Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Lathe Machine operator job description includes setting up, operate or tending lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials such as wire, rod, or bar stock.
Lathe machine operator skills consists of adjusting machine controls, replacing worn tools, and sharpening dull cutting tools and dies. The job also includes inspecting sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications using gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators. The lathe machine operator will also be responsible to position, secure and aligning cutting tools in tool holders on the machine, using hand tools, and verifying their position with measuring instruments.
To apply for lathe machine operatior jobs one must complete education related to machines and tools including their designs, uses repair, and maintenance. Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications is also required. The desirable skills are operations monitoring, operations and control, quality control analysis, and active listening.
To be successful in lathe machine operator jobs some of the detailed work activities are 1. operate metal or plastic forming equipment 2. operate grinding equipment 3. replace worn equipment components 4. sharpen cutting or grinding tools 5. measure dimensions of workpieces or completed products to verify conformance to specifications.
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.
- ITI Course Machinist
- NSQF Level 3 CNC Operator
- NSQF Level 4 Machining Technician
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 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.
Progression Routes
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