Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

What the job really is

Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic work pieces.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-4033
• 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:

• Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.
• Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.
• Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
• Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings.
• Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.
• Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.
• Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools.
• Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.
• Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic workpieces.
• Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation.
• Brush or spray lubricating compounds on workpieces, or turn valve handles and direct flow of coolant against tools and workpieces.
• Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps.

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Windows, SAP software, Angle grinders, Barrel finishing machines, Bench clamps, Bore gauges, Buffing machines, Chuck wrenches, Computer numerical control CNC grinding machines

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
• Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
• Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Cutting, Punching, and Press 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

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic — 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.