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

Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.

Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.

Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.

Start lathe or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met.

Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines, using hand tools, and verify their positions with measuring instruments.

Crank machines through cycles, stopping to adjust tool positions and machine controls to ensure specified timing, clearances, and tolerances.

Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.

Select cutting tools and tooling instructions, according to written specifications or knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.

Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.

Refill, change, and monitor the level of fluids, such as oil and coolant, in machines.

Install holding fixtures, cams, gears, and stops to control stock and tool movement, using hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments.

Compute unspecified dimensions and machine settings, using knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.

Lift metal stock or workpieces manually or using hoists, and position and secure them in machines, using fasteners and hand tools.

Move toolholders manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to feed tools to and along workpieces.

Turn valve handles to direct the flow of coolant onto work areas or to coat disks with spinning compounds.

Mount attachments, such as relieving or tracing attachments, to perform operations, such as duplicating contours of templates or trimming workpieces.