Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Occupation Detailed Description

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic career

General Job Description and Education/Training Levels for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

The main tasks and work activities of Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are to measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences, study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements, read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements. In general, for the Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, operation Monitoring, operation and Control, monitoring, critical Thinking and other 4 skills are required.
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Job Description
EducationThese occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Related ExperienceSome previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Job TrainingEmployees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
ExampleThese occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
The following chart shows the education/training levels for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs. 44.80% of Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have High School Diploma (or the equivalent) and 32.61% of Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have Post-Secondary Certificate.
Less than a High School Diploma
1.49%
High School Diploma (or the equivalent)
44.80%
Post-Secondary Certificate
32.61%
Some College Courses
12.38%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
0.00%
Bachelor's Degree and Above
8.72%

Tasks and Work Activities of Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

  • Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges.
  • Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements.
  • Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.
  • Install tools in spindles.
  • Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.
  • Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices.
  • Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.
  • Turn valves and direct flow of coolants or cutting oil over cutting areas.
  • Operate single- or multiple-spindle drill presses to bore holes so that machining operations can be performed on metal or plastic workpieces.
  • Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations.
  • Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems.
  • Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces.
  • Lay out reference lines and machining locations on work, using layout tools, and applying knowledge of shop math and layout techniques.
  • Perform minor assembly, such as fastening parts with nuts, bolts, or screws, using power tools or hand tools.
  • Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.
  • Operate tracing attachments to duplicate contours from templates or models.
  • Sharpen cutting tools, using bench grinders.
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesUsing either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Getting InformationObserving, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesProviding information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Interacting With ComputersUsing computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeKeeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsIdentifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialInspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsAnalyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMonitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
  • Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
  • Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
  • Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
  • Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
  • Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
  • Replace worn equipment components.
  • Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
  • Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials.
  • Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.
  • Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
  • Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
  • Signal others to coordinate work activities.
  • Lift materials or workpieces using cranes or other lifting equipment.
  • Assemble metal or plastic parts or products.
  • Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.
  • Sharpen cutting or grinding tools.
  • Operate grinding equipment.

Skills and Abilities for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

  • Operation MonitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Operation and ControlControlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • MonitoringMonitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Active ListeningGiving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Near VisionThe ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Control PrecisionThe ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessThe ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Problem SensitivityThe ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Written ComprehensionThe ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Manual DexterityThe ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Oral ComprehensionThe ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • VisualizationThe ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
  • Information OrderingThe ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
  • Written ExpressionThe ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
  • Oral ExpressionThe ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Finger DexterityThe ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
  • Trunk StrengthThe ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
  • Static StrengthThe ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  • Inductive ReasoningThe ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • Reaction TimeThe ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
  • Deductive ReasoningThe ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Rate ControlThe ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
  • Multilimb CoordinationThe ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
  • Speech ClarityThe ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  • Adjustable wrenchese.g. Adjustable hand wrenches
  • Positioning jige.g. Adjustable jigs
  • Ball peen hammere.g. Ball peen hammers
  • Power grinderse.g. Bench grinders
  • Boring machinese.g. Boring tools
  • Mainframe console or dumb terminalse.g. Computer terminals
  • Boring machinese.g. Computerized numerical control CNC boring machines
  • Drill press or radial drille.g. Computerized numerical control CNC drill presses
  • Deburring toole.g. Deburring tools
  • Caliperse.g. Dial calipers
  • Micrometerse.g. Digital micrometers
  • Drill press or radial drille.g. Drill presses
  • Gage block sete.g. Gauge blocks
  • Go or no go gaugee.g. Go/no-go gauges
  • Height gaugese.g. Height gauges
  • Hoistse.g. Hoisting equipment
  • Hold down clampse.g. Holding clamps
  • Horizontal boring machinee.g. Horizontal boring mills
  • Loupese.g. Inspection loupes
  • Boring machinese.g. Jig boring machines
  • MechanicalKnowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • MathematicsKnowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Production and ProcessingKnowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.