Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 0 (0%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 1 (6%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 17 (94%)

• Study blueprints or layouts of metal workpieces to determine grinding procedures, and to plan machine setups and operational sequences.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary, stopping machines when problems occur.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Inspect, feel, and measure workpieces to ensure that surfaces and dimensions meet specifications.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Select and mount grinding wheels on machines, according to specifications, using hand tools and applying knowledge of abrasives and grinding procedures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Compute numbers, widths, and angles of cutting tools, micrometers, scales, and gauges, and adjust tools to produce specified cuts.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Turn valves to direct flow of coolant against cutting wheels and workpieces during grinding.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Set up and operate grinding or polishing machines to grind metal workpieces, such as dies, parts, and tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Dress grinding wheels, according to specifications.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• File or finish surfaces of workpieces, using prescribed hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform basic maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating machine parts.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Remove finished workpieces from machines and place them in boxes or on racks, setting aside pieces that are defective.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Remove and replace worn or broken machine parts, using hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Fit parts together in pre-assembly to ensure that dimensions are accurate.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Attach workpieces to grinding machines and form specified sections and repair cracks, using welding or brazing equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Duplicate workpiece contours, using tracer attachments.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Inspect dies to detect defects, assess wear, and verify specifications, using micrometers, steel gauge pins, and loupes.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Place workpieces in electroplating solutions or apply pigments to surfaces of workpieces to highlight ridges and grooves.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Straighten workpieces and remove dents, using straightening presses and hammers.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task