# Tool and Die Makers

> 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.

- Code: 51-4111.00 (O*NET-SOC; SOC 2018 51-4111)
- Family: [Production](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations#family-51), one of its 114 occupations
- Tasks: 17 tasks (15 core and 2 supplemental)
- Page: https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4111.00
- JSON: https://foundation.org.ai/data/tasks/51-4111.00.json

## What the work is made of

1. Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.  
   Core task · Task 8490 · Rated by 55 people who do the job, August 2021
2. Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.  
   Core task · Task 8492 · Rated by 54 people who do the job, August 2021
3. Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.  
   Core task · Task 8491 · Rated by 55 people who do the job, August 2021
4. Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.  
   Core task · Task 8489 · Rated by 55 people who do the job, August 2021
5. Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.  
   Core task · Task 23938 · Rated by 55 people who do the job, August 2021
6. Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.  
   Core task · Task 8496 · Rated by 55 people who do the job, August 2021
7. Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness or heat tolerance.  
   Core task · Task 8502 · Rated by 55 people who do the job, August 2021
8. Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.  
   Core task · Task 8498 · Rated by 55 people who do the job, August 2021
9. File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together.  
   Core task · Task 8493 · Rated by 54 people who do the job, August 2021
10. Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders.  
   Core task · Task 8497 · Rated by 54 people who do the job, August 2021
11. Measure, mark, and scribe metal or plastic stock to lay out machining, using instruments such as protractors, micrometers, scribes, or rulers.  
   Core task · Task 8499 · Rated by 54 people who do the job, August 2021
12. Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary.  
   Core task · Task 8495 · Rated by 55 people who do the job, August 2021
13. Design jigs, fixtures, and templates for use as work aids in the fabrication of parts or products.  
   Core task · Task 8501 · Rated by 55 people who do the job, August 2021
14. Cut, shape, and trim blanks or blocks to specified lengths or shapes, using power saws, power shears, rules, and hand tools.  
   Core task · Task 8500 · Rated by 55 people who do the job, August 2021
15. Set up and operate drill presses to drill and tap holes in parts for assembly.  
   Core task · Task 8503 · Rated by 54 people who do the job, August 2021
16. Develop and design new tools and dies, using computer-aided design software.  
   Supplemental task · Task 8504 · Rated by 54 people who do the job, August 2021
17. Set pyrometer controls of heat-treating furnaces and feed or place parts, tools, or assemblies into furnaces to harden.  
   Supplemental task · Task 8505 · Rated by 54 people who do the job, August 2021

