The History Of Tool Making

Tool Making is a venerable and well-respected tradition which dates back to pre-historic times. The processes are performed by skilled craftspeople who usually have a combination of academic training and hands-on experiences. Among the academic fields studied are art, math, technology, and applied science, with cross-curricular studies in engineering.

In addition to classroom studies, some workers serve as apprentices before becoming independent workers. A four-to-five year apprenticeship program is often required before a machinist can achieve the position of journeyman. The journeyman is fully qualified to practice her or his trade, having completed all the academic and work-related requirements. The next step in the profession is master. The master craftsperson achieves her or his rank by creating a masterpiece, and presenting it, along with a letter of application, to a guild of experts.

The Tool Making profession often involves machinists working from engineering schematics. The craftspeople mark-out the designs on the raw materials, which are usually metal or wood. They then cut the objects to size, and begin shaping them. Jig borders, milling machines, lathes, jig grinders, grinding machines, and files are often utilized during the shaping process. In some contemporary workshops, computer generated designs and computer-aided manufacturing processes are incorporated.

The history of this profession dates back to 100,000 B. C. When humans developed implements from stone, wood, and other natural fibers. The next leap in technology came in 4,000 B. C., when processes to smelt copper were developed. The next revolutionary period was in 3,000 B. C., when humans began to add tin to copper to create bronze. This period is known as the Bronze Age. In 1829, the stamping of pewter into various shapes was introduced in America. In 1918, World War I increased the demand for these craftspeople, and new products.

Tool Making has a long and interesting history. Those who specialize in this craft can work in a variety of settings, including private and public organizations. Also, government agencies and the armed services have high-demands for experts in this field.

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