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Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener

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What Does it Take to Be a Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener?

Example of Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener Job Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.

Daily Life Of a Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener

  • Select and mount grinding wheels on machines, according to specifications, using hand tools and applying knowledge of abrasives and grinding procedures.
  • Turn valves to direct flow of coolant against cutting wheels and workpieces during grinding.
  • Inspect dies to detect defects, assess wear, and verify specifications, using micrometers, steel gauge pins, and loupes.
  • Attach workpieces to grinding machines and form specified sections and repair cracks, using welding or brazing equipment.
  • File or finish surfaces of workpieces, using prescribed hand tools.
  • Study blueprints or layouts of metal workpieces to determine grinding procedures, and to plan machine setups and operational sequences.

What a Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener Should Know

These are the skills Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners say are the most useful in their careers:

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.

  • Workcell Operator
  • CNC Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Operator)
  • Sharpener
  • Saw Filer
  • Tool Dresser

Is There Going to be Demand for Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners?

There were about 9,500 jobs for Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener. There will be an estimated 1,100 positions for Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener are Georgia, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Missouri, or Michigan. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Do Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners Make A Lot Of Money?

The average yearly salary of a Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener ranges between $25,090 and $60,740.

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Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners who work in Washington, New Hampshire, or Iowa, make the highest salaries.

How much do Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $31,840
Arizona $35,070
Arkansas $40,720
California $41,060
Connecticut $43,370
Florida $35,320
Georgia $38,400
Idaho $44,240
Illinois $45,790
Indiana $43,260
Iowa $47,170
Kansas $31,240
Kentucky $40,090
Louisiana $38,040
Maine $41,510
Maryland $57,390
Massachusetts $43,060
Michigan $43,160
Minnesota $37,070
Mississippi $33,800
Missouri $33,230
Montana $34,810
Nebraska $44,740
New Hampshire $48,080
New Jersey $29,250
New York $40,910
North Carolina $43,660
Ohio $41,170
Oklahoma $39,060
Oregon $44,470
Pennsylvania $42,290
South Carolina $42,380
South Dakota $35,560
Tennessee $38,530
Texas $39,750
Vermont $43,310
Virginia $31,650
Washington $62,380
Wisconsin $33,850

What Tools & Technology do Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS
  • IBM Lotus Notes
  • Edgecam

How do I Become a Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener?

What kind of Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener requirements are there?

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Tool Grinder, Filer, or Sharpener?

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Where Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners Are Employed

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Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners work in the following industries:

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References:

Image Credit: US Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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