Tool & Die Makers
Also called: Tool and Die Maker, Toolmaker, Jig and Fixture Builder, Jig and Fixture Repairer
What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
- 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.
Knowledge
Engineering and Technology
- mechanical
- design
Math and Science
- arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
- manufacture and distribution of products
Skills
Basic Skills
- listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Abilities
Verbal
- communicate by speaking
- listen and understand what people say
Hand and Finger Use
- keep your arm or hand steady
- put together small parts with your fingers
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Initiative
- Independence
- Cooperation
- Innovation
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Computer aided design CAD software
- Autodesk AutoCAD software
- Vero International VISI-Mold
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- CNC Mastercam
- OPEN MIND Technologies hyperMILL
Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
Education
some college or
high school diploma
usually needed
high school diploma
usually needed
These apprenticeships may have sponsors in your area:
- Die Finisher
- Die Maker
- Die Maker, Bench, Stamping
- Die Maker, Stamping
- Die Maker, Trim
- Die Maker, Wire Drawing
- Die Making
- Die Sinker
- Hardener - Tool & Die
- Mold Maker, Die-Casting and Plastic Molding
- Plastic Tool Maker
- Plastic-Fixture Builder
- Saw Maker
- Tap-and-Die-Maker Technician
- Tool & Die Making (Inspector Set Up & Layout)
- Tool Maker
- Tool Maker, Bench
- Tool Making
- Tool-and-Die Maker
Job Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
$46,650
per year, on average
Explore More
- Cutters & Trimmers, Hand
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic
- Molding & Casting Workers
- Printing Press Operators
- Welding, Soldering, & Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, & Tenders
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