Instrumentation technicians do precision repair work on complex instuments like, for example, medical equipment, scientific machines, and photographic apparatus. They install, repair, and troubleshoot instruments that measure pressure, temperature, and heat; control flow, density, and speed of electricity, gases, or liquids; and guide automated devices, machines, and processes.
Job Responsibilities
Technicians work in different industries like scientific research laboratories, environmental protection agencies, and communcation systems organizations. For example, those working in the chemical industry install instruments that measure or regulate chemical processes. An instrument, for example, may measure acidity, pressure, and temperature in a chemical compound. Chemical processes are necessary for the creation of numerous products from commercial paint to artificial fertilizers. Meanwhile, those working in the medical industry may fix a heart-lung machine or repair a kidney dialysis machine.
Technicians may be employed by precision instrument manufacturers, universities, private research laboratories, or government agencies. They need to be knowledgable about scientific subjects like mathematics, physics, and chemistry and skillful about electrical, mechanical, and engineering technology. If they work under the supervision of scientists or engineers, they must be able to understand the language used by these professionals.
Sometimes the work may involve troubleshooting the problem with an instrument, and to do this a technician must use special diagnostic tools, sometimes it may involve traveling from one plant to another to service machines, sometimes it may involve assisting in writing technical manuals for a manufacturer, and sometimes it might involve training staff members in a school, factory, or company on how to use some complex equipment.
Training and Education Requirements
Usually training is from recognized technical schools and colleges that have instrumentation technology programs. While most such programs will take two years, some can go for as long as four years, with the longer programs offering more specialized training. In addition, students may choose to gain expertise in related technologies as well, taking courses in electronic, electrical, or mechanical engineering. Employers, too, provide assistance with on-the-job training for their specific equipment and industry.
Job placement can be facilitated by technical or college staff, direct applications to companies known to hire precision instrument and equipment technicians, and through other job hunting resources. Once on the job, training continues as skill and experience grows. Initially, the work may simply be making instrument adjustments. Later, it can grow to troubleshooting problems. From here, some advance to be supervisors while others sell, teach, or write technical manuals. Finally, someone who is ambitious may even go back to school to become an engineer.
A career in this field depends on the individuals interests, the opportunities available, and the rate of technological progress. One technician may decide to work on watches and clocks for a small manufacturer, another technician may find a job in the mettalurgical industry, another technician may find a job in the biomedical field, and another technician may decide to work under a nuclear scientist to test and refine sensitive instruments in a nuclear reactor. Technicians work in a variety of places: in the backroom of shops, in laboratories, and on production lines. On average, the work week may be thirty, thirty-five, or forty hours, but on some jobs overtime shifts may be the norm when the technician is the only staff members in charge of certain complex equipment. As technology progresses, the need for experts in installing, repairing, and troubleshooting sensitive and complex equipment will only increase.
People interested in mathematics and science will find many career opportunities in this field, often working with a team of scientists and engineers on technologically sophisticated projects.
Salary and Wages
Earnings will vary widely, depending on education, initiative, aptitude, and experience, but the median hourly pay ranges from $14 an hour to $22 an hour. A technician working in a medical and surgical hospital averages around $45,000 and one who works for a firm providing consumer goods averages around $30,000. Generally the benefits consist of pension plans, health insurance, and paid vacations.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Certifications
Most certification is earned after two years of college or technical education although some may require up to four years. The prerequisite is high school graduation. The type of certification a student earns depends on the chosen speciality. If the student, for example, was interested in learning about medical instruments, he could get one of three certifications from the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation ( AAMI). He or she could be certified as a Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist ( CLEB), a Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES) or a Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET).
