Tool and Die Makers Go Back to List 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.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

Tasks
	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.
	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.
	File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together.
	Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools and hand tools.
	Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary.
	Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
	Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders.
	Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.

Skills
	Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
	Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
	Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
	Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
	Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Knowledge
	Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
	Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
	Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.

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Education & Training   Education:   Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.   Related Experience:   Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $73,366.00 $35.28  $25.50  $27.86 - $40.05  Bridgeport/Stamford $75,367.00 $36.23  $25.83  $29.18 - $41.14  Danbury $69,197.00 $33.26  $24.27  $29.23 - $38.71  Hartford $72,146.00 $34.68  $25.10  $27.57 - $39.50  New Haven $77,367.00 $37.19  $27.61  $31.64 - $40.42  New London/Norwich $71,000.00 $34.13  $26.13  $31.53 - $39.39  Waterbury $73,220.00 $35.20  $25.07  $30.79 - $41.72  Torrington $71,104.00 $34.18  $25.50  $30.19 - $38.30

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   155   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, but the number of annual openings will offer good or favorable job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.