Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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 workpieces.
Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators and tenders, metal and plastic operate drilling machines that drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic workpieces. They verify the conformance of machined work to specifications, with the help of measuring instruments, such as callipers, micrometres, or fixed or telescoping gauges.
Boring machine operators use boring tools like boring bars, boring heads, and starter drills.
They study blueprints, determine dimensions and specifications and set up the sequence of operations. They use their knowledge and experience to set cutting speed, feed rates, cutting depth, and install boring tools into spindles.
The drilling machine operator job involves inspecting tools and replacing those that have worn out, inspecting machines for problems, establishing zero reference points, and lifting workpieces onto work tables.
A high school diploma is required and learning happens on the job working under experienced workers. They work in the manufacturing and cluster production industry in hazardous environments and need to use personal protection equipment. They may be exposed to high sound levels, pollutants, and dust and need to be standing most of the time.
To succeed in drilling machine operations, one needs clear long and near vision, physical strength to push, pull or carry objects, and using abdominal and lower back muscles repeatedly without tiring. Knowledge of maths and good communication skills are helpful.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- NSQF Level 4 Machining Technician
- ITI Course Machinist
Tasks
- Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges.
- Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or 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.
Progression Routes
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