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.
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, and 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, and 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; make 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.
Measure, mark, and scribe metal or plastic stock to lay out machining, using instruments such as protractors, micrometers, scribes, and rulers.
Cut, shape, and trim blanks or blocks to specified lengths or shapes, using power saws, power shears, rules, and hand tools.
Design jigs, fixtures, and templates for use as work aids in the fabrication of parts or products.
Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness and heat tolerance.
Set up and operate drill presses to drill and tap holes in parts for assembly.
Develop and design new tools and dies, using computer-aided design software.
Set pyrometer controls of heat-treating furnaces, and feed or place parts, tools, or assemblies into furnaces to harden.
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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.
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Tool and die makers must undergo extensive training in order to perform the complex tasks of the trade. They may acquire these skills in a formal apprenticeship, in community colleges or technology centers, or on-the-job training. Training in the four-year apprenticeship program is spent in the shop and on the job. Apprentices learn to operate equipment and study metalworking processes. They receive an average of 144 classroom hours of instruction each year in mathematics, computer aided design, tool designing, and blueprint reading. On-the-job training is generally not as thorough as an apprenticeship because there is no planned work experience or related training. For related information and recommended courses to prepare a strong foundation for this occupation, Tennessee high school students may visit the Trade and Industrial Education site online.
Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Second Interest High-Point - Secondary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness
Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Moral Values - Workers on this job are never pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
Company Policies and Practices - Workers on this job are treated fairly by the company.
Activity - Workers on this job are busy all the time.
Independence - Workers on this job do their work alone.
Security - Workers on this job have steady employment.
Support-Mean Extent - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Supervision, Human Relations - Workers on this job have supervisors who back up their workers with management.
Compensation - Workers on this job are paid well in comparison with other workers.
Working Conditions-Mean Extent - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
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