Advanced Manufacturing
At A Glance: Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials.
Such workers require a few months to one year of working with experienced employees, and sometimes individuals are required to complete an apprenticeship program. Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders earn approximately $18.84 an hour.
Entry Level Requirements
High School Diploma
To become a lathe and turning machine tool setter, operator, and/or tender requires at least a high school diploma. Some positions require a post-secondary certificate.
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How much can I make?
Hourly Rate: $12 - $29/HR.
Job Details: Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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Commonly Performed Tasks
There are many tasks that lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders perform regularly. They work with a variety of machines and tools, adjusting and maintaining to create quality parts. When they have completed a part, they are responsible for inspecting and measuring to ensure it meets specifications.
- Start, operate and monitor metal or plastic forming equipment
- Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances
- Replace worn tools and sharpen dull tools and dies with bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines
- Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications using gauges, micrometers, etc.
- Position and secure cutting tools on machines and verify their positions with measuring instruments
Required Job Skills
Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders require specific skills, abilities, and knowledge to do their jobs effectively. They must be able to monitor themselves, others, and machines. They must be able to operate machines and conduct quality control analyses to produce parts with precision and accuracy.
- Identify, analyze, and solve complex problems
- Concentrate on a task without being distracted
- Knowledge of materials, processes, and systems
- Effective oral and written communication
- Knowledge of machines, tools, and materials
Education & Training Information
Programs and Opportunities
Westmoreland County Community College
Program: Journeyman Machining Technology
Certification: Certificate
Length: 1 Year
Eastern Gateway Community College - Youngstown Campus
Program: Intro to CNC Lathe
Certification: Certificate
Length: 6-8 Weeks
Butler County Community College - Main Campus
Program: Machine Tool Technology
Certification: Certificate
Length: 1 Year
Eastern Gateway Community College - Youngstown Campus
Program: Machining
Certification: Associate's Degree
Length: 2 Years
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Program: Machine Tool Technology
Certification: Associate's Degree
Length: 2 Years