Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-4194
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Select and mount grinding wheels on machines, according to specifications, using hand tools and applying knowledge of abrasives and grinding procedures.
• Compute numbers, widths, and angles of cutting tools, micrometers, scales, and gauges, and adjust tools to produce specified cuts.
• Turn valves to direct flow of coolant against cutting wheels and workpieces during grinding.
• Set up and operate grinding or polishing machines to grind metal workpieces, such as dies, parts, and tools.
• Dress grinding wheels, according to specifications.
• File or finish surfaces of workpieces, using prescribed hand tools.
• Perform basic maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating machine parts.
• Remove finished workpieces from machines and place them in boxes or on racks, setting aside pieces that are defective.
• Remove and replace worn or broken machine parts, using hand tools.

Tools and technology

Dassault Systemes SolidWorks, Microsoft Excel, ANCA ToolRoom, Air pressure gauges, Automatic metalworking lathes, Bench grinding wheels, Computer numerically controlled CNC grinders, Counterbores, Cutter grinders, Dial bore gauges, Dial indicators, Digital angle gauges

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
• Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
• Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Tool and Die Makers
• Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.