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Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Tasks


Core Tasks Include:

  • Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as gauges or micrometers.
  • Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps.
  • Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic workpieces.
  • Observe machine operations to detect any problems; make necessary adjustments to correct problems.
  • Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, utilizing knowledge of machine operation.
  • Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.
  • Select machine tooling to be used, utilizing knowledge of machine and production requirements.
  • Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.
  • Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools.
  • Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.
  • Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings.
  • Brush or spray lubricating compounds on workpieces, or turn valve handles and direct flow of coolant against tools and workpieces.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

  • Compute machine indexings and settings for specified dimensions and base reference points.
  • Slide spacers between buffs on spindles in order to set spacing.
  • Thread and hand-feed materials through machine cutters or abraders.
  • Adjust air cylinders and setting stops to set traverse lengths and feed arm strokes.
  • Repair or replace machine parts, using hand tools, or notify engineering personnel when corrective action is required.
  • Maintain stocks of machine parts and machining tools.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.