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Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic - 51-4034.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Machinist
  • Lathe Operator
  • Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator (CNC Lathe Operator)
  • Machine Operator
  • Tool Maker
  • Set Up / Operator
  • Computer Numerical Control Machinist (CNC Machinist)
  • Computer Numerical Control Operator (CNC Operator)
  • Numerical Control Operator (NC Operator)
  • Screw Machine Operator

SOC Occupation Groups

51-0000 Production Occupations
51-4000 Metal Workers and Plastic Workers
51-4030 Machine Tool Cutting Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4034.00 Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Adjust machine controls and change tool settings in order to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
  • 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.
  • Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
  • Install holding fixtures, cams, gears, and stops to control stock and tool movement, using hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments.
  • Lift metal stock or workpieces manually or using hoists, and position and secure them in machines, using fasteners and hand tools.
  • Mount attachments, such as relieving or tracing attachments, to perform operations such as duplicating contours of templates or trimming workpieces.
  • Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.
  • Move toolholders manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to feed tools to and along workpieces.
  • Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines, using hand tools, and verify their positions with measuring instruments.
  • Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.
  • Select cutting tools and tooling instructions, according to written specifications or knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
  • Start lath or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met.
  • Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.
  • Turn valve handles to direct the flow of coolant onto work areas or to coat disks with spinning compounds.

Detailed Work Activities

  • adjust production equipment/machinery setup
  • compute production, construction, or installation specifications
  • examine products or work to verify conformance to specifications
  • install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures
  • lay out machining, welding or precision assembly projects
  • load or unload material or workpiece into machinery
  • maintain or repair industrial or related equipment/machinery
  • monitor production machinery/equipment operation to detect problems
  • move or fit heavy objects
  • operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
  • operate lathes
  • operate metal or plastic fabricating equipment/machinery
  • read blueprints
  • read production layouts
  • read specifications
  • read technical drawings
  • read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
  • recognize characteristics of metals
  • set up computer numerical control machines
  • set up production equipment or machinery
  • understand machine setup instructions
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use hand or power tools
  • use precision measuring tools or equipment

Military Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Engine-Lathe Set-Up Operator
  • Engine-Lathe Set-Up Operator, Tool
  • Screw-Machine Operator, Multiple Spindle
  • Screw-Machine Operator, Single Spindle
  • Screw-Machine Set-Up Operator
  • Screw-Machine Set-Up Operator, Single Spindle
  • Spinner, Hand
  • Turret-Lathe Set-Up Operator, Tool

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Balance Recesser
  • Barrel Finisher
  • Bell Spinner
  • Chucking-Machine Set-Up Operator
  • Chucking-Machine Set-Up Operator, Multiple Spindle, Vertical
  • Cup-Trimming-Machine Operator
  • Cutter, V-Groove
  • Deburrer, Machine
  • Engine-Lathe Set-Up Operator
  • Engine-Lathe Set-Up Operator, Tool
  • Facing-Machine Operator
  • Fittings Finisher
  • Fountain Pen Turner
  • Grooving-Lathe Tender
  • Knurling-Machine Operator
  • Lap Cutter-Truer Operator
  • Lathe Hand
  • Lathe Tender
  • Rim-Turning Finisher
  • Screw-Machine Operator, Multiple Spindle
  • Screw-Machine Operator, Single Spindle
  • Screw-Machine Operator, Swiss-Type
  • Screw-Machine Set-Up Operator
  • Screw-Machine Set-Up Operator, Multiple Spindle
  • Screw-Machine Set-Up Operator, Single Spindle
  • Screw-Machine Set-Up Operator, Swiss-Type
  • Screw-Machine Tender
  • Setter, Automatic-Spinning Lathe
  • Spinner, Hand
  • Spinner, Hydraulic
  • Spinning-Lathe Operator, Automatic
  • Threading-Machine Operator
  • Threading-Machine Setter
  • Turret-Lathe Operator, Tumble Tailstock
  • Turret-Lathe Set-Up Operator
  • Turret-Lathe Set-Up Operator, Tool
  • Winding-Lathe Operator