Professional Associations
Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation
1110 North Glebe Rd., Ste. 220
Arlington, VA 22201-4795
(703) 525-4890
http://www.aami.org
Instrument Society of America
67 Alexander Dr., Box 12277
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
(919) 549-8411
http://www.isa.org
National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians
P.O. Box 51
2026 Eagle Rd.
Normal, IL 61761
(309) 452-4257
http://www.napbirt.org
Showing posts with label Description. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Description. Show all posts
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Inspector Job Description & Career Opportunities
An Inspector ensures that products and services are at their highest quality. An inspector is a person that is responsible for checking and making sure that regulations and standards are being followed. They must have extensive knowledge of codes, regulations, and quality standards in order to determine in their subjects are in compliance.
There are many kinds of inspectors with different qualifications and educational requirements. Some companies require you to have a Bachelor’s degree and some only require a high school diploma. In some cases applicants have to pass a civil service examination. College courses in engineering or architecture are often required as well, but for police inspectors graduate courses are the basic requirement. Throughout their careers, inspectors enroll in educational programs, training, seminars, and workshops to increase and update their knowledge and skills.
DUTIES
Inspectors check or monitor manufactured goods such as food, clothing and textiles, cars, electronics, structural steels etc. Although inspector jobs are the similar, there are still some differences in their responsibilities depending on their industry.
Quality Control Inspectors have a role in every part of the production process. They always examine materials before sending them to production. Some would inspect components and perform a final test on completed products.
Food Inspectors plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and freshness of food such as meat, poultry, egg products or any products that are being eaten everyday by consumers. The Food Inspector’s job is to perform inspections at slaughterhouses and processing plants to make sure that these companies are following the appropriate laws and regulations.
Construction or Building Inspectors review project construction plans and inspect ongoing work to assure that it meets specifications. They keep the Public Work Directors and the consulting engineers informed about concerns that arise with the project. Construction Inspectors also keep accurate daily reports and maintain files on pertinent construction documents.
Gaming Inspectors work in casinos and periodically inspect casino cards and dice and observe and inspect gaming equipment. They also observe casino operations to ensure all regulations are being followed. Gaming Inspectors also conduct regular, timely, and through testing of electronic gaming devices and other gaming equipment.
Agricultural Inspector’s job is to ensure proper selection of farm equipment. They inspect equipment and facilities for sanitation and compliance with regulations. Inspectors also write reports of findings and recommendations and advise farmers, growers, or processors of corrective action to take.
Fire Inspectors inspect exteriors and interiors of buildings to detect violations of fire codes and hazardous conditions. Inspectors also test air compressors, fire extinguishing, and fire protection equipment to ensure all fire and safety codes are being followed. A fire inspector writes reports, such as code violations, and makes recommendations for eliminating fire hazards.
Detective Inspector is a title given to an officer whose is assigned to the criminal investigation department of a police service. Most of the time detective inspectors are at the police station doing paperwork such as assessment, health, and safety procedures. They are also the ones who do the planning and organizing the work of others. ThedDetective police inspectors handle crimes in areas such as theft, arson, rape, and murder.
There are many kinds of inspectors with different qualifications and educational requirements. Some companies require you to have a Bachelor’s degree and some only require a high school diploma. In some cases applicants have to pass a civil service examination. College courses in engineering or architecture are often required as well, but for police inspectors graduate courses are the basic requirement. Throughout their careers, inspectors enroll in educational programs, training, seminars, and workshops to increase and update their knowledge and skills.
DUTIES
Inspectors check or monitor manufactured goods such as food, clothing and textiles, cars, electronics, structural steels etc. Although inspector jobs are the similar, there are still some differences in their responsibilities depending on their industry.
Quality Control Inspectors have a role in every part of the production process. They always examine materials before sending them to production. Some would inspect components and perform a final test on completed products.
Food Inspectors plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and freshness of food such as meat, poultry, egg products or any products that are being eaten everyday by consumers. The Food Inspector’s job is to perform inspections at slaughterhouses and processing plants to make sure that these companies are following the appropriate laws and regulations.
Construction or Building Inspectors review project construction plans and inspect ongoing work to assure that it meets specifications. They keep the Public Work Directors and the consulting engineers informed about concerns that arise with the project. Construction Inspectors also keep accurate daily reports and maintain files on pertinent construction documents.
