According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers. | 92% |
| Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices. | 88% |
| Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems. | 88% |
| Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings. | 87% |
| Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences. | 87% |
| Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements. | 86% |
| Compute machine indexings and settings for specified dimensions and base reference points. | 86% |
| Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools. | 85% |
| Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation. | 84% |
| Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications. | 84% |
| 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. | 84% |
| Brush or spray lubricating compounds on workpieces, or turn valve handles and direct flow of coolant against tools and workpieces. | 78% |
| Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps. | 78% |
| Repair or replace machine parts, using hand tools, or notify engineering personnel when corrective action is required. | 75% |
| Maintain stocks of machine parts and machining tools. | 75% |
| Thread and hand-feed materials through machine cutters or abraders. | 70% |
| Adjust air cylinders and setting stops to set traverse lengths and feed arm strokes. | 67% |
| Slide spacers between buffs on spindles to set spacing. | 55% |
