More information from O*NET OnLine:

Tool and Die Makers - 51-4111.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

Aircraft Tool Maker
Carbide Tool Die Maker
Die Maker
Jig and Fixture Builder
Jig and Fixture Repairer

Tool and Die Machinist
Tool and Die Maker
Tool Repairer
Toolmaker
Trim Die Maker

SOC Occupation Groups

51-0000	Production Occupations
51-4000	Metal Workers and Plastic Workers
51-4110	Tool and Die Makers
51-4111.00	Tool and Die Makers

Related Occupations

17-3029.09	Manufacturing Production Technicians Green
51-4012.00	Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic Bright Outlook
51-4032.00	Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4035.00	Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4041.00	Machinists
51-4061.00	Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
51-4062.00	Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
51-4192.00	Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
51-7032.00	Patternmakers, Wood
51-9195.04	Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers

Tasks

Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary.
Cut, shape, and trim blanks or blocks to specified lengths or shapes, using power saws, power shears, rules, and hand tools.
Design jigs, fixtures, and templates for use as work aids in the fabrication of parts or products.
Develop and design new tools and dies, using computer-aided design software.
File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together.
Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools and hand tools.
Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.
Measure, mark, and scribe metal or plastic stock to lay out machining, using instruments such as protractors, micrometers, scribes, or rulers.
Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness or heat tolerance.
Set pyrometer controls of heat-treating furnaces and feed or place parts, tools, or assemblies into furnaces to harden.
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.
Set up and operate drill presses to drill and tap holes in parts for assembly.
Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders.
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, or dial indicators.
Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.

Detailed Work Activities

Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
Assemble machine tools, parts, or fixtures.
Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
Conduct test runs of production equipment.
Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing.
Design tools, fixtures, or other devices for production equipment.
Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials.
Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
Inspect metal, plastic, or composite products.
Lift materials or workpieces using cranes or other lifting equipment.
Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
Measure materials to mark reference points, cutting lines, or other indicators.
Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
Operate grinding equipment.
Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
Polish materials, workpieces, or finished products.
Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
Select production input materials.
Shape metal workpieces with hammers or other small hand tools.
Smooth metal surfaces or edges.