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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Tool Setter

💰 $22 - $35 per hour

ManufacturingSkilled TradesProductionCNC Machining

🎯 Role Definition

The Tool Setter is the backbone of our production floor, responsible for preparing and calibrating machinery to produce high-quality components that meet exact specifications. This position requires a deep understanding of machining processes, tooling, and quality control. You will be instrumental in ensuring smooth production runs, minimizing downtime, and upholding our commitment to excellence. This is a hands-on role for a detail-oriented problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced, precision manufacturing environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • CNC Machine Operator
  • Machinist Apprentice
  • Manufacturing Technician

Advancement To:

  • Lead Tool Setter / Setup Supervisor
  • CNC Programmer
  • Manufacturing Supervisor or Team Lead

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance Technician
  • Maintenance Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Accurately interpret complex engineering blueprints, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and technical schematics to determine machine setup requirements.
  • Select, install, and meticulously align fixtures, work-holding devices, and cutting tools in CNC machines, including lathes, mills, and grinders.
  • Perform complete machine setups and changeovers from start to finish, ensuring all components are correctly configured for new production runs.
  • Conduct first-off article inspections using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and CMMs to verify component conformity to specifications.
  • Adjust machine offsets (e.g., tool wear, work coordinates) as necessary throughout production runs to maintain tight tolerances and consistent quality.
  • Systematically troubleshoot and diagnose machining issues, such as dimensional inaccuracies, surface finish defects, or tool breakage, and implement effective corrective actions.
  • Monitor machine performance during operation, listening for unusual sounds and observing for signs of malfunction or excessive wear to prevent major breakdowns.
  • Load and edit CNC programs at the machine controller, ensuring the correct code is utilized for the specified part and making minor edits as authorized.
  • Develop and document standardized setup procedures and work instructions to ensure repeatability and consistency across all shifts.
  • Maintain a comprehensive inventory of cutting tools, inserts, and holders, ensuring availability and performing pre-setting of tools for upcoming jobs.
  • Perform routine and preventative maintenance on machinery, including cleaning, lubrication, and minor repairs, to ensure optimal operational readiness.
  • Collaborate with CNC Programmers and Engineers to provide feedback on program efficiency, tool life, and potential process improvements.
  • Train and mentor Machine Operators on proper machine operation, part loading/unloading, and in-process quality checks.
  • Uphold and enforce all company safety protocols and procedures, maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work area (5S principles).
  • Optimize machine cycle times and feed/speed rates in collaboration with engineering to enhance production efficiency without compromising quality.
  • Manage the tool life monitoring system, replacing worn or broken tools proactively to prevent damage to parts or machinery.
  • Calibrate and verify the accuracy of probes, tool setters, and other machine-integrated measurement devices.
  • Complete all required production and quality documentation with a high degree of accuracy, including setup sheets, inspection reports, and production logs.
  • Participate actively in root cause analysis for non-conforming products and contribute to the development of robust preventative measures.
  • Ensure a smooth transition between shifts by effectively communicating machine status, tooling conditions, and any ongoing production issues.
  • Support new product introduction (NPI) by assisting with prototype runs and providing critical feedback on manufacturability.

Secondary Functions

  • Provide technical support and guidance to machine operators to resolve minor issues and improve their operational skills.
  • Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives, suggesting process enhancements to improve efficiency, quality, and safety.
  • Collaborate closely with the Quality Assurance and Engineering departments to troubleshoot part defects and implement corrective actions.
  • Engage in daily production meetings and planning sessions to ensure tooling and machine readiness aligns with production schedules.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • CNC Machine Setup & Operation: Proven ability to set up, operate, and perform changeovers on CNC machinery (lathes, mills) and familiarity with controls like Fanuc, Haas, or Siemens.
  • Blueprint & GD&T Interpretation: Expert-level proficiency in reading and interpreting complex engineering drawings, including a strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing symbols.
  • Precision Measurement: Skilled in the use of a wide range of metrology tools, including calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, height gauges, and CMMs, to validate part quality.
  • Tool & Fixture Selection: In-depth knowledge of cutting tools, materials, and work-holding methods to select the optimal components for any given job.
  • CNC Program Editing: Competency in reading and editing G-code and M-code at the machine controller to adjust offsets and make minor program modifications.
  • Mechanical Troubleshooting: Strong diagnostic ability to identify the root cause of machining problems, whether related to tooling, programming, or mechanical issues.
  • Basic Machine Maintenance: Ability to perform routine preventative maintenance tasks to keep machinery in excellent working condition.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in all aspects of work, from interpreting blueprints to making micro-adjustments on a machine.
  • Problem-Solving: A logical and systematic approach to identifying issues, analyzing potential causes, and implementing effective solutions under pressure.
  • Time Management: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple setups and prioritize tasks effectively to meet production deadlines.
  • Communication & Teamwork: Ability to clearly communicate technical information and collaborate effectively with operators, programmers, and supervisors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Technical/Vocational School Certificate or Associate's Degree in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Machine Tool Technology
  • CNC Machining
  • Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5+ years of hands-on experience as a Tool Setter or CNC Setup Machinist in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred: Demonstrated experience in a high-volume, tight-tolerance production setting (e.g., aerospace, medical, automotive) is highly desirable.

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