Grind
Grind turns up in 2 fields: machine shop, shop slang. Here is what it means to the people in each one.
Grind in machine shop
To remove material using a spinning abrasive wheel or belt.
To cut away metal using abrasive particles rather than a solid cutting edge. This process achieves extremely tight tolerances and fine surface finishes that are impossible with standard milling or turning. It is typically reserved for hardened metals or the final finishing pass on precision components.
"We need to grind those hardened pins down by a couple tenths to get them to fit."
Grind in shop slang
The relentless, repetitive, and often exhausting daily work required to meet production quotas.
The grind refers to the heavy, continuous effort needed to get through a long shift or a difficult project phase. It describes the physical and mental stamina required when the workload is high, tasks are monotonous, and deadlines are tight. Workers use the term to acknowledge the shared burden of pushing through fatigue to achieve the required output.
"We've three more pallets to clear before Friday, so let's get back to the grind."