Toolmakers and related workers

Toolmakers and related workers make and repair custom made and specialised tools, sports guns, locks, dies, patterns machinery components and other metal articles using hand and machine tools to work metal to fine tolerances.

Job Responsibilities

• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications of tools, dies, prototypes or models
• Preparing templates and sketches, and determining work processes
• Visualizing and computing dimensions, sizes, shapes and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications
• Positioning, securing and measuring metal stock or castings to lay out for machining
• Setting up, operating and maintaining conventional and computer numerically controlled machine tools to cut, turn, mill, plane, drill, bore, grind or otherwise shape workpieces to prescribed dimensions and finish
• Fitting and assembling parts to make and repair jigs, fixtures and gauges
• Repairing and modifying sports guns and other small arms
• Making, fitting, assembling, repairing and installing lock parts and locks
• Making and repairing metal patterns for preparation of foundry moulds
• Laying out lines and reference points on metal stock to guide other workers who cut, turn, mill, grind or otherwise shape metal
• Verifying dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments and testing completed items for proper operation