Tool Grinders

At a Glance

Use machines to grind or polish metal dies, parts, and tools
Read and interpret blueprints
Work alone most of the time
Usually work full time
Train on the job

Career summary

Tool grinders operate machines that shape or grind pieces of metal to specific sizes.

#No WOIS alt titles

Tool grinders read blueprints to learn exactly what size, shape, and thickness work pieces should be. They set up the grinding machines with the appropriate grinding wheels and attach them to the machines using hand tools.

Grinders may use cutting tools to shape the metal. They select the number and width of the cutting tools they need. They install the cutting tools in the cutting machines and adjust the angle of the tools to produce the proper cuts.

After cutting, grinders attach the work pieces to the grinding machines. They start the grinding machines and turn valves to release coolant onto the work pieces while they are ground.

Grinders make sure the final product meets the customers' requirements. They measure pieces with micrometers and may grind work pieces by hand. They set aside pieces that are defective and stack or box the acceptable work pieces.

Grinders may set up and run several machines at once. They monitor machines to make sure they are running properly. They replace or repair worn or broken parts. They also perform basic maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating machine parts.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to tool grinders.

Study blueprints of how finished products should appear. Think through the steps for grinding the work pieces.
Select grinding wheels and mount them on machines.
Set up, operate, and adjust grinding machines.
Compute number, width, and angle of cutting tools. Adjust tools to produce required cuts.
Fit parts together in preassembly to make sure measurements are accurate.
Turn valves to direct flow of coolant against cutting wheels and work pieces.
Measure finished work pieces to make sure they meet requirements.
May file or finish surface of work pieces by hand.
Remove finished work pieces from machines. Place in boxes or racks.
Observe and listen to machines while they are grinding work pieces.
Clean and lubricate machine parts. Replace worn or broken parts.

Common work activities

Tool grinders perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Control machines and processes
Get information needed to do the job
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Handle and move objects
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Perform activities that use the whole body
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Identify objects, actions, and events
Make decisions and solve problems
Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Document and record information
Evaluate information against standards
Use computers
Process information
Think creatively
Update and use job-related knowledge
Teach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, tool grinders:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a low level of social contact. Tool grinders usually work alone.
Are responsible for the health and safety of others.

Physical work conditions

Always work indoors.
Always wear protective attire, such as gloves and safety glasses.
Are regularly exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.
Are often exposed to hazardous equipment and contaminants.
Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations that may produce cuts or minor burns.
Are sometimes exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures.

Work performance

Must fully complete and be exact in their work. Errors could produce defective work pieces and cost the company money.
Must let the work pace be determined by the speed of the equipment.
Repeat the same physical activities.

Hours/travel

Usually work full time.

Physical demands

Tool grinders frequently:

Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Stand for long periods of time.
Repeat the same movements.
Walk or run for long periods of time.
Bend or twist their body.

It is important for tool grinders to be able to:

Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for tool grinders to be able to:

Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Determine the distance between objects.
Understand the speech of another person.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.

Skills and abilities

Tool grinders need to:

Communicate

Understand written information.

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with things

Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operate and control equipment.
Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
Repair machines or systems.
Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.

Perceive and visualize

Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a tool grinder, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some tool grinders learn their skills through formal training programs. Few programs will teach you how to become a tool grinder. However, you can learn that skill and many others in a machine shop technology program. The length of these programs ranges from a few months to a few years. You can earn a certificate or an associate degree.

On-the-job training

Most tool grinders learn their skills on the job from experienced workers. You begin by helping and gradually learn to operate machines. Training may last up to a year, but commonly takes about three months.

Washington apprenticeships

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program (external link)
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#added 2010 since apprenticeship ed prog is present. Lh. Apprentice info still ok, 5/7/13, 4/14/15, 2/21/17, 3/11/19 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements (external link) . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Blueprint Reading
Drafting
Industrial Arts
Machining
Metalworking
Physical Education

Many tool grinders are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

Accounting
Entrepreneurship
Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups (PDF file) that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require tool grinders to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. They prefer to hire applicants who have taken courses in mechanical drawing, math, and blueprint reading. For apprenticeships, applicants usually must be at least 18 years old. Employers may require applicants to pass a drug-screening test and physical exam.

Employers look for applicants who have mechanical skills and can work with their hands. They also look for applicants who are in good physical condition.

Some employers require employees to supply their own hand tools.

Tips

Learn both numerical control programming and basic machining techniques. Education is important. Get as much schooling as you can.

Costs to workers

Workers may be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and monthly or quarterly dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners (SOC 51-4194)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$17.18	$22.03	$28.60	$38.89	$46.80
	Monthly	$2,977	$3,818	$4,956	$6,740	$8,110
	Yearly	$35,740	$45,810	$59,480	$80,880	$97,350
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
Vancouver	Hourly	$13.65	$16.07	$19.15	$24.85	$31.42
	Monthly	$2,366	$2,785	$3,319	$4,307	$5,445
	Yearly	$28,406	$33,417	$39,837	$51,696	$65,364
United States	Hourly	$12.06	$14.76	$18.34	$23.69	$29.20
	Monthly	$2,090	$2,558	$3,178	$4,105	$5,060
	Yearly	$25,090	$30,700	$38,140	$49,270	$60,740

(1) Wage estimate is not available.

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The tool grinder's level of experience and skill also affect wages. In general, tool grinders who belong to a union earn higher wages.

Tool grinders who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan. Those who are self-employed must provide their own insurance

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners (SOC 51-4194)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	211	-1.9%	16.1%	25
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	17	0.0%	8.6%	2
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	14	7.1%	15.2%	2
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	42	2.4%	14.1%	5
King County	60	-1.7%	19.6%	7
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	25	-8.0%	13.8%	3
Pierce County	19	5.3%	15.2%	2
Snohomish County	16	0.0%	12.4%	2
United States	8,800	-3.4%	5.2%	1,200

National employment

About 19% of tool grinders are self-employed.

Tool grinders work in all parts of the country. However, jobs are most plentiful in the Northeast, Midwest, and West, where manufacturing is concentrated.

Major employers:

Metalworking machinery manufacturers
Foundries
Commercial and industrial equipment manufacturers
Saw mills

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will decline. This is due in part to increased productivity. New technology allows tool grinders to do their work more quickly. In addition, employment in this field is affected by the economy. When the demand for metal parts falls, tool grinders may be laid off.

Despite the decline, openings will occur as tool grinders leave this occupation.

Other resources

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
9000 Machinists Place
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301.967.4500

Precision Metalforming Association
6363 Oak Tree Boulevard
Independence, OH 44131
216.901.8800

Washington Business Week
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

Manufacturing

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupation

Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners (51-4194.00)

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.