National

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

Tasks

• Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
• Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.
• Adjust machine controls and change tool settings in order to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
• Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.
• Start lath or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met.
• Select cutting tools and tooling instructions, according to written specifications or 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.
• Lift metal stock or workpieces manually or using hoists, and position and secure them in machines, using fasteners and hand tools.
• Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.
• Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines, using hand tools, and verify their positions with measuring instruments.

47-2211.00	Sheet Metal Workers
51-4011.00	Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, 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
51-4111.00	Tool and Die Makers
51-5023.00	Printing Machine Operators
51-9041.00	Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
51-9051.00	Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
51-9141.00	Semiconductor Processors