Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
SOC: 51-4033.00 · Job Zone 2 (Some preparation)
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 work pieces.
Wage & Employment (2024)
Median Wage
$45,190
per year
Mean Wage
$46,600
per year
Employment
70K
workers
Wage Range
$34,980 - $61,550
10th - 90th pct
Wage Distribution
Task Breakdown
18 tasks analyzed
Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.
Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.
Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings.
Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.
Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.
Compute machine indexings and settings for specified dimensions and base reference points.
Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools.
Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation.
Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.
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.
Brush or spray lubricating compounds on workpieces, or turn valve handles and direct flow of coolant against tools and workpieces.
Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps.
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.
Thread and hand-feed materials through machine cutters or abraders.
Adjust air cylinders and setting stops to set traverse lengths and feed arm strokes.
Slide spacers between buffs on spindles to set spacing.
| Task | Category | AI Capability | Risk Score | Time % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers. | - | - | - | |
| Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices. | - | - | - | |
| Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems. | - | - | - | |
| Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings. | - | - | - | |
| Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences. | - | - | - | |
| Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements. | - | - | - | |
| Compute machine indexings and settings for specified dimensions and base reference points. | - | - | - | |
| Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools. | - | - | - | |
| Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation. | - | - | - | |
| Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications. | - | - | - | |
| 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. | - | - | - | |
| Brush or spray lubricating compounds on workpieces, or turn valve handles and direct flow of coolant against tools and workpieces. | - | - | - | |
| Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps. | - | - | - | |
| 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. | - | - | - | |
| Thread and hand-feed materials through machine cutters or abraders. | - | - | - | |
| Adjust air cylinders and setting stops to set traverse lengths and feed arm strokes. | - | - | - | |
| Slide spacers between buffs on spindles to set spacing. | - | - | - |
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