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

• Studies specifications, such as blueprints, sketches, or tool description, and plans sequence of operations.
• Measures, marks, and scribes metal stock to lay out workpieces for machining.
• Sets up and operates machine tools, such as lathe, milling machine, shaper, and grinder, to machine parts to specifications, and verifies conformance of machined parts to specifications.
• Positions and secures parts on surface plate or worktable, using devices such as vises, V-blocks, and angle plates.
• Fits and assembles parts into assemblies or mechanisms, using handtools.
• Verifies dimensions and alignment, using measuring instruments such as micrometers, height gauges, and gauge blocks.
• Examines standard tools and modifies tools as required.
• Develops specifications from general descriptions and draws or sketches tool to be fabricated, using drafting tools or computer and software programs.
• May heattreat tools or parts.
• May be designated according to special materials used as carbide-tool maker; diamond-tool maker.
• May only repair tools and be designated tool repairer.