Jobs / Physical work / 51-4034.00
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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.
- US jobs
- 16,710
- Median wage
- $50,620 a year
- Job family
- Physical work
Can agents do the work of lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
We read the evidence at the level of the job family, Physical work:
- Task levelUnexploredNo benchmark in our collection covers this work yet.
- Project levelUnexploredNo benchmark in our collection covers this work yet.
Unexplored territory
No benchmark in this atlas covers this work yet.
Typical tasks
From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.
- Adjust machine controls and change tool settings 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.
- Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.
- Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
- Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.
- Move toolholders manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to feed tools to and along workpieces.
- 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.
- Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines, using hand tools, and verify their positions with measuring instruments.
- Start lathe or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met.
- Program computer numerical control machines.
- Refill, change, and monitor the level of fluids, such as oil and coolant, in machines.
Other job titles for this occupation (80)
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 · Automatic Screwmaker · Automatic Spinning Lathe Operator · Automatic Spinning Lathe Setter · Axle Turner · Back Facer · Balance Recesser · Balance Wheel Facer · Bar Pointer · Bar Turner · Barrel Finisher · Barrel Turner · Bell Spinner · Bevel Mill Operator · Bevel Operator · Bolt Threader · Brake Drum Lathe Operator · Bullard Machine Operator · Bullard Operator · Chaser · Chucker · Chucker Operator · Chucking Machine Setup Operator · CNC Turning Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Turning Machine Operator) · CNC Turning Operator (Computer Numerical Control Turning Operator) · Concaver · Cup Trimming Machine Operator · Deburrer · Dial Lathe Operator · Engine Lathe Operator · Engine Lathe Setup Operator · Engine Lathe Setup Tool Operator · Facing Machine Operator · Fittings Finisher · Fountain Pen Turner · Gear Cutter · Gear Cutting Machine Operator · Gear Cutting Machine Setup Operator · Gear Generator Setup Operator · Gear Hobber · Gear Hobber Operator · Gear Hobber Setup Operator · Gear Machine Operator · Gear Setter · Gear Shaper · Gear Shaver Setup Operator · Grooving Lathe Tender · Gun Profiler · Hand Spinner · Heavy Threader · Hob Machine Operator · Hobber · Hobbing Machine Operator · Hobbing Press Operator · Hydraulic Spinner · Hydrotel Operator · Jewel Bearing Broacher · Jewel Lathe Operator · Knurling Machine Operator · Lap Cutter Truer Operator · Lathe Hand · Lathe Machine Operator · Lathe Scalper Operator · Lathe Setup Operator · Lathe Tender · Lathe Turner · Lathe Winder · Machine Deburrer · Manual Lathe Operator · Manufacturing Associate · Manufacturing Operator · Multiple Spindle Screw Machine Operator