Toolmaker

Job Summary

The Toolmaker position applies knowledge of tool and die design, construction, shop mathematics, metal properties and layout to analyze specifications and metal stock layout, set up and operate machine shop equipment, fit and assemble parts for the fabrication and repair of metalworking dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gages and machinists’ hand tools.

Qualifications

To achieve success, a Toolmaker should possess the following minimum requirements, knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Education and Experience: Associates degree or equivalent from accredited college or technical school is preferred; or, four to six years of related experience and/or training; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Comprehension/Communication skills: Reads, analyzes, and interprets repair manuals, blueprints, schematics, shop drawings, engineering notes, drawings, procedural manuals and other mechanical reports. Presents information effectively, and responds to questions from groups of managers, supervisors, employees and others.

Mathematical Skills: Works with mathematical concepts such as decimal equivalents, inference, and the fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Applies concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability: Solves practical problems and deals with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Interprets written, oral, diagrammed, or schedule-form instructions.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Studies specifications such as blueprints, sketches, models, or descriptions and visualizes product to determine materials required and machines to be used to fabricate parts.

• Calculates dimensions, plans layout and determines assembly method and sequence of operations.

• Measures, marks, and scribes metal stock for machining. Verifies dimensions, alignments, and clearances using a variety of measuring devices and gauges.

• Sets up and operates machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, jig and surface grinders, to machine parts and verifies conformance of machined parts to specifications.

• Lifts machined parts using hoists, forklifts or cranes, and positions and secures parts on surface plate or worktable.

• Smooths flat and contoured surfaces with power grinders, and fits and assembles parts together and into assemblies and mechanisms.

• Connects wiring and hydraulic lines to install electrical and hydraulic components.

• Examines standard or previously used dies, tools, jigs and fixtures, and recommends design modifications regarding construction and function of part.

• Develops specifications from general descriptions for specialty tools and draws or sketches design of product.

• Heat-treats tools or parts as required.

• Other duties as required.