How do they match: Tool and Die Makers

  • Carbide Operator
  • Keller Machine Operator
  • Tool and Fixture Specialist

  • Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.

  • Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary.
  • Cut, shape, and trim blanks or blocks to specified lengths or shapes, using power saws, power shears, rules, and hand tools.
  • Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.
  • Set up and operate drill presses to drill and tap holes in parts for assembly.
  • Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.
  • Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
  • Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.

  • Operate grinding equipment.
  • Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
  • Operate welding equipment.
  • Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
  • Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.