Metal Cutting Tools

It's hard to imagine modern life in a so-called advanced country without metal cutting tools. They're used in most walks of that life: from industrial machinery to home workshops, from hobby and sewing rooms to operating rooms. Metal cutting tools are also found in arenas of war and peace within the armed services, in the stages of food preparation, and in conservation efforts. Of course, cutting tools of many sizes are also used in the destruction of the environment.

From hand tools to machine tools, metal cuts in many ways. In addition to (or instead of) drills and drill bits, lathes and mills may be critical to production runs in many industries. Saws, including band saws, have key uses and terminology for each saw blade type: Employers require new workers to attend classes to learn about them and the critical safety procedures mandated during their operation and maintenance. Classes may range from Beginner through Intermediate and Advanced levels.

At the skilled home or workshop level of expertise, metal cutting tools cover wood, tile, ceramic, and glass needs. They also include a surprising range of needed scissors, shears, and rotary cutters that are the tools of the tailor, artist, and other craftsperson. The Home Sewing Association, for example, lists a dozen different types of scissors and provides guidance for their selection, use and care. Almost all need to be kept away from other family members, especially children.

Metal Cutting Tools and Science

Scientists, especially researchers, often use metal cutting tools, such as spring scissors with incredibly fine blades that are used under a microscope. In place of steel, ultra-fine cutting edges for researchers' scalpels may sometimes be made from obsidian, which is a volcanic glass, and was used by the ancients in surgical procedures. Fine metal cutting tools may be used for some of the research projects in the space program, for example.

During excavations or discovery of remains, archaeologists have found copper and bronze tools, including copper-tipped axes, dating back to use many thousands of years ago in various regions of the world. More recent tool inventions occurred during the Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries in Great Britain and in the United States. Those were the times, for example, that perfected the steam engine cylinder in 1775 (using John Wilkinson's precision horizontal-boring machine), thus making steam engines efficient. In the U.S., Eli Whitney refined and implemented the idea of mass-produced, interchangeable parts.

Obtaining Critical Machine Training

Vocational training is available for reasonable fees in many urban communities, where follow-up employment tends to be available. Another source for the precision machine trades is Tooling University in Cleveland, Ohio, which began as part of its parent manufacturing company, Jergens, Inc., in 1999.

Tooling University offers assessment, online training, and testing of customers' employees for competency and knowledge. Departments of expertise include Abrasives, CNC (computer numerical control) machines, Haas, EDM (electric discharge machining), Fasteners, Inspection, Materials, and much more. Some of the coursework is also available in Spanish.