A professional who analyzes specifications, lays out metal stock, sets up and operates machine tools, and fits and assembles parts to fabricate and repair metalworking dies, cutting tools, jigs and fixtures, gauges, and machinists' handtools, applying knowledge of tool and die design and construction, shop mathematics, metal properties, and layout, machining, and assembly procedures. Respnsibilities include:

• Studies specifications, such as blueprints, sketches, models, or descriptions, and visualizes product to determine materials required and machines to be used to fabricate parts.
• Computes dimensions, plans layout, and determines assembly method and sequence of operations.
• Measures, marks, and scribes metal stock for machining.
• Sets up and operates machine tools, such as lathes, milling machine, shaper, and grinder, to machine parts, and verifies conformance of machined parts to specifications.
• Lifts machined parts manually or using hoist, and positions and secures parts on surface plate or worktable, using devices, such as vises, V-blocks, and angle plates.
• Smooths flat and contoured surfaces, using scrapers, abrasive stones, and power grinders, and fits and assembles parts together and into assemblies and mechanisms, using handtools.
• Verifies dimensions, alignments, and clearances, using measuring instruments, such as dial indicators, gauge blocks, thickness gauges, and micrometers.
• Heat-treats tools or parts.
• May connect wiring and hydraulic lines to install electrical and hydraulic components.
• May examine standard or previously used dies, tools, and jigs and fixtures, and recommend design modifications regarding construction and function of part.
• May develop specifications from general descriptions for specialty tools and draw or sketch design of product.
• May specialize in repair work and be designated tool-and-die repairer.