Toolmaker

Also known as:

Craft Machinist - Tool Maker
Engineering Craft Machinist - Tool Maker
Machine Tool Maker

Introduction

Toolmakers make machine tools for use in manufacturing. They analyse technical drawings of a tool's design and then use engineering machinery to make the tool.

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Work Activities

Toolmakers work to high specifications and quality requirements to produce machine tools used in manufacturing. Manufacturing industries use the tools to make a very diverse range of parts and products, from dashboards to pen tops, to central heating boilers.

Toolmakers also make moulds to form shapes, jigs to guide cutters or hold a part in place, and dies, which are shaped blocks that are used to cut, stamp or press materials.

At the beginning of their work, toolmakers may use technical drawings to learn about the product. Next, they operate a range of specialist engineering machines such as lathes, Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machines, and grinding, milling and boring machines.

Toolmakers use hand tools like files, and small machines like grinding and polishing machines to smooth and finish a tool. When they are satisfied with the tool, the toolmaker fits it onto the production machine and supervises a test run.

They normally wear safety clothing such as overalls, and hearing and eye protectors when necessary.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Producing high levels of accuracy demands patience and concentration. You need to be able to read, understand and analyse engineering drawings. You also have to visualise the finished item. Good number skills are important to make exact measurements and make calculations.

A practical approach to problem solving is necessary. You need to work logically and plan your work.

Co-ordination and hand skills are important for using a wide range of machine tools, hand tools and other equipment. You need an eye for detail. Many toolmakers work alone, so you may need to work effectively without supervision.

Good computer skills are important for working with computer-controlled machines.

Toolmakers spend much of their time on their feet and need to be fairly fit and active.

If you have allergies, you may be at risk from certain materials that can irritate the skin.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Toolmakers earn in the range of £16,000 - £18,500 a year, rising to £21,500 - £24,500. Higher earners can make around £29,500 a year.

Toolmakers usually work up to a 39-hour week, which may include shift work, nights and weekends.

Employers throughout the UK include heavy and light engineering firms involved in manufacturing and plastics processing.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Relevant skills and abilities gained as a craftsperson or operative in the engineering industries are an advantage.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

• 5% of people in occupations such as toolmakers are self-employed .
• 6% have flexible hours.

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