Career & application guide

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

Get to know the work, the skills that matter, and how to prepare your next application.

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What do lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic do?

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.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

Job titles to recognize in your search

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

  • CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator)
  • CNC Setup Operator (Computer Numerical Control Setup Operator)
  • Lathe Operator
  • Machine Operator
  • Numerical Control Operator (NC Operator)
  • Screw Machine Operator
  • Screw Machine Tool Setter
  • Setup Operator

Core tasks to compare with a job posting

  • 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.
  • Crank machines through cycles, stopping to adjust tool positions and machine controls to ensure specified timing, clearances, and tolerances.
  • Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines, using hand tools, and verify their positions with measuring instruments.
  • Start lathe or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met.

Prepare an application for this occupation

  1. Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
  2. Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
  3. Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
  4. Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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