Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Also called CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), Drill Operator, Drill Setup Operator, or Machine Operator
What Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic do
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.
Who tends to enjoy it
Hands-on
People who like building, fixing, working with tools, machines, plants, or animals.
Organizing
People who like keeping things accurate, orderly, and running on schedule.
Curious
People who like figuring things out, research, science, and solving problems.
What you'd actually do
- 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.
- Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.
- Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.
- Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations.
- Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.
- Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.
- Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices.
A typical day involves
Skills that matter most
- Operations Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Active Listening
- Speaking
What you'll need to know
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
Where to study for this
College programs that commonly lead to this career, and how many US colleges offer each.
- Machine Tool Technology 299 colleges
Related careers
Production
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Little to some preparation
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Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
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Source: O*NET 31.0 Database (USDOL/ETA), occupation 51-4032.00, used under CC BY 4.0 and modified by Whittle. Program links: NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk. How we build these pages.