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Frequently Asked Questions:

• How many Hand Tool Maker jobs are available on Pertemps?

  There are 13 Hand Tool Maker jobs available on Pertemps right now.

• What does a Hand Tool Maker do?

  Smiths work by heating pieces of wrought iron or steel until the metal becomes soft enough for shaping with hand tools, such as a hammer, an anvil and a chisel. They predominantly create artisanal metal products, including ornamental work.

  Tasks required include:

  • Examines drawings and specifications to determine operational requirements.
  • Marks out metal plate with guidelines and reference points and cuts metal plate using hand or machine tools.
  • Uses machine tools to bend, curve, punch, drill and straighten metal plate as required.
  • Uses hydraulic jacks to position and align metal platework or frame for welding and bolting and rivets together metal plate and girders.
  • Creates mould units out of sand, loam or plaster by hand or machine and fits cores into mould to form hollow parts in casting.
  • Seals seams with caulking compound, smooths welds, fixes metal doors, metal collars, portholes, tank and hatch covers and performs other metal plate finishing tasks using a variety of hand and power tools.
  • Heats metal for forging and positions heated metal on anvil or other work surface.
  • Operates press or hammer and repositions workpiece between strokes.
  • Uses forging tools to shape and cut metal and bends or shapes metal by hand forging methods using hammers, punches, drifts and other hand tools.
  • Tempers and hardens forged pieces, as required, by quenching in oil or water.
  • Fits and secures horses shoes.
  • Scoops molten metal from furnace into die or die casting machine.

• What are the entry requirements for a Hand Tool Maker?

  Entrants typically possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is usually via apprenticeship including practical experience and technical training. NVQs at Levels 2 and 3 are available.