## More in Production

- [Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9191.00): 16 tasks
- [Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2011.00): 27 tasks
- [Assemblers and Fabricators, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2099.00): no tasks listed
- [Bakers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3011.00): 18 tasks
- [Biofuels Processing Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8099.01): 19 tasks
- [Biomass Plant Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8013.03): 18 tasks
- [Butchers and Meat Cutters](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3021.00): 11 tasks
- [Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-7011.00): 20 tasks
- [Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9011.00): 23 tasks
- [Chemical Plant and System Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8091.00): 19 tasks
- [Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9192.00): 11 tasks
- [Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9124.00): 29 tasks
- [Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2021.00): 11 tasks
- [Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9161.00): 27 tasks
- [Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9162.00): 15 tasks
- [Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9193.00): 18 tasks
- [Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9021.00): 21 tasks
- [Cutters and Trimmers, Hand](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9031.00): 18 tasks
- [Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9032.00): 25 tasks
- [Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4031.00): 32 tasks
- [Dental Laboratory Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9081.00): 17 tasks
- [Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4032.00): 17 tasks
- [Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2022.00): 16 tasks
- [Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2023.00): 14 tasks
- [Engine and Other Machine Assemblers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2031.00): 12 tasks
- [Etchers and Engravers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9194.00): 26 tasks
- [Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4021.00): 16 tasks
- [Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6091.00): 17 tasks
- [Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9041.00): 26 tasks
- [Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6092.00): 16 tasks
- [Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2051.00): 16 tasks
- [First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-1011.00): 20 tasks
- [Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3091.00): 19 tasks
- [Food Batchmakers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3092.00): 25 tasks
- [Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3093.00): 17 tasks
- [Food Processing Workers, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3099.00): no tasks listed
- [Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4022.00): 13 tasks
- [Foundry Mold and Coremakers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4071.00): 13 tasks
- [Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9051.00): 17 tasks
- [Furniture Finishers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-7021.00): 22 tasks
- [Gas Plant Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8092.00): 19 tasks
- [Gem and Diamond Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9071.06): 14 tasks
- [Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9195.04): 16 tasks
- [Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9022.00): 17 tasks
- [Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4033.00): 18 tasks
- [Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4191.00): 23 tasks
- [Helpers--Production Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9198.00): 30 tasks
- [Hydroelectric Plant Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8013.04): 21 tasks
- [Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9061.00): 31 tasks
- [Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9071.00): 29 tasks
- [Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4034.00): 18 tasks
- [Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6011.00): 23 tasks
- [Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4192.00): 14 tasks
- [Machinists](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4041.00): 29 tasks
- [Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3022.00): 12 tasks
- [Medical Appliance Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9082.00): 15 tasks
- [Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4199.00): no tasks listed
- [Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4051.00): 15 tasks
- [Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4035.00): 15 tasks
- [Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9023.00): 20 tasks
- [Model Makers, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4061.00): 16 tasks
- [Model Makers, Wood](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-7031.00): 14 tasks
- [Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9195.00): 24 tasks
- [Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4072.00): 29 tasks
- [Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4081.00): 21 tasks
- [Nuclear Power Reactor Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8011.00): 19 tasks
- [Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9083.00): 18 tasks
- [Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9111.00): 20 tasks
- [Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9123.00): 9 tasks
- [Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9196.00): 14 tasks
- [Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4062.00): 15 tasks
- [Patternmakers, Wood](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-7032.00): 20 tasks
- [Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8093.00): 24 tasks
- [Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9151.00): 27 tasks
- [Plant and System Operators, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8099.00): no tasks listed
- [Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4193.00): 33 tasks
- [Potters, Manufacturing](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9195.05): 23 tasks
- [Pourers and Casters, Metal](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4052.00): 16 tasks
- [Power Distributors and Dispatchers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8012.00): 14 tasks
- [Power Plant Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8013.00): 30 tasks
- [Prepress Technicians and Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-5111.00): 15 tasks
- [Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6021.00): 28 tasks
- [Print Binding and Finishing Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-5113.00): 25 tasks
- [Printing Press Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-5112.00): 23 tasks
- [Production Workers, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9199.00): no tasks listed
- [Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4023.00): 19 tasks
- [Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-7041.00): 22 tasks
- [Semiconductor Processing Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9141.00): 20 tasks
- [Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9012.00): 20 tasks
- [Sewers, Hand](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6051.00): 11 tasks
- [Sewing Machine Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6031.00): 26 tasks
- [Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6041.00): 26 tasks
- [Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6042.00): 19 tasks
- [Slaughterers and Meat Packers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3023.00): 14 tasks
- [Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8021.00): 25 tasks
- [Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9195.03): 16 tasks
- [Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2041.00): 23 tasks
- [Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6052.00): 22 tasks
- [Team Assemblers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2092.00): 11 tasks
- [Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6061.00): 23 tasks
- [Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6062.00): 18 tasks
- [Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6063.00): 19 tasks
- [Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6064.00): 23 tasks
- [Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6099.00): no tasks listed
- [Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2061.00): 17 tasks
- [Tire Builders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9197.00): 20 tasks
- [Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4194.00): 18 tasks
- [Upholsterers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6093.00): 22 tasks
- [Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8031.00): 8 tasks
- [Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4121.00): 30 tasks
- [Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4122.00): 29 tasks
- [Woodworkers, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-7099.00): no tasks listed
- [Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-7042.00): 25 tasks

## Where this comes from

Quoted from O*NET 29.0, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0: free to copy and reuse, with credit. Nothing on this page is written by the Org.AI Foundation.
