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51-4111.00 · Task explorer

Tool and Die Makers: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

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.

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This source lists 17 tasks, including 15 marked Core and 2 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2021.

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17 tasks shown

Core · Task 8490 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.

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Core · Task 8492 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

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.

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Core · Task 8491 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.

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Core · Task 8489 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.

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Core · Task 23938 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.

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Core · Task 8496 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.

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Core · Task 8502 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness or heat tolerance.

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Core · Task 8498 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.

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Core · Task 8493 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together.

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Core · Task 8497 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders.

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Core · Task 8499 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Measure, mark, and scribe metal or plastic stock to lay out machining, using instruments such as protractors, micrometers, scribes, or rulers.

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Core · Task 8495 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary.

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Core · Task 8501 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Design jigs, fixtures, and templates for use as work aids in the fabrication of parts or products.

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Core · Task 8500 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Cut, shape, and trim blanks or blocks to specified lengths or shapes, using power saws, power shears, rules, and hand tools.

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Core · Task 8503 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Set up and operate drill presses to drill and tap holes in parts for assembly.

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Supplemental · Task 8504 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Develop and design new tools and dies, using computer-aided design software.

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Supplemental · Task 8505 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Set pyrometer controls of heat-treating furnaces and feed or place parts, tools, or assemblies into furnaces to harden.

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Make the shortlist useful

Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

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Download before leaving this page. Unsaved writing remains only in the page and is cleared on refresh. Notes and learning actions are not sent to a server. This guide describes an occupation and supports study planning; it does not provide clinical, legal or equipment-operating procedures.

Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.