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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

CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator)
CNC Setup Operator (Computer Numerical Control Setup Operator)
Lathe Operator
Machine Operator
Numerical Control Operator (NC Operator)

Screw Machine Operator
Screw Machine Tool Setter
Setup Operator
Turn 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

51-4022.00	Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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
51-4032.00	Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4033.00	Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing 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
51-9032.00	Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Tasks

Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
Clean work area.
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.
Program computer numerical control machines.
Refill, change, and monitor the level of fluids, such as oil and coolant, in machines.
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 lathe 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 equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.
Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
Clean work areas.
Conduct test runs of production equipment.
Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
Install mechanical components in production equipment.
Lift materials or workpieces using cranes or other lifting equipment.
Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
Monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed.
Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
Operate cutting equipment.
Operate grinding equipment.
Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
Perform basic equipment maintenance.
Program equipment to perform production tasks.
Program robotic equipment.
Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
Replace worn equipment components.
Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
Select production equipment according to product specifications.
Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
Sharpen cutting or grinding tools.