A professional who operates hydraulic press that forces hard steel hob into soft steel block to form molding die. Respnsibilities include:

• Receives premarked soft steel block and specified hob from set-up worker.
• Places block in retainer ring of press and positions hob on block.
• Places plug block over hob to hold hob in alignment.
• Turns handwheel to raise ram which holds block and hob in place.
• Starts pumps to build up prescribed hydraulic pressure.
• Pulls lever to exert pressure on ram which embeds hob in soft block to specified depth, forming impression die.
• Removes block manually and clamps it in vise.
• Taps block with hammer to loosen hob and removes it from block.
• Inspects die for defects, such as rips or flaws, using magnifying glasses.