Gaming Inspectors work in casinos and periodically inspect casino cards and dice and observe and inspect gaming equipment. They also observe casino operations to ensure all regulations are being followed. Gaming Inspectors also conduct regular, timely, and through testing of electronic gaming devices and other gaming equipment.
Agricultural Inspector’s job is to ensure proper selection of farm equipment. They inspect equipment and facilities for sanitation and compliance with regulations. Inspectors also write reports of findings and recommendations and advise farmers, growers, or processors of corrective action to take.
Fire Inspectors inspect exteriors and interiors of buildings to detect violations of fire codes and hazardous conditions. Inspectors also test air compressors, fire extinguishing, and fire protection equipment to ensure all fire and safety codes are being followed. A fire inspector writes reports, such as code violations, and makes recommendations for eliminating fire hazards.
Detective Inspector is a title given to an officer whose is assigned to the criminal investigation department of a police service. Most of the time detective inspectors are at the police station doing paperwork such as assessment, health, and safety procedures. They are also the ones who do the planning and organizing the work of others. ThedDetective police inspectors handle crimes in areas such as theft, arson, rape, and murder.
House Painter Job Description & Career Opportunities
A house painter performs painting, finishing, and maintaining work over a wide variety of interior and exterior surfaces. The painter prepares the surfaces so that it will be ready to be applied with undercoats and finishing coats using a wide range of application techniques, methods, and materials. They are asked to mix and match paints. They perform painting specifics like soda and water blasting. They also know best on the selection and storage of painting materials.
Education
He must be a graduate from high school and may or may not earn a college degree. A house painter must be supplemented by school apprenticeship programs which involve theory and on-the-job training.
Duties
The house painter has to prepare, prime, seal, sand, patch, surface, paint furniture, buildings, and fixtures using painting materials such as varnish, shellac, lacquer enamel, epoxy, latex, heat resistant and water-proofing finishes. He tapes, repairs, flushes and applies texturing, acoustic layers, and wallpapers on surfaces. They are the ones who adjust the colors and hues whenever necessary. They respond to the removal of graffiti using soda blasting on the affected surface. They operate, clean, maintain and store all the painting devices used in their work.
The house painter also estimates the time and materials needed for the painting work. They offer specifications for the repair and construction and advice on the painting materials, designs, and paint colors that should be used. They have to keep track of the records made and submit to their heads a report on the work performed. Additional work of house painters includes conducting research, making purchases, and conducting inventories of the chemical and equipment supplies. They also keep repair and maintenance records for properties and respond to emergency calls for repair and service.
Qualifications
A house painter must know how to operate the necessary and basic painting tools and equipment. They must know how to mix and match paint and varnish. He must know residential, commercial, and industrial painting practices and processes. He must have knowledge of the application code requirements and the methods and practices generally followed in the maintenance of tools and equipment. He must also know the occupational hazards and the appropriate precautionary measures that should be taken. He must be able to perform physical activities. Other companies require that a house painter must possess a driver’s licensed and an acceptable driving record.
Compensation
A house painter in the United States can have an average salary of about $36,510 a year, with an average hourly rate of $17.56. Different states offer different salary rates. According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, painters have the highest salary rates in Hawaii with an average of $50,490 per year, followed by Illinois with $48,160 per year, New York with $46,780 per year, District of Columbia with $45,710, and Alaska with an average of $44,270 per year. Painters under different industries have different compensation as well. Painters for natural gas distribution can earn up to $61, 950 per year. This is followed by scientific research and development services sector with $58,370, postal services with $55,740, electric power generation, transmission and distribution with $53,740, and remediation and other waste management services with $51,090 per year.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Education
He must be a graduate from high school and may or may not earn a college degree. A house painter must be supplemented by school apprenticeship programs which involve theory and on-the-job training.
