Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.
Related:
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, & Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, & Wall
Milling & Planing Machine Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic
Work Activities
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Monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary, stopping machines when problems occur.
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Inspect, feel, and measure workpieces to ensure that surfaces and dimensions meet specifications.
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Study blueprints or layouts of metal workpieces to determine grinding procedures, and to plan machine setups and operational sequences.
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Select and mount grinding wheels on machines, according to specifications, using hand tools and applying knowledge of abrasives and grinding procedures.
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Compute numbers, widths, and angles of cutting tools, micrometers, scales, and gauges, and adjust tools to produce specified cuts.
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Turn valves to direct flow of coolant against cutting wheels and workpieces during grinding.
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Set up and operate grinding or polishing machines to grind metal workpieces, such as dies, parts, and tools.
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Dress grinding wheels, according to specifications.
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File or finish surfaces of workpieces, using prescribed hand tools.
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Remove finished workpieces from machines and place them in boxes or on racks, setting aside pieces that are defective.
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Perform basic maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating machine parts.
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Fit parts together in pre-assembly to ensure that dimensions are accurate.
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Attach workpieces to grinding machines and form specified sections and repair cracks, using welding or brazing equipment.
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Duplicate workpiece contours, using tracer attachments.
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Inspect dies to detect defects, assess wear, and verify specifications, using micrometers, steel gauge pins, and loupes.
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Remove and replace worn or broken machine parts, using hand tools.
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Place workpieces in electroplating solutions or apply pigments to surfaces of workpieces to highlight ridges and grooves.
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Straighten workpieces and remove dents, using straightening presses and hammers.
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Education
High school diploma or equivalent
- Work Experience
No work experience
- Training
1 to 12 months on-the-job training
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Realistic:
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
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Attention to Detail
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Dependability
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Independence
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Adaptability/Flexibility
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Cooperation
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Analytical Thinking
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Power grinders
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Calipers
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Bench grinder
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Automatic lathe or chucking machine
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Angle gauge
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Spreadsheet software
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Electronic mail software
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Data base user interface and query software
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Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
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Computer aided design CAD and computer aided manufacturing CAM system
