Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners Go Back to List Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

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

Skills
	Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
	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.
	Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
	Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
	Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

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.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	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.
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
	Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
	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.
	Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Search for Jobs on Connecticut's Labor Exchange (CTJOBcentral)
	(Please note that some searches may not produce any results.)

Education & Training   Education:   These occupations usually require a high school diploma.   Related Experience:   Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

View Related Programs on Connecticut's Education & Training ConneCTion site.

Browse Through a List of Businesses That Employ People With Your Same Skills
	Potential Employer Search

Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $65,446.00 $31.46  $20.75  $22.13 - $36.97  Hartford $50,397.00 $24.23  $20.32  $22.13 - $26.72

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   6   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

Related Occupations
	Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
	Molding and Casting Workers
	Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
	Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
	Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
	Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
	Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
	Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
	Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
	Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic

	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.