Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Career Overview

Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.

Also Known As

CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist)
Drill Operator
Drill Setup Operator
Machine Operator

Alternate Job Titles

Automatic Driller and Reamer
Automatic Drilling Machine Operator
Barrel Driller
Billet Driller
Bore Mill Operator
Borematic Machine Operator
Borematic Operator
Borer
Boring Machine Operator
Boring Machine Setup Operator
Boring Mill Operator
Boring Mill Setup Operator
Broacher
Chamfering Machine Operator
Choke Reamer

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

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.
Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.
Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.
Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations.
Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.
Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

Mathematics
Production and Processing
Mechanical
English Language
Engineering and Technology

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

Operations Monitoring

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

Control Precision
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Near Vision
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Selective Attention
Problem Sensitivity
Information Ordering
Reaction Time
Visualization

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Cautiousness
Achievement Orientation
Stress Tolerance

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

Support
Relationships
Working Conditions
Independence
Achievement

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year

Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Word
SAP software

Tools & Equipment

Adjustable hand wrenches
Adjustable jigs
Ball peen hammers
Bench grinders
Boring tools
Computer terminals
Computerized numerical control CNC boring machines
Computerized numerical control CNC drill presses
Deburring tools
Dial calipers
Digital micrometers
Drill presses
Gauge blocks
Go/no-go gauges
Height gauges

Work Environment

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
Time Pressure

Salary & Job Market

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$35,360
Median	$46,630
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$65,200

Workers Employed Nationally: 5,310