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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Hand Finisher

💰 $20 - $35 per hour

ManufacturingSkilled TradesProductionAerospaceAutomotive

🎯 Role Definition

A Hand Finisher, also known as a Finishing Technician or Deburring Specialist, is a highly skilled artisan and technician who plays a pivotal role in the final stages of the manufacturing process. This position is responsible for meticulously refining, smoothing, polishing, and deburring components to meet precise engineering specifications and aesthetic standards. Working with a variety of hand and power tools, the Hand Finisher ensures that every part is free of imperfections and ready for assembly or final coating, directly impacting the product's quality, performance, and appearance. This role demands exceptional attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a deep understanding of materials and quality control.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Apprentice Machinist / Finisher
  • General Production Worker
  • Machine Operator Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Lead Hand Finisher / Finishing Team Lead
  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Production Supervisor
  • CNC Machinist (with cross-training)

Lateral Moves:

  • Assembly Technician
  • Welder / Fabricator
  • Maintenance Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Meticulously remove burrs, sharp edges, and excess material from machined or fabricated parts using files, scrapers, stones, and other hand tools.
  • Operate a variety of hand-held power tools, including pneumatic grinders, orbital sanders, die grinders, and polishers, to achieve specified surface finishes and contours.
  • Interpret and work from complex engineering blueprints, work orders, and process specifications to understand finishing requirements, dimensions, and tolerances.
  • Perform detailed visual and tactile inspections of parts before, during, and after the finishing process to identify and correct defects such as scratches, pits, and tool marks.
  • Utilize precision measuring instruments like calipers, micrometers, and profilometers to verify that parts meet dimensional and surface roughness (Ra) requirements.
  • Execute intricate polishing and blending techniques on various materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and composites, to create uniform and aesthetically pleasing surfaces.
  • Perform final cleaning and passivation processes to prepare parts for subsequent operations like painting, plating, or final assembly.
  • Maintain a high degree of precision and consistency while working on complex geometries and critical-to-function surfaces, especially in regulated industries like aerospace or medical.
  • Manage workflow and prioritize finishing tasks effectively to meet demanding production schedules without compromising on quality.
  • Document all completed work, record part counts, and accurately fill out production logs and quality control paperwork.
  • Set up and maintain finishing equipment, including changing abrasive belts, grinding wheels, and polishing pads, ensuring tools are in safe and optimal working condition.
  • Adhere strictly to all company safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free personal workspace (5S principles).
  • Collaborate with machinists and CNC operators to provide feedback on part quality and suggest improvements to minimize the need for extensive finishing work.
  • Use microscopes and other magnification tools to perform detailed finishing and inspection on very small or intricate components.
  • Blend and feather machined surfaces to match surrounding contours, ensuring a seamless transition and flawless final appearance.
  • Perform basic assembly and disassembly of components as required to access all areas that need finishing.
  • Identify and report any non-conforming products or process deviations to the Quality department or a supervisor immediately.
  • Mask and protect critical features and surfaces of a part to prevent damage during aggressive finishing operations.
  • Handle and move parts and materials, which may involve lifting up to 50 lbs, using appropriate material handling equipment.
  • Participate in continuous improvement activities by recommending new tools, techniques, or process changes to enhance efficiency and quality.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc rework requests and assist in troubleshooting surface finish defects on non-conforming parts.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by providing feedback on manufacturability and finishing processes.
  • Collaborate with engineering and quality assurance teams to understand finishing requirements and resolve non-conformance issues.
  • Participate in daily team meetings, safety briefings, and production planning sessions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Blueprint Reading: Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, schematics, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Hand & Power Tool Proficiency: Expertise in using a wide range of finishing tools, including files, grinders, sanders, buffers, and deburring knives.
  • Precision Measurement: Skilled in the use of calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and surface profilometers for in-process inspection.
  • Material Knowledge: Understanding the properties and workability of various metals (e.g., aluminum, steel, titanium) and other materials.
  • Deburring & Polishing Techniques: Advanced knowledge of different methods for removing burrs and achieving specified surface finishes on complex parts.
  • Visual Inspection: Highly trained eye for detecting subtle surface imperfections, scratches, and defects.
  • Shop Math: Competency in basic arithmetic, fractions, and decimals for verifying dimensions and tolerances.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: An exceptionally meticulous and precise approach to work is paramount for this role.
  • Manual Dexterity & Hand-Eye Coordination: Superior ability to manipulate tools and parts with steadiness and precision.
  • Patience & Focus: The ability to perform repetitive, detailed tasks for extended periods without a loss in quality.
  • Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying issues with a part or process and determining the best method to correct them.
  • Time Management: Ability to work efficiently and manage a queue of parts to meet production deadlines.
  • Independent Work Ethic: Self-motivated and able to perform duties with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational or Technical Certificate in Machining, Manufacturing Technology, or a related skilled trade.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Industrial Arts
  • Metalworking / Fabrication

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-5+ years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing or production environment.

Preferred: Direct experience in hand finishing, deburring, or polishing within regulated industries like aerospace, medical device, or automotive manufacturing is highly desirable.

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