What is a person who makes hand tools called?

[Dieselman 63]

Trying to look at apprenticeships and thinking about making hand tools - planes, squares and things like that. Unfortunately people who make injection moulding tools and dies are called toolmakers, and this is a bit of a nuisance in searching online!

Anyone know what I could search for?

Thanks in advance

 

[zzr1200]

Tool maker is the correct term (die maker could be another), but I'd be inclined to search for hand tool manufacturer and then contact the company directly to see if they have any positions available.

The only problem I can foresee is that NZ has a small population and doesn't have a history of tool production/export to the world, hence why most tools are shipped in the the country, I suspect.

You might be better of trying the precision engineering route and then branching off in to tool making at a later date.

PS. I know its not where you want to be but an engineering/machanical/maintance background in the aircraft industry would also put you in the right direction. Wellington airport will have some repair/service company's, really depends on how far you are from the airport?

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Artisan?

 

[Dieselman 63]

Artisan?

Buy myself a breadmaker and I'd have a trade to fall back on!

 

[Dieselman 63]

Tool maker is the correct term (die maker could be another), but I'd be inclined to search for hand tool manufacturer and then contact the company directly to see if they have any positions available.

The only problem I can foresee is that NZ has a small population and doesn't have a history of tool production/export to the world, hence why most tools are shipped in the the country, I suspect.

You might be better of trying the precision engineering route and then branching off in to tool making at a later date.

PS. I know its not where you want to be but an engineering/machanical/maintance background in the aircraft industry would also put you in the right direction. Wellington airport will have some repair/service company's, really depends on how far you are from the airport?

To a degree, but look at Vesper tools in Aus, very nice things coming out of his workshop. It's all 'what if' at the moment anyway, and I don't know what I'm going to do after uni, just sounding out options

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Buy myself a breadmaker and I'd have a trade to fall back on!

And a full stomach into the bargain

 

[bigegg]

Trying to look at apprenticeships and thinking about making hand tools - planes, squares and things like that. Unfortunately people who make injection moulding tools and dies are called toolmakers, and this is a bit of a nuisance in searching online!

Anyone know what I could search for?

Thanks in advance

Is there actually such a job any more?
Most hand tools seem to mass produced - so job would be "machine operator" (or whatever that translates as in Mandarin).
Theres only probably a handful (worldwide) of companies worldwide producing "hand made" (or hand finished) hand tools - Veritas, lie Nielsen, and bridge city are the only three I can think of, off the top of my head.

A suggestion might be gunsmithing?
Lots of hand work in wood and metal - skilss which would transfer to hand-toolmaking?

 

[Dieselman 63]

Is there actually such a job any more?
Most hand tools seem to mass produced - so job would be "machine operator" (or whatever that translates as in Mandarin).
Theres only probably a handful (worldwide) of companies worldwide producing "hand made" (or hand finished) hand tools - Veritas, lie Nielsen, and bridge city are the only three I can think of, off the top of my head.

A suggestion might be gunsmithing?
Lots of hand work in wood and metal - skilss which would transfer to hand-toolmaking?

There was a post on here by me about gunsmithing too, that’s another possibility

 

[Parm]

Hand made tools like Nielsen planes etc are the preserve of the mega rich and more for show than actual use.

Do your research carefully, it's very romantic to be able to craft a tool with your hands but is there anyone near you that's prepared to take you on and if so are there sensible prospects to make a living ?

 

[BarrieJ]

Hand made tools like Nielsen planes etc are the preserve of the mega rich and more for show than actual use.

Do your research carefully, it's very romantic to be able to craft a tool with your hands but is there anyone near you that's prepared to take you on and if so are there sensible prospects to make a living ?

Very good advice, although might not be what Dieselkid 63 wants to hear.

Many hand worked crafts have romantic associations; "the village blacksmith under the spreading chestnut tree" etc., blacksmithing is weighty, dirty work, labour and capital investment heavy and although can be spiritually rewarding is frequently not financially so.

Making any tool by hand and retailing it at an affordable price is a very real challenge.
As tools go there's not much simpler than a hammer (excepting maybe a punch or a chisel). How long would it take to make it and how much could one expect someone to pay for a 2lb hammer, hand forged and finished?

Could one be sold for: £200? (NZ$388.50), £100? (NZ$194.25), or maybe even £80? (NZ$ 154.80). There are people who do sell hammers at those prices but Dieselkid would have to ask himself could he and would he want to try?
What about a single 2" Framing chisel for NZ$ 224.57? (£115.29).


Three useful sites worth a look:
http://www.handmadeshoesltd.co.uk/shoemaking-tools/turning-hammers-handles/turning-hammers
http://owenbush.co.uk/tools/
https://www.timbertools.com/Chisels/

Best counsel is as per Parm, proceed with due diligence - sorry to appear so negative.

All the best with whatever becomes your chosen career Dieselkid.

B.J. retired blacksmith.

 

[Dave Mac]

Fascinating topic - I started life with a technical apprenticeship with one of the three periscope makers in the world, and enjoyed metalwork, patternmaking (in wood), drawing office and finally degenerated to the research laboratories - It was great, and I wouldn't have swapped a minute.
I have since been in just about every field, and am now an 'Authorized Person' - try finding that on the job lists - basically I write safety programs for dangerous work (electrical, Petrol and oils, mechanical (compressors, dental air and gases)), then issue a permit to do the work and sign it off at the end.
My point is, if you are interested in engineering, don't limit yourself - I loved working in heavy industry (Steelworks, manufacturing, etc.), but I also love working with clocks and precision instruments.
I would like to make a set of box junction pliers, but if I did it once or twice, I would want to do something else as well.
All the advice that's poured down here has been excellent, and although NZ engenders the fixit philosophy, I don't know if it has a great manufacturing capability, certainly not one which would compete with Japan, China and India - but I like to think we would be able to survive a major disaster and know how to rebuild from very little.
I loved the above from BarrieJ, for I am one who would pay a fortune for tools, but think nothing of getting something from the pound shop, because I know that's all I need.
We need people like you. It would almost be worth your while going abroad for your engineering education, then coming back to be a backbone resident in NZ, such a worthwhile country.
Very best of luck, and don't narrow your horizons - you can do anything.
Start with a technical apprenticeship for your search.

Dave

 

[Screwdriver]

Trying to look at apprenticeships and thinking about making hand tools - planes, squares and things like that. Unfortunately people who make injection moulding tools and dies are called toolmakers, and this is a bit of a nuisance in searching online!

Anyone know what I could search for?

Thanks in advance

Well if you want to be a toolmaker, try asking one. I'd try some of the well known YouTube guys, Tom Lipton and Stefan Gotteswinter spring to mind. I'm sure they would be more than happy to help...

 

[8ob]

Trying to look at apprenticeships and thinking about making hand tools - planes, squares and things like that. Unfortunately people who make injection moulding tools and dies are called toolmakers, and this is a bit of a nuisance in searching online!

Anyone know what I could search for?

Thanks in advance

A toolsmith.


Bob