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

• 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 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 lathe 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.
• Compute unspecified dimensions and machine settings, using knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
• Install holding fixtures, cams, gears, and stops to control stock and tool movement, using hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments.
• 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.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.

• Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.