Cylindrical Grinder / Gear Grinder

Main responsibilities

• Setting up and operating cylindrical grinding machines.
• Grinding external (OD) and internal (ID) diameters to very tight tolerances.
• Selecting and dressing grinding wheels for different materials and finishes.
• Measuring finished components using precision instruments such as:
  • Micrometers
  • Vernier calipers
  • Bore gauges
  • Dial indicators
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Producing high-quality surface finishes and maintaining dimensional accuracy.
• Inspecting components to ensure they meet customer specifications.
• Performing routine machine maintenance and keeping equipment in good working order.
• Recording inspection results and production information.

You may also work on:

• Gears
• Gearboxes
• Shafts
• Rollers
• Worms and wheels
• Large industrial precision components

Skills employers look for

• Experience operating manual-cylindrical grinders.
• Ability to read engineering drawings.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Understanding of tolerances (often measured in microns).
• Knowledge of grinding wheels, feeds, speeds, and materials.
• Experience using precision measuring equipment.
• Good problem-solving skills and a commitment to quality.

Typical working environment

You would usually work in a machine shop or manufacturing facility alongside-gear cutters and other precision engineers. The work involves standing for long periods, handling metal components, and following strict health and safety procedures.

What the job is like:

It''s a highly skilled precision engineering role rather than general machining. The emphasis is on:

• Accuracy
• Patience
• Producing excellent surface finishes
• Working to extremely tight tolerances (often within a few microns)

If you already have experience with milling, turning, or precision engineering, many of the skills are transferable, although cylindrical grinding is a specialist discipline that often requires additional training.