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Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Occupation Detailed Description

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic career

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

The main tasks and work activities of Lathe and Turning 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, read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements, operate metal or plastic forming equipment. In general, for the Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, operation Monitoring, operation and Control, quality Control Analysis, monitoring and other 3 skills are required.
Lathe and Turning 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 Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs. 68.35% of Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have High School Diploma (or the equivalent) and 19.58% of Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have Post-Secondary Certificate.
Less than a High School Diploma
2.03%
High School Diploma (or the equivalent)
68.35%
Post-Secondary Certificate
19.58%
Some College Courses
0.60%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
9.43%
Bachelor's Degree and Above
0.01%

Tasks and Work Activities of Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

  • Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
  • Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.
  • Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
  • Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.
  • Start lathe or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met.
  • Select cutting tools and tooling instructions, according to written specifications or knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
  • Crank machines through cycles, stopping to adjust tool positions and machine controls to ensure specified timing, clearances, and tolerances.
  • Lift metal stock or workpieces manually or using hoists, and position and secure them in machines, using fasteners and hand tools.
  • Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.
  • Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines, using hand tools, and verify their positions with measuring instruments.
  • Compute unspecified dimensions and machine settings, using knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
  • Install holding fixtures, cams, gears, and stops to control stock and tool movement, using hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments.
  • Move toolholders manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to feed tools to and along workpieces.
  • Turn valve handles to direct the flow of coolant onto work areas or to coat disks with spinning compounds.
  • Mount attachments, such as relieving or tracing attachments, to perform operations, such as duplicating contours of templates or trimming workpieces.
  • Refill, change, and monitor the level of fluids, such as oil and coolant, in machines.
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesUsing either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialInspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Getting InformationObserving, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsUsing relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMonitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • 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.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsIdentifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesProviding information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Documenting/Recording InformationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
  • Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
  • Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
  • Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
  • Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
  • Operate cutting equipment.
  • Monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed.
  • Select production equipment according to product specifications.
  • Conduct test runs of production equipment.
  • Lift materials or workpieces using cranes or other lifting equipment.
  • Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
  • Replace worn equipment components.
  • Sharpen cutting or grinding tools.
  • Operate grinding equipment.
  • Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
  • Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
  • Install mechanical components in production equipment.
  • Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.
  • Perform basic equipment maintenance.

Skills and Abilities for Lathe and Turning 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.
  • Quality Control AnalysisConducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • MonitoringMonitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Near VisionThe ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Reaction TimeThe ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
  • Finger DexterityThe ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
  • 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.
  • Manual DexterityThe ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Selective AttentionThe ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
  • 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.
  • Deductive ReasoningThe ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • Oral ExpressionThe ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • 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.
  • Written ComprehensionThe ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Oral ComprehensionThe ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Gage block sete.g. 1-2-3 blocks
  • Allen wrenche.g. Allen wrench sets
  • Tool holderse.g. Automatic tool changers
  • Turret lathee.g. Automatic turret lathes
  • Ball peen hammere.g. Ball peen hammers
  • Conveyor feederse.g. Bar feeders
  • Bench grindere.g. Bench grinders
  • Protractorse.g. Bevel protractors
  • Hole gaugee.g. Bore gauges
  • Boring toole.g. Boring heads
  • Turret lathee.g. Capstan lathes
  • Insert carbidee.g. Carbide cutting inserts
  • Tool template setse.g. Center finders
  • End millse.g. Center-cutting end mills
  • Dial indicator or dial gaugee.g. Coaxial indicators
  • Combination squaree.g. Combination square sets
  • Automatic lathe or chucking machinee.g. Computer numerically controlled CNC lathes
  • Coordinate measuring machines CMMe.g. Coordinate measuring machines CMM
  • Adjustable wrenchese.g. Crescent wrenches
  • Lathe bite.g. Cutoff tools
  • MathematicsKnowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • MechanicalKnowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.