Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

What the job really is

Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut or slice materials, such as glass, stone, cork, rubber, tobacco, food, paper, or insulating material.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-9032
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut or slice materials, such as glass, stone, cork, rubber, tobacco, food, paper, or insulating material.
• Review work orders, blueprints, specifications, or job samples to determine components, settings, and adjustments for cutting and slicing machines.
• Examine, measure, and weigh materials or products to verify conformance to specifications, using measuring devices, such as rulers, micrometers, or scales.
• Press buttons, pull levers, or depress pedals to start and operate cutting and slicing machines.
• Start machines to verify setups, and make any necessary adjustments.
• Feed stock into cutting machines, onto conveyors, or under cutting blades, by threading, guiding, pushing, or turning handwheels.
• Monitor operation of cutting or slicing machines to detect malfunctions or to determine whether supplies need replenishment.
• Stack and sort cut material for packaging, further processing, or shipping, according to types and sizes of material.
• Adjust machine controls to alter position, alignment, speed, or pressure.
• Remove completed materials or products from cutting or slicing machines, and stack or store them for additional processing.
• Maintain production records, such as quantities, types, and dimensions of materials produced.
• Remove defective or substandard materials from machines, and readjust machine components so that products meet standards.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, SAP software, Automatic chucking machines, Benchtop grinders, Boring mills, Cleaning brushes, Cleaning scrapers, Computer numerically controlled CNC cutting machines, Conveyor belt systems, Cutoff saws

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
• Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood
• Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
• Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.