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

realistic interests meet specifications adjust controls inspect workpiece start machine test product production equipment hand tool instrument

CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator), Lathe Operator, Machine Operator, Setup Operator

What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
  • 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.

Knowledge

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical
  • product and service development

Education and Training

  • teaching and course design

Business

  • customer service

Skills

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • put together small parts with your fingers

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • change when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Initiative
  • Cooperation
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Stress Tolerance

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Object or component oriented development software

  • G-code
  • M-code

Industrial control software

  • Autodesk HSMWorks
  • Computer numerical control CNC editor software

Inventory management software

  • Inventory tracking software

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
some college
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Local Salary Info
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