What does a tool maker do?
The job of a toolmaker is to make precision tools, holding devices, and special guides that are used in the manufacturing process. You will be responsible for repairing, maintaining, and improving jigs, fixtures, and fittings for press tools and all tooling dies, conducting routine regrinding and servicing of tools, and ensuring compliance with all quality standard regulations. In addition, you may be tasked to operate lifting equipment and forklift truck and document die history and other relevant records. You will also be responsible for conducting preventative maintenance.
Tool maker responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real tool maker resumes:
- Programme setup and run cnc lathe).
- Weld parts to customer prints with both MIG and TIG welders.
- Used cad to machine parts to spec, construct assemblies, and fixtures.
- Train and assist others with the use of the CAD/CAM software (Surfcam).
- Lift, position, and secure machine parts on surface plates or worktables using hoists.
- Design and build press brake tooling, robotic weld fixtures, weld and inspection fixtures.
- Adjust cam timing, loader stops, and crowder arms to assure proper pickup and delivery.
- Manufacture, rework and modify unique components for missile guidance systems within strict ISO 9002 parameters.
- Give helpful input on design and manufacturing procedures, and work from blueprint, sketch or verbal instruction.
- Program, setup and operate CNC wire EDM's and CNC machining centers manufacturing pierce and blank dies.
- Study specifications, such as blueprint, sketch, damage part, or description of part to be replace.
- Assign work to other employees; set up machines and operate lathes, mills, grinders, and quoted jobs.
- Operate vertical and horizontal jig mills, grinders and lathes to close tolerances for the production of automate manufacturing systems.
- Read micrometers and calipers to calculate dimensions and tolerances
- Write and edit programs that produce prototypes and estimate cycle times.
Tool maker skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Tool Makers are proficient in Grinders, Jigs, and Hand Tools. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Manual dexterity, and Math skills and computer application experience.
We break down the percentage of Tool Makers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Grinders, 12%
Form Grinders and lathe for the building of Cold Heading dies and punches for the cold heading and stamping industries.
- Jigs, 12%
Jig fabrication organization Defect Reduction Focal.
- Hand Tools, 8%
Operated hydro form presses, lathe, router tables, milling machines, and all small hand tools
- Machine Tools, 7%
Manufactured machine tools and assembled automation equipment as a toolmaker with experience in grinding, turning, milling, and welding.
- Calipers, 5%
Used calipers to check dimensions of the flare as to width, depth on nuts, and ends before shipping.
- CNC Machines, 5%
Set up and operate conventional, special purpose and CNC machines; in which, to fabricate metallic and nonmetallic parts.
Most tool makers use their skills in "grinders," "jigs," and "hand tools" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential tool maker responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a tool maker to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "machinists and tool and die makers must be able to interpret technical blueprints, models, and specifications so that they can craft precision tools and metal parts." Tool makers often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "mapped tooling components to provide data for engineering changes and drawings, reversed engineered components when necessary. "
Manual dexterity. Many tool maker duties rely on manual dexterity. "machinists’ and tool and die makers’ work demands accuracy, sometimes to within .0001 of an inch," so a tool maker will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways tool maker responsibilities rely on manual dexterity: "general machining including; manual milling, jig boring, honing, turning and surfacegrinding. "
Technical skills. A big part of what tool makers do relies on "technical skills." You can see how essential it is to tool maker responsibilities because "machinists and tool and die makers must understand metalworking processes." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical tool maker tasks: "develop new technical designs for research & development utilizing all tool room equipment including cncs and wire edms. "
Mechanical skills. Another common skill required for tool maker responsibilities is "mechanical skills." This skill comes up in the duties of tool makers all the time, as "machinists and tool and die makers may operate milling machines, lathes, grinders, laser and water jetting machines, wire electrical discharge machines, and other machine tools." An excerpt from a real tool maker resume shows how this skill is central to what a tool maker does: "design, manufacture and programmed 3d solid mechanical components utilizing gibbs cam software, autocad and cnc machines. "
Physical stamina. While "physical stamina" is last on this skills list, don't underestimate its importance to tool maker responsibilities. Much of what a tool maker does relies on this skill, seeing as "machinist and tool and die makers must stand for extended periods and perform repetitious movements." Here is a resume example of how this skill is used in the everyday duties of tool makers: "assembled and maintained physical structures using hand tools and power tools. "
The three companies that hire the most tool makers are:
- ITW8 tool makers jobs
- L3Harris6 tool makers jobs
- Award Staffing
5 tool makers jobs
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Compare different tool makers
Tool maker vs. Maintenance machinist
A Maintenance Machinist is responsible for implementing and maintaining industrial machinery. Their primary duties include investigating and diagnosing equipment failures and performing corrective actions.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, tool maker responsibilities require skills like "cnc machines," "assembly fixtures," "cam," and "drill presses." Meanwhile a typical maintenance machinist has skills in areas such as "cnc," "osha," "cranes," and "aluminum." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Maintenance machinists really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $61,086. Comparatively, tool makers tend to make the most money in the automotive industry with an average salary of $57,697.On average, maintenance machinists reach similar levels of education than tool makers. Maintenance machinists are 1.1% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Tool maker vs. Die sinker apprentice
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, tool maker responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "calipers," "cnc machines," "math," and "assembly fixtures." Meanwhile, a die sinker apprentice has duties that require skills in areas such as "cnc equipment," "micrometers," "machine operation," and "machine shop." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Die sinker apprentices earn similar levels of education than tool makers in general. They're 0.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Tool maker vs. Die mechanic
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from tool maker resumes include skills like "hand tools," "cnc machines," "manual lathes," and "math," whereas a die mechanic is more likely to list skills in "edm," "mechanical maintenance," "micrometers," and "cnc. "
Most die mechanics achieve a similar degree level compared to tool makers. For example, they're 3.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Tool maker vs. Jig builder
Types of tool maker
Updated January 8, 2025
