National
| Median wages (2008) |
$14.83 hourly, $30,850 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
43,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Decline rapidly (-10% or lower)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
9,000 additional employees |
51-4032.00 - Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.
Sample of reported job titles:
Machine Operator, Drill Operator, Drill Setup Operator, Computer Numerical Control Set-Up Operator (CNC Set-Up Operator), Drill Press Operator, Radial Drill Operator, Assembler, Bore Mill Operator, Computer Numerical Control Drilling Operator (CNC Drilling Operator), Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator (CNC Machine Operator)
Tasks
- Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, and fixed and telescoping gauges.
- Study machining instructions, job orders, and blueprints to determine dimensional and finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, and tooling requirements.
- Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.
- Install tools in spindles.
- Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.
- Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices.
- Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.
- Turn valves and direct flow of coolants or cutting oil over cutting areas.
- Operate single- or multiple-spindle drill presses to bore holes so that machining operations can be performed on metal or plastic workpieces.
- Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Boring machines — Computerized numerical control CNC boring machines |
| Boring tools — Horizontal boring mills; Jig boring machines |
| Gage block set — Gauge blocks; Precision gauges |
| Gauges or inspection fixtures — Surface gauges; Telescoping gauges |
| Positioning jig — Adjustable jigs |
| Workshop presses — Computerized numerical control CNC drill presses; Multiple spindle drill presses; Radial drill presses; Single spindle drill presses |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Industrial control software — Computerized numerical control CNC software |
| Inventory management software — Automated inventory software |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
| Word processing software — Microsoft Word |
| 51-2021.00 |
Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers |
| 51-4022.00 |
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic |
| 51-4031.00 |
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 
|
| 51-4033.00 |
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic |
| 51-4062.00 |
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic |
| 51-4111.00 |
Tool and Die Makers |
| 51-4194.00 |
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners |
