PrecisionToolmakers.org.uk
Title
Precision Toolmakers - Welcome
Description
Toolmakers work from engineering drawings (normally computer based) which show how the finished tool will look. Using one, or several, of these machines, and working with a metal blank or pre-shaped casting, they cut the metal to the shape required by the drawing. Finishing is done with hand tools such as files.
Some toolmakers specialise as machinist toolmakers, others as toolmaker fitters, though some do both. Another specialist area is installation and tool maintenance, where toolmakers may adjust and repair tools liable to be damaged on a busy assembly line.
A high proportion of machine tools used in industry are now 'CNC' - computer numerically controlled. This means that they are controlled by a computer, and their operators need to be qualified to program and operate them. Toolmakers in the West Midlands work very closely with CNC operators, and many become machine setters. The main work of a machine setter is to set, program and maintain production on CNC machines.
