Career Details
Career Details
Back to top

Career Details

51-4032.00 - 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 work pieces.


Key Facts
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Bright Outlook
Career Details
Green Job
Career Details
Current Employment
17,800
Estimate
Forecasted Employment
14,100
Estimate
Change in Employment
-3,700
Estimate
Change in Employment %
-20.5%
Estimate
Tasks
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Tasks
The tasks listed below can be performed to prepare you for a career in this field.
Core
  • 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.
  • Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems.
  • Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces.
  • Lay out reference lines and machining locations on work, using layout tools, and applying knowledge of shop math and layout techniques.
  • Perform minor assembly, such as fastening parts with nuts, bolts, or screws, using power tools or hand tools.
  • Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.
Supplemental
  • Operate tracing attachments to duplicate contours from templates or models.
  • Sharpen cutting tools, using bench grinders.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Knowledge
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Knowledge

The items listed below are organized into sections that contain knowledge useful for pursuing a career in this field. Each section also contains a "Percentage of Importance" statistic that shows how relevant an item is to the occupation.
 Mechanical
  • 75%
    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
 Mathematics
  • 74%
    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
 Production and Processing
  • 62%
    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
 Design
  • 56%
    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
 English Language
  • 56%
    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
 Customer and Personal Service
  • 56%
    Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
 Engineering and Technology
  • 54%
    Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
 Computers and Electronics
  • 52%
    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
 Administration and Management
  • 51%
    Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Tools
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Tools
The tools listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
 Wrenches and drivers
  • Adjustable hand wrenches
 Forming tools
  • Ball peen hammers
 Power tools
  • Bench grinders
 Machinery for working wood and stone and ceramic and the like
  • Boring tools
  • Computerized numerical control CNC boring machines
  • Jig boring machines
 Computers
  • Computer terminals
  • Personal computers
 Metal drilling machines
  • Computerized numerical control CNC drill presses
  • Drill presses
  • Multiple spindle drill presses
  • Radial drill presses
  • Single spindle drill presses
 Cutting and crimping and punching tools
  • Deburring tools
  • Prick punches
  • Utility knives
 Length and thickness and distance measuring instruments
  • Dial calipers
  • Digital micrometers
  • Gauge blocks
  • Go/no-go gauges
  • Height gauges
  • Precision gauges
  • Steel rules
  • Telescoping gauges
 Holding and clamping tools
  • Holding clamps
  • Workshop bench vises
 Metal boring machines
  • Horizontal boring mills
 Drafting supplies
  • Layout scales
 Marking tools
  • Metal scribers
  • Surface gauges
 Hearing protectors
  • Protective ear muffs
 Studs
  • Shims
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Technology
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Technology
The technologies listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
 Business function specific software
  • Automated inventory software
  • Microsoft OfficeHOT
 Industry specific software
  • Computerized numerical control CNC software
 Content authoring and editing software
  • Microsoft ExcelHOT
  • Microsoft WordHOT
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Certifications
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Certifications
FastForward at Virginia's Community Colleges is a short-term training program for high-demand industries, like healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades and infrastructure, helping Virginians get the jobs and salaries they need. Our goal is to get you trained, help you earn your certification, and get you into a career that can support you and your family. Explore the latest training program offerings by visiting FastForward
The certifications listed below are useful to pursue if you are interested in a career in this field.
 Advanced
 Core
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Licensing
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Licensing
The licensing information below is organized into sections and is useful for pursuing if you are interested in a career in this field.
No specific licensing information is listed for this occupation in the area you have selected.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Related Programs
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Programs related to this career, offered by participating institution(s), are listed below.

Clicking on the Degree programs in the list below will take you away from the Careers page.
INSTITUTION
PROGRAMS
Tidewater Community College
Virginia Peninsula Community College