Tool Grinder

In the industrial world, the word “tool” can have many meanings. But what all tools have in common is that they make countless tasks possible. As a Tool Grinder, you use your expertise with grinders, lathes, and other honing and sharpening devices to make sure that tools of all kinds are able to do their jobs.

Your work can be routine or one-of-a-kind, but whatever you create, you can take pride in the high quality and dependability of everything you make. Without Tool Grinders, the modern industrial fabrication and manufacturing system would grind to a screeching halt.

Tool Grinders are in the same hands-on, technical family as Machinists, Machine Operators, and Fabricators. Your primary responsibility is to use machines to correct, maintain, or improve tools following blueprints and design specs (new tools are typically created by a Tool and Die Maker). This may sound simple, but the nitty-gritty of the job is riddled with complexity.
Designers will request that a tool be honed to a certain thickness, sometimes recommending a certain process to do it. However, with your in-depth knowledge of materials and techniques, you can make recommendations that can improve the functioning or increase the service life of the tool. You’re an important part of the research, development, and manufacturing process.

A typical workweek for a Tool Grinder is 40 hours, but overtime is part of the job when tools break down and need a quick turnaround, or if the shop is understaffed or swamped with orders. You do delicate, manual work with powerful cutting and grinding machines, so the highest possible attention to detail and safety is necessary to avoid injuries and deliver quality products every time.

You’re part of a team of other Tool Grinders, Fabricators, and Designers, so be prepared to get along with others. That being said, you’ll often work alone once you get the hang of the job.