Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

What the job really is

Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-4035
• 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:

• Remove workpieces from machines, and check to ensure that they conform to specifications, using measuring instruments such as microscopes, gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
• Verify alignment of workpieces on machines, using measuring instruments such as rules, gauges, or calipers.
• Move controls to set cutting specifications, to position cutting tools and workpieces in relation to each other, and to start machines.
• Observe milling or planing machine operation, and adjust controls to ensure conformance with specified tolerances.
• Select and install cutting tools and other accessories according to specifications, using hand tools or power tools.
• Position and secure workpieces on machines, using holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools, and hoists.
• Replace worn tools, using hand tools, and sharpen dull tools, using bench grinders.
• Study blueprints, layouts, sketches, or work orders to assess workpiece specifications and to determine tooling instructions, tools and materials needed, and sequences of operations.
• Compute dimensions, tolerances, and angles of workpieces or machines according to specifications and knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
• Move cutters or material manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to mill workpieces to specifications.
• Mount attachments and tools, such as pantographs, engravers, or routers, to perform other operations, such as drilling or boring.
• Select cutting speeds, feed rates, and depths of cuts, applying knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD, Extensible markup language XML, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Adjustable spanner wrenches, Allen wrench sets, Automatic tool changers, Bore gauges, Boring bars, Center finders

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
• Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
• Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
• Drilling and Boring 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: Milling and Planing Machine 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.