More information from O*NET OnLine:

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic - 51-4033.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

Cell Operator
Centerless Grinder Operator
Deburrer
Die Maintenance Technician
Finisher

Grinder
Grinder Operator
Grinding Machine Operator
Process Equipment 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
51-4033.00	Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Related Occupations

51-4023.00	Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4031.00	Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4034.00	Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4035.00	Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4081.00	Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4194.00	Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
51-7042.00	Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
51-9021.00	Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
51-9022.00	Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
51-9032.00	Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Tasks

Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.
Adjust air cylinders and setting stops to set traverse lengths and feed arm strokes.
Brush or spray lubricating compounds on workpieces, or turn valve handles and direct flow of coolant against tools and workpieces.
Compute machine indexings and settings for specified dimensions and base reference points.
Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.
Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps.
Maintain stocks of machine parts and machining tools.
Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.
Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools.
Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings.
Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
Repair or replace machine parts, using hand tools, or notify engineering personnel when corrective action is required.
Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.
Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation.
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.
Slide spacers between buffs on spindles to set spacing.
Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.
Thread and hand-feed materials through machine cutters or abraders.

Detailed Work Activities

Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.
Apply lubricants or coolants to workpieces.
Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
Lay out parts to prepare for assembly.
Lift materials or workpieces using cranes or other lifting equipment.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
Operate cutting equipment.
Operate grinding equipment.
Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
Repair production equipment or tools.
Replace worn equipment components.
Reshape metal workpieces to established specifications.
Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
Select production equipment according to product specifications.
Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures.
Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.