Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Also called CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator), Lathe Operator, Machine Operator, or Setup Operator
What Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic do
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod, or bar stock.
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
- 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.
- Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.
- Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
- Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.
- Move toolholders manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to feed tools to and along workpieces.
- Compute unspecified dimensions and machine settings, using 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.
A typical day involves
Skills that matter most
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Equipment Maintenance
What you'll need to know
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
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
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Source: O*NET 31.0 Database (USDOL/ETA), occupation 51-4034.00, used under CC BY 4.0 and modified by Whittle. Program links: NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk. How we build these pages.