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

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-4034
• 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:

• 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.
• Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines, using hand tools, and verify their positions with measuring instruments.
• Start lathe or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met.
• Program computer numerical control machines.
• Refill, change, and monitor the level of fluids, such as oil and coolant, in machines.

Tools and technology

1-2-3 blocks, Allen wrench sets, Autodesk HSMWorks, Automatic tool changers, Automatic turret lathes, Ball peen hammers, Bar feeders, Bench grinders, Bevel protractors, Bore gauges, Boring heads, Capstan lathes

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
• Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
• Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

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: Lathe and Turning 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.