Duties
The house painter has to prepare, prime, seal, sand, patch, surface, paint furniture, buildings, and fixtures using painting materials such as varnish, shellac, lacquer enamel, epoxy, latex, heat resistant and water-proofing finishes. He tapes, repairs, flushes and applies texturing, acoustic layers, and wallpapers on surfaces. They are the ones who adjust the colors and hues whenever necessary. They respond to the removal of graffiti using soda blasting on the affected surface. They operate, clean, maintain and store all the painting devices used in their work.
The house painter also estimates the time and materials needed for the painting work. They offer specifications for the repair and construction and advice on the painting materials, designs, and paint colors that should be used. They have to keep track of the records made and submit to their heads a report on the work performed. Additional work of house painters includes conducting research, making purchases, and conducting inventories of the chemical and equipment supplies. They also keep repair and maintenance records for properties and respond to emergency calls for repair and service.
Qualifications
A house painter must know how to operate the necessary and basic painting tools and equipment. They must know how to mix and match paint and varnish. He must know residential, commercial, and industrial painting practices and processes. He must have knowledge of the application code requirements and the methods and practices generally followed in the maintenance of tools and equipment. He must also know the occupational hazards and the appropriate precautionary measures that should be taken. He must be able to perform physical activities. Other companies require that a house painter must possess a driver’s licensed and an acceptable driving record.
Compensation
A house painter in the United States can have an average salary of about $36,510 a year, with an average hourly rate of $17.56. Different states offer different salary rates. According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, painters have the highest salary rates in Hawaii with an average of $50,490 per year, followed by Illinois with $48,160 per year, New York with $46,780 per year, District of Columbia with $45,710, and Alaska with an average of $44,270 per year. Painters under different industries have different compensation as well. Painters for natural gas distribution can earn up to $61, 950 per year. This is followed by scientific research and development services sector with $58,370, postal services with $55,740, electric power generation, transmission and distribution with $53,740, and remediation and other waste management services with $51,090 per year.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
HVAC Technician Job Description (Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration) & Career Opportunities
Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems are known as HVAC or HVACR. An HVAC system allows building residents to provide a comfortable, climate controlled environment. The installers and mechanics for an HVAC system are called technicians.
An HVAC technician will be trained in installation and maintenance, but may specialize in one or the other. HVAC technicians can also choose an equipment specialty, such as commercial refrigeration, hydroponics, or solar panels.
The number of job openings for HVAC technicians is expected to increase by 28% between 2008 and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment opportunities and salaries are much greater for trained and certified technicians. Jump start your career by requesting free information today from the schools below:
HVAC Technician by Penn Foster Career School
Professional Heating and Air Conditioning Program by Ashworth College
HVAC Technician Job Responsibilities
HVAC systems consist of hundreds of electrical, electronic, and mechanical parts. Depending upon the day, an HVAC technician may be maintaining a system, diagnosing and repairing problems, or installing and replacing components or entire systems.
Depending upon the season, HVAC technicians will perform additional maintenance or upgrades on out of season equipment. For example, in the summer, heating systems will undergo performance checks and regular maintenance to ensure their readiness for the winter. Conversely, air conditioning systems will be dealt with in the winter.
HVAC technicians typically work a regular schedule, but will be called upon out of hours for emergency repairs. Typically periods of extreme weather (such as high temperatures) will result in more calls. The beginning and end of summer and winter are also busy times. HVAC technicians should expect potentially uncomfortable working conditions, due to weather or cramped space.
HVAC Technician Training and Education Requirements
A majority of HVAC technicians receive their training from community colleges, technical or trade schools, or the United States armed forces. Training can take between 6 months to 2 years from each element of study (heating, air conditioning, refrigeration). Standards for HVAC training are set by three accrediting organizations. These agencies are HVAC Excellence, the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), and the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation (PHARA).
Following the completion of an accredited course, technicians will typically need 6 months to 2 years of experience before most employers will consider them proficient.
Apprenticeships are another route an HVAC technician can take. An apprenticeship will usually run between 3 and 5 years, and require a qualified mentor. Apprentices need a high school diploma at the least. An apprenticeship will combine hands-on training with classroom instruction. After completion, an apprentice will be considered a skilled trades worker.
