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Career Details

51-4034.00 - Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic


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.


Key Facts
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Bright Outlook
Career Details
Green Job
Career Details
Current Employment
42,900
Estimate
Forecasted Employment
34,300
Estimate
Change in Employment
-8,600
Estimate
Change in Employment %
-20%
Estimate
Tasks
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Tasks
The tasks listed below can be performed to prepare you for a career in this field.
Core
  • 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.
  • Compute unspecified dimensions and machine settings, using knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
  • Install holding fixtures, cams, gears, and stops to control stock and tool movement, using hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments.
  • Move toolholders manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to feed tools to and along workpieces.
  • Turn valve handles to direct the flow of coolant onto work areas or to coat disks with spinning compounds.
  • Refill, change, and monitor the level of fluids, such as oil and coolant, in machines.
Supplemental
  • Mount attachments, such as relieving or tracing attachments, to perform operations, such as duplicating contours of templates or trimming workpieces.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Knowledge
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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.
 Mathematics
  • 75%
    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
 Mechanical
  • 67%
    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
 English Language
  • 65%
    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
 Education and Training
  • 59%
    Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
 Production and Processing
  • 59%
    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
 Computers and Electronics
  • 53%
    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
 Public Safety and Security
  • 52%
    Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
 Engineering and Technology
  • 52%
    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.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Tools
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Tools
The tools listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
 Length and thickness and distance measuring instruments
  • 1-2-3 blocks
  • Bore gauges
  • Coaxial indicators
  • Dial test indicators
  • Digital micrometers
  • Digital radius gauges
  • Drill gauge sets
  • Gage blocks
  • Go/no go gauge sets
  • Inside digital ID calipers
  • Machinists' taper gauges
  • Outside digital OD calipers
  • Plug gauges
  • Screw pitch gauge
  • Sine bars
  • Steel rules
  • Vernier calipers
  • Vernier height gauges
 Wrenches and drivers
  • Allen wrench sets
  • Crescent wrenches
  • Open end hand wrenches
  • Spanner wrenches
  • Straight screwdrivers
  • T handle tap wrenches
 Tool attachments and accessories
  • Automatic tool changers
  • Center finders
  • Center-cutting end mills
  • Electronic edge finders
  • Height setters
  • Lathe chucks
  • Mechanical edge finders
  • Parting off tool holders
  • Tool probes
 Lathes and turning centers
  • Automatic turret lathes
  • Capstan lathes
  • Computer numerically controlled CNC lathes
  • Gang-tool lathes
  • Horizontal lathes
  • Multispindle lathes
  • Swiss turning centers
  • Swiss-style lathes
  • Vertical turning centers
 Forming tools
  • Ball peen hammers
  • Rubber mallets
 Drafting supplies
  • Bevel protractors
  • Trammels
 Metal cutting machine attachments
  • Carbide cutting inserts
  • Cutoff tools
  • Face/turn tools
  • Groove tools
  • Parting off tools
  • Tapping tools
  • Threading tools
 Measuring and layout tools
  • Combination square sets
  • Push-pull rules
  • Steel squares
  • Straight edges
 Indicating and recording instruments
  • Coordinate measuring machines CMM
 Lifting equipment and accessories
  • Electric overhead travelling EOT cranes
  • Fork trucks
  • Jib hoists
 Dispensing tools
  • Lubrication guns
  • Oil dispensing cans
 Power tools
  • Power hacksaws
 Holding and clamping tools
  • Precision milling vises
 Electronic and communication measuring and testing instruments
  • Profile projectors
  • Surface finish comparators
 Hearing protectors
  • Protective ear plugs
 Vision protection and accessories
  • Protective safety glasses
 Safety apparel
  • Safety gloves
 Machining centers
  • Vertical machining centers
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Technology
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Technology
The technologies listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
 Industry specific software
  • Autodesk HSMWorks
  • Computer numerical control CNC editor software
 Business function specific software
  • Inventory tracking software
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Certifications
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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
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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
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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