Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners

What tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners do

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

Typical tasks

1. 1Monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary, stopping machines when problems occur.
2. 2Select and mount grinding wheels on machines, according to specifications, using hand tools and applying knowledge of abrasives and grinding procedures.
3. 3Set up and operate grinding or polishing machines to grind metal workpieces, such as dies, parts, and tools.
4. 4Inspect, feel, and measure workpieces to ensure that surfaces and dimensions meet specifications.
5. 5Perform basic maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating machine parts.
6. 6Remove finished workpieces from machines and place them in boxes or on racks, setting aside pieces that are defective.
7. 7Study blueprints or layouts of metal workpieces to determine grinding procedures, and to plan machine setups and operational sequences.
8. 8Dress grinding wheels, according to specifications.
9. 9Remove and replace worn or broken machine parts, using hand tools.
10. 10Fit parts together in pre-assembly to ensure that dimensions are accurate.

Technology used

• Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
• Microsoft Excel

How to become one

Experience

Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Training

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.