Throughout their education, HVAC technicians will take a number of tests designed by the HVAC industry. These typically test HVAC technician’s skills at various aspects of installation and maintenance. While entry-level certification examinations can be taken after 1 year, they only test basic general competency in broad fields such as commercial refrigeration. HVAC technicians with at least 1 year of experience in installation, and 2 years experience performing maintenance and repairs can take specific certification examinations. The more advanced tests certify HVAC technicians for specific types of equipment, like oil-burning furnaces.
An HVAC technician should have excellent interpersonal communication skills. They will be depending on a variety of clients for business, and may have to sell service contracts to cover installed equipment. Given the increasingly computerized nature of HVAC systems, computer skills are helpful. Additionally, HVAC technicians should be in reasonably good shape. They will be on their feet and doing physical labor for a considerable amount of their work day.
HVAC Technician Salary and Wages
The median wages for an HVAC technician were $19.08 per hour in May of 2008. HVAC technicians working in cities and for the government received a higher hourly wage. Apprentices were paid a wage 50% less than that of an experienced HVAC technician. As the apprentice gains experience, their wage will gradually increase until it is in line with the median hourly wage for an HVAC technician.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
HVAC Technician Certifications
Depending upon the state of employment, an HVAC technician may need both a local and state license to operate.
Entry-level certification examinations are conducted by the HVAC industry to test basic competency with broad categories of HVAC installation and maintenance.
In addition, a number of HVAC agencies offers certification for more advanced HVAC technicians. Some examples of advanced certification exams include HVAC Excellence’s Secondary Employment Ready Exam and Secondary Heat and Heat Plus exams. These certifications ensure competency in various advanced aspects of HVAC maintenance and installation. Often, a certification increases both advancement opportunities and the chances of a raise. Employers suggest taking as many certifications as possible to broaden an HVAC technician’s skills.
HVAC Technician Professional Associations
Despite its name, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is an international HVAC organization and counts more than 51,000 members. First founded in 1894, ASHRAE promotes the advancement of HVAC technology for all people. It also publishes a list of HVAC standards, which are considered a guide for architects and references for building codes.
Smaller HVAC professional associations also are formed around specialties, such as the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Safety Coalition.
Roughly 16 percent of HVAC technicians belong to a union, with unions also specializing in HVAC aspects.
An HVAC technician will be trained in installation and maintenance, but may specialize in one or the other. HVAC technicians can also choose an equipment specialty, such as commercial refrigeration, hydroponics, or solar panels.
The number of job openings for HVAC technicians is expected to increase by 28% between 2008 and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment opportunities and salaries are much greater for trained and certified technicians. Jump start your career by requesting free information today from the schools below:
HVAC Technician by Penn Foster Career School
Professional Heating and Air Conditioning Program by Ashworth College
HVAC Technician Job Responsibilities
HVAC systems consist of hundreds of electrical, electronic, and mechanical parts. Depending upon the day, an HVAC technician may be maintaining a system, diagnosing and repairing problems, or installing and replacing components or entire systems.
Depending upon the season, HVAC technicians will perform additional maintenance or upgrades on out of season equipment. For example, in the summer, heating systems will undergo performance checks and regular maintenance to ensure their readiness for the winter. Conversely, air conditioning systems will be dealt with in the winter.
HVAC technicians typically work a regular schedule, but will be called upon out of hours for emergency repairs. Typically periods of extreme weather (such as high temperatures) will result in more calls. The beginning and end of summer and winter are also busy times. HVAC technicians should expect potentially uncomfortable working conditions, due to weather or cramped space.
HVAC Technician Training and Education Requirements
A majority of HVAC technicians receive their training from community colleges, technical or trade schools, or the United States armed forces. Training can take between 6 months to 2 years from each element of study (heating, air conditioning, refrigeration). Standards for HVAC training are set by three accrediting organizations. These agencies are HVAC Excellence, the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), and the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation (PHARA).
Following the completion of an accredited course, technicians will typically need 6 months to 2 years of experience before most employers will consider them proficient.
Apprenticeships are another route an HVAC technician can take. An apprenticeship will usually run between 3 and 5 years, and require a qualified mentor. Apprentices need a high school diploma at the least. An apprenticeship will combine hands-on training with classroom instruction. After completion, an apprentice will be considered a skilled trades worker.
Throughout their education, HVAC technicians will take a number of tests designed by the HVAC industry. These typically test HVAC technician’s skills at various aspects of installation and maintenance. While entry-level certification examinations can be taken after 1 year, they only test basic general competency in broad fields such as commercial refrigeration. HVAC technicians with at least 1 year of experience in installation, and 2 years experience performing maintenance and repairs can take specific certification examinations. The more advanced tests certify HVAC technicians for specific types of equipment, like oil-burning furnaces.
An HVAC technician should have excellent interpersonal communication skills. They will be depending on a variety of clients for business, and may have to sell service contracts to cover installed equipment. Given the increasingly computerized nature of HVAC systems, computer skills are helpful. Additionally, HVAC technicians should be in reasonably good shape. They will be on their feet and doing physical labor for a considerable amount of their work day.
HVAC Technician Salary and Wages
The median wages for an HVAC technician were $19.08 per hour in May of 2008. HVAC technicians working in cities and for the government received a higher hourly wage. Apprentices were paid a wage 50% less than that of an experienced HVAC technician. As the apprentice gains experience, their wage will gradually increase until it is in line with the median hourly wage for an HVAC technician.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
HVAC Technician Certifications
Depending upon the state of employment, an HVAC technician may need both a local and state license to operate.
Entry-level certification examinations are conducted by the HVAC industry to test basic competency with broad categories of HVAC installation and maintenance.
In addition, a number of HVAC agencies offers certification for more advanced HVAC technicians. Some examples of advanced certification exams include HVAC Excellence’s Secondary Employment Ready Exam and Secondary Heat and Heat Plus exams. These certifications ensure competency in various advanced aspects of HVAC maintenance and installation. Often, a certification increases both advancement opportunities and the chances of a raise. Employers suggest taking as many certifications as possible to broaden an HVAC technician’s skills.
HVAC Technician Professional Associations
Despite its name, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is an international HVAC organization and counts more than 51,000 members. First founded in 1894, ASHRAE promotes the advancement of HVAC technology for all people. It also publishes a list of HVAC standards, which are considered a guide for architects and references for building codes.
Smaller HVAC professional associations also are formed around specialties, such as the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Safety Coalition.
Roughly 16 percent of HVAC technicians belong to a union, with unions also specializing in HVAC aspects.
Gunsmithing Job Description & Career Opportunities
There are estimated to be at least 200 million firearms in the United States today. At any given time, some might need repairs, maintenance or cleaning. A person who repairs, modifies or builds firearms is called a gunsmith. This is a good professional choice for a person who likes to work with their hands and can creatively resolve mechanical problems.
A gunsmith’s job is to troubleshoot, repair, disassemble and reassemble all types of firearms ranging from handguns, rifles and shotguns. In addition, they can also diagnose and fix accuracy problems.
Many gunsmithing jobs require or strongly prefer candidates with a certificate in gunsmithing. Check out the programs below which offer free information:
Professional Gunsmithing Program by Ashworth College
Gunsmith by Penn Foster Career School
Gunsmith Job Responsibilities
The responsibility of a gunsmith is to ensure that the firearms they work on function safely. During inspection, gunsmiths use their in-depth knowledge to determine if there are any unsafe mechanical problems with a firearm. They either repair or adjust a firearm to make sure that it is safe to use/shoot.
The following are just a few of the problems that might be encountered by a gunsmith:
Firearm is improperly assembled
Malfunctioning safety mechanism
Obstructed, dented or bent barrels
Parts missing
Location of the chamber and bolt outside of specified tolerances
Deformed firing-pins
Some parts are cracked
Timing is inaccurate
Sear edges are worn
Since there are a wide variety of firearms, many gunsmiths specialize in certain aspects of the profession. Some specialize only in shotguns, pistols or certain brands and models. Some specialties are listed below:
Custom designer and/or builder: Builds firearms from scratch using raw materials and custom specifications.
Finisher: Applies special finishes for color, to prevent corrosion, and more.
Stockmaker: Carves and finishes stocks from many types of wood and fits the metal parts of the firearm in accordance to the required body dimensions.
Checker: This skill is frequently combined with that of a stockmaker by using checkering tools to decorate the stock of a firearm.
Gun engraver: Cuts simple/elegant designs or pictures into various parts of the metal surface of a gun.
Pistolsmith: Works primarily on pistols and revolvers.
Manufacturer: Works as a small manufacturer of firearms, usually specializing in only a small selection of firearms.
The following are only a few things that a general gunsmith can accomplish:
Repair ejecting & firing problems
Inspect, disassemble, clean, oil and reassemble
Repair damaged parts
Repair barrels on dented shotguns or install new ones
Re-blue metal parts
Change the caliber of an existing barrel
Refinish or repair wooden stocks
Building a custom designed firearm starting with blank steel, wood, and gunsmith tools.
To become a gunsmith, it requires the knowledge of many trades. Basic mechanical knowledge, metalworking skills, engraving and wood-working knowledge are necessary. Metalworking skills help when forging iron and steel into a gun barrel. When pieces of the firearm are put together, basic mechanical knowledge is necessary. Wood-working skills are helpful when making a stock out of maple, cherry or walnut and fitting the metal parts into place. Decorative engraving is usually the final work done on the metal part of a gun. The ability to produce precise and accurate work is absolutely necessary to become a successful gunsmith.
Gunsmithing Training and Education Requirements
Many gunsmiths learn their trade working with other gunsmiths and through years of experience. Below are some ways to learn the trade:
Attending a well-known gunsmith school
Taking correspondence courses or attending community colleges
By working as an apprentice directly with a gunsmith
Taking short courses offered by the National Rifle Association
By involvement in firearm training in the military
A few tools are listed below that must be mastered in order to become a gunsmith:
Specific tools for firearms
Variety of hand tools
Bench clamps and vises
Vises for barrels
Action wrenches
Power and hand tools
Drill bits
Rasps and files
Tools for engraving
Hammers, punches and stamps
Bolt tools
Gun checking tools
Gunsmithing Salary and Wages
The wages of a gunsmith varies widely, according to the location, the specialization, and other variables. Per www.salarylist.com, the average salary is $36,267 and per www.payscale.com, the average salaries range from $25,470 to $48,605.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Gunsmithing Certifications
There are a few colleges across the United States that offers certificates and associate degree programs to certify a gunsmith. Possessing a gunsmith certification qualifies someone to work in factories, armories, law enforcement agencies, in sporting good stores, small gunsmith shops, and with antique gun dealers. They can become specialists in certain models and brands of firearms.
Gunsmithing Professional Associations
Gunsmiths have found that visiting www.american-gunsmith.com and placing an order for their magazine serves as a type of professional association with others who share a love of the profession.
A gunsmith must work well with customers and keep abreast of federal, state and local laws regarding firearms. Word-of-mouth news spreads easily regarding the quality of the work of a gunsmith. A skilled and talented gunsmith can command premium prices for their services.
A gunsmith’s job is to troubleshoot, repair, disassemble and reassemble all types of firearms ranging from handguns, rifles and shotguns. In addition, they can also diagnose and fix accuracy problems.
Many gunsmithing jobs require or strongly prefer candidates with a certificate in gunsmithing. Check out the programs below which offer free information:
Professional Gunsmithing Program by Ashworth College
Gunsmith by Penn Foster Career School
Gunsmith Job Responsibilities
The responsibility of a gunsmith is to ensure that the firearms they work on function safely. During inspection, gunsmiths use their in-depth knowledge to determine if there are any unsafe mechanical problems with a firearm. They either repair or adjust a firearm to make sure that it is safe to use/shoot.
The following are just a few of the problems that might be encountered by a gunsmith:
Firearm is improperly assembled
Malfunctioning safety mechanism
Obstructed, dented or bent barrels
Parts missing
Location of the chamber and bolt outside of specified tolerances
Deformed firing-pins
Some parts are cracked
Timing is inaccurate
Sear edges are worn
Since there are a wide variety of firearms, many gunsmiths specialize in certain aspects of the profession. Some specialize only in shotguns, pistols or certain brands and models. Some specialties are listed below:
Custom designer and/or builder: Builds firearms from scratch using raw materials and custom specifications.
Finisher: Applies special finishes for color, to prevent corrosion, and more.
Stockmaker: Carves and finishes stocks from many types of wood and fits the metal parts of the firearm in accordance to the required body dimensions.
Checker: This skill is frequently combined with that of a stockmaker by using checkering tools to decorate the stock of a firearm.
Gun engraver: Cuts simple/elegant designs or pictures into various parts of the metal surface of a gun.
Pistolsmith: Works primarily on pistols and revolvers.
Manufacturer: Works as a small manufacturer of firearms, usually specializing in only a small selection of firearms.
The following are only a few things that a general gunsmith can accomplish:
Repair ejecting & firing problems
Inspect, disassemble, clean, oil and reassemble
Repair damaged parts
Repair barrels on dented shotguns or install new ones
Re-blue metal parts
Change the caliber of an existing barrel
Refinish or repair wooden stocks
Building a custom designed firearm starting with blank steel, wood, and gunsmith tools.
To become a gunsmith, it requires the knowledge of many trades. Basic mechanical knowledge, metalworking skills, engraving and wood-working knowledge are necessary. Metalworking skills help when forging iron and steel into a gun barrel. When pieces of the firearm are put together, basic mechanical knowledge is necessary. Wood-working skills are helpful when making a stock out of maple, cherry or walnut and fitting the metal parts into place. Decorative engraving is usually the final work done on the metal part of a gun. The ability to produce precise and accurate work is absolutely necessary to become a successful gunsmith.
Gunsmithing Training and Education Requirements
Many gunsmiths learn their trade working with other gunsmiths and through years of experience. Below are some ways to learn the trade:
Attending a well-known gunsmith school
Taking correspondence courses or attending community colleges
By working as an apprentice directly with a gunsmith
Taking short courses offered by the National Rifle Association
By involvement in firearm training in the military
A few tools are listed below that must be mastered in order to become a gunsmith:
Specific tools for firearms
Variety of hand tools
Bench clamps and vises
Vises for barrels
Action wrenches
Power and hand tools
Drill bits
Rasps and files
Tools for engraving
Hammers, punches and stamps
Bolt tools
Gun checking tools
Gunsmithing Salary and Wages
The wages of a gunsmith varies widely, according to the location, the specialization, and other variables. Per www.salarylist.com, the average salary is $36,267 and per www.payscale.com, the average salaries range from $25,470 to $48,605.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Gunsmithing Certifications
There are a few colleges across the United States that offers certificates and associate degree programs to certify a gunsmith. Possessing a gunsmith certification qualifies someone to work in factories, armories, law enforcement agencies, in sporting good stores, small gunsmith shops, and with antique gun dealers. They can become specialists in certain models and brands of firearms.
Gunsmithing Professional Associations
Gunsmiths have found that visiting www.american-gunsmith.com and placing an order for their magazine serves as a type of professional association with others who share a love of the profession.
A gunsmith must work well with customers and keep abreast of federal, state and local laws regarding firearms. Word-of-mouth news spreads easily regarding the quality of the work of a gunsmith. A skilled and talented gunsmith can command premium prices for their services.
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