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

Career Overview

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.

Also Known As

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

Alternate Job Titles

Automatic Screwmaker
Automatic Spinning Lathe Operator
Automatic Spinning Lathe Setter
Axle Turner
Back Facer
Balance Recesser
Balance Wheel Facer
Bar Pointer
Bar Turner
Barrel Finisher
Barrel Turner
Bell Spinner
Bevel Mill Operator
Bevel Operator
Bolt Threader

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

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.
Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.
Move toolholders manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to feed tools to and along workpieces.
Compute unspecified dimensions and machine settings, using knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

Production and Processing
Mechanical
Engineering and Technology

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

Control Precision
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Near Vision
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Visualization
Rate Control
Reaction Time
Multilimb Coordination
Oral Comprehension

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Cautiousness
Achievement Orientation
Perseverance

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

Support
Achievement
Independence
Working Conditions
Recognition

Education & Preparation

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

Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years

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

Tools & Equipment

1-2-3 blocks
Allen wrench sets
Automatic tool changers
Automatic turret lathes
Ball peen hammers
Bar feeders
Bench grinders
Bevel protractors
Bore gauges
Boring heads
Capstan lathes
Carbide cutting inserts
Center finders
Center-cutting end mills
Coaxial indicators

Work Environment

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Spend Time Standing
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

Salary & Job Market

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$36,200
Median	$48,620
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$65,450

Workers Employed Nationally: 18,970