GROUND HAND

Navasota TX

Description

    GROUND HAND JOB DUTIES   The ground hand is responsible for making sure the blacksmith can focus on his essential job duties. In order to do this the ground hand has to make sure the necessary equipment and tools are by the press and ready to be implemented at a moment’s notice. These duties include but are not limited to the following list:   1. Ensure the lube is ready for the day. Whatever you need to do to make this happen, do it. Get creative and always think ahead. If you want to have multiple buckets, one large bucket, or just refill the same bucket, just make sure there is always lube ready for use. Mix with water to a ratio of 3:1. Make sure to stir the bottom of the barrel before scooping out your bucket for the day. It will ensure you get the proper mix ratio and will keep the tooling from needing to be conditioned as much.   2. Double check the bottom plugs and pots. If needed take some extra effort and right them down for the blacksmith to see. If there are any issues notify the blacksmith immediately. The less time spent looking for tooling the better.   3. Any tools that you may need on a day to day basis, make sure you have them ready to use. These things can include items such as tongs, calipers, knockout blocks, mops, proper air hose function, or even plenty of lube to make it through the week. It takes a while to get the die lube sent to use so give at least a ¾’s barrel notice to make sure we have enough to make it until the next delivery. We order this on an as needed basis. Gloves, ear plugs, tape measures and glasses. Check these items often and make note of what’s needed so more can be ordered ahead of time. Ensure you have water over by the press. If none is available, then let the blacksmith know. It takes a bit to get some over there.   4. Talk to the blacksmith and get an idea of the order that he is wishing to do things. Remember plans change but if you have an idea of the direction that things are heading then you can be more prepared for what’s next. If you are lacking in preparedness, that is no one’s fault but your own. Take initiative and get ready for the next step of operations. If you don’t know then ask.   5. Make sure there are plenty of a variety of bottom plug spacers. If not let the blacksmith know. If there are any that are bent or uneven dispose of them and get them replaced.   6. Blow the die off. And the plates often. Make sure to clean all around the dies. It will take less time to do die changes if you keep the scale from around the press. While changing dies, ensure there is no scale in between them. If you have scale in between the dies it will break the dies on top of the scale.   7. Keep floor dry on the plates to make sure the Hyster’s do not slide.   8. On top of all of this, you also need to be accessible to the blacksmith at all times. If for some reason you will not be able to be let him know in advance.   9. Keep the area clean and free from trash and debris. A clean work area is a safe work area.   Like mentioned before these duties do not include all the possible things required but a list of things that you need to keep in mind on your day to day checklist. Take initiative and go the extra mile. If you think of other things that need to be done, then do them. If anything is unclear, then ask them to be explained to you. There isn’t a reason not to ask questions.