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Skills

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • change when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Visual Understanding

  • quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Independence
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Cooperation
  • Analytical Thinking

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

  • ANCA ToolRoom
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Hot Technology

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology

Electronic mail software

  • IBM Lotus Notes

Education

high school diploma/GED or
certificate after high school
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Salary:

$46,410
$32,020
$68,150
Check out my state
Local Salary Info
Find Jobs

Explore More

You might like a career in one of these industries:

See more details at O*NET OnLine about tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners.