Career & application guide

Milling and Planing Machine 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 milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic do?

Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.

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 Licensed Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Licensed Mill Operator)
  • CNC Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator)
  • CNC Mill Operator (Computerized Numerical Control Mill Operator)
  • CNC Mill Set Up Operator (Computerized Numerical Control Mill Set Up Operator)
  • Machine Operator
  • Machine Set Up Operator
  • Mill Operator
  • Miller

Core tasks to compare with a job posting

  • Remove workpieces from machines, and check to ensure that they conform to specifications, using measuring instruments such as microscopes, gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
  • Verify alignment of workpieces on machines, using measuring instruments such as rules, gauges, or calipers.
  • Move controls to set cutting specifications, to position cutting tools and workpieces in relation to each other, and to start machines.
  • Observe milling or planing machine operation, and adjust controls to ensure conformance with specified tolerances.
  • Select and install cutting tools and other accessories according to specifications, using hand tools or power tools.
  • Position and secure workpieces on machines, using holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools, and hoists.
  • Replace worn tools, using hand tools, and sharpen dull tools, using bench grinders.
  • Study blueprints, layouts, sketches, or work orders to assess workpiece specifications and to determine tooling instructions, tools and materials needed, and sequences of operations.
  • Compute dimensions, tolerances, and angles of workpieces or machines according to specifications and knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
  • Move cutters or material manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to mill workpieces to specifications.

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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