Will “Finisher” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

Job Description

Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.

Job Details

• The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 51-4194.00
• The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 38,860.00
• The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 18.00
• Currently, there are 9,550 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners”.

Also Known As…

• Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
• Tool Grinder
• Tool and Cutter Grinder
• Saw Filer
• OD Grinder Operator (Outer Diameter Grinder Operator)
• Machine Operator
• Grinder Operator
• Grinder
• Finisher
• Cutter Grinder
• CNC Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Operator)
• Workcell Operator
• Universal Grinder Set-Up Operator
• Tool Straightener
• Tool Sharpener
• Tool Maintenance Worker
• Tool Grinding Technician
• Tool Grinding Machine Operator
• Tool Grinder Operator
• Tool Dresser
• Thread Grinder
• Sharpener
• Saw Straightener
• Sapphire Stylus Grinder
• Precision Honer
• Precision Grinder
• Outer Diameter Technician (OD Technician)
• Outer Diameter Grinder (OD Grinder)
• Internal Grinder Set-Up Operator
• Hand Tool Lapper
• Grinder Operator, Surface, Tool
• Grinder Operator, External, Tool
• Finish Filer
• Die Trimmer
• Die Reamer
• Die Grinder
• Die Fitter
• Die Barber
• Cylinder Grinder
• Cutting Tool Sharpener
• Cutter Grind Tool Technician
• Crankshaft Grinder
• Computer Numerical Control Grinding Technician (CNC Grinding Technician)
• Card Grinder

Tasks for “Finisher”

• Inspect, feel, and measure workpieces to ensure that surfaces and dimensions meet specifications.
• Select and mount grinding wheels on machines, according to specifications, using hand tools and applying knowledge of abrasives and grinding procedures.
• Straighten workpieces and remove dents, using straightening presses and hammers.
• Attach workpieces to grinding machines and form specified sections and repair cracks, using welding or brazing equipment.
• Monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary, stopping machines when problems occur.
• Place workpieces in electroplating solutions or apply pigments to surfaces of workpieces to highlight ridges and grooves.
• Turn valves to direct flow of coolant against cutting wheels and workpieces during grinding.
• Remove finished workpieces from machines and place them in boxes or on racks, setting aside pieces that are defective.
• Fit parts together in pre-assembly to ensure that dimensions are accurate.
• Duplicate workpiece contours, using tracer attachments.
• Dress grinding wheels, according to specifications.
• Remove and replace worn or broken machine parts, using hand tools.
• Compute numbers, widths, and angles of cutting tools, micrometers, scales, and gauges, and adjust tools to produce specified cuts.
• Perform basic maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating machine parts.
• File or finish surfaces of workpieces, using prescribed hand tools.
• Inspect dies to detect defects, assess wear, and verify specifications, using micrometers, steel gauge pins, and loupes.
• Set up and operate grinding or polishing machines to grind metal workpieces such as dies, parts, and tools.
• Study blueprints or layouts of metal workpieces to determine grinding procedures, and to plan machine setups and operational sequences.

Related Technology & Tools

• Optical comparators
• Drill grinders
• Power drills
• Air pressure gauges
• Hand reamer sets
• Digital micrometers
• Gauge block sets
• Vernier calipers
• Fixed overhead cranes
• Digital angle gauges
• Cutter grinders
• Dial bore gauges
• Industrial bench grinders
• Counterbores
• Computer numerically controlled CNC grinders
• Digital radius gauges
• Bench grinding wheels
• Tool grinders
• Magnetic chucks
• Surface grinding machines
• Metal broaching machinery
• Machining centers
• Wheeled forklifts
• Protractors
• Automatic metalworking lathes
• Dial indicators
• Digital calipers
• Solid milling cutters

• ANCA ToolRoom
• Edgecam
• Zoller