The Tool and Die Guy

Connecting the Past Generation of Journeymen to the Next One

The Tool Crib: Blueprints, Notebooks, and Drawings I Saved from a Lifetime in The Trade

Welcome to
The Tool and Die Guy.com

My name is Phil Kerner, and in one way or another, my family has been involved in Tool & Die and Precision Machining industries for over 100 years.

We've owned our own shops, worked as toolmakers and general managers, and over the years have seen a lot of changes.

As the youngest of the original clan, somehow I'm the one who kept all of the good stuff: all of the apprenticeship papers, the photographs, and the drawings.

Besides recording over 450 training videos, I've spent a lot of time saving and restoring old drawings, charts and photographs.

This is my body of work, so far. I still work as a Tool & Die Maker right here in Erie, PA.

Thanks for visiting!

Keep Reading

From CNN: Erin Burnett OUTFRONT Show on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. CNN senior domestic correspondent Phil Mattingly and his crew spent a few hours at my home. We spent over an hour talking about manufacturing, apprenticeships, and training. Obviously, they couldn't air the entire segment, and this is the portion that aired that evening.

Here's a link to a much more in-depth piece that was published on CNN.com.

QUICK LINKS:

Training for All Levels of Manufacturing

Over 400 in-depth training videos from a Certified Journeyman Tool & Die Maker, PLUS many set-up and machining lessons for machinists. Also lots of design and engineering tips. One-time fee, Lifetime Access. Click HERE for more information.

The Tool & Die Guy in the Media

I will take any opportunity to talk about American Manufacturing with anyone who wants to listen. Print media, local media, national media, podcasters and radio. My main topics are always related to history, training and why it's vital to keep our manufacturing right here in the USA. You can see some of my media work here.

Speaking Events / Keynotes

Nobody speaks with more passion about manufacturing and training. I love to use humor and stories from my 50-year history in manufacturing to illustrate my points, and I speak the language of manufacturing. The only thing I can guarantee is that your guests/attendees won't be bored. From the toolroom to the front office, I can cover any subject.

Expert Witness Services

Every day, someone is injured on the job. Sometimes it's a simple accident such as a small laceration that might require a few stitches, but other times it can result in permanent damage or even loss of limbs. Industrial accidents are never pretty. Who's at fault? The reality is that trial lawyers simply don't know what I know. It's like going into a case completely blind. I am familiar with this work and can most certainly assist your firm. Please click here for more information.

The Satisfaction of Working With Your Hands For a Living:
My Legacy of 45+ Years in Machining, Mold Making, and Design.

The Tool And Die Guy.com Membership

One-time Fee / Over 450 training videos

A lifetime in manufacturing, design, machining, and tool & die making designed for you to take your game to the next level, GUARANTEED.

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"Hello, fellow PA guy here, I just wanted to say thanks. You made my new job so much easier. I'm 50 years old, starting a second career in tool and die, I was a roll grinder in a foundry for 30 years until I found myself out of a job a little over a year ago. I had some knowledge but not much, the worst I had to deal with was a radius here and there, never had to deal with angles. Your "angles made easy" series helped so much with the surface grinding I'm training on now. I thought there was no way I'm gonna learn this, but I'm on a clear path now.

Thanks again, it was worth every penny!"

Dave

Easton, PA