Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

• Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps.
• 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.
• Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
• Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation.
• Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.
• Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.
• Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.
• Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools.
• Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.
• Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings.
• Brush or spray lubricating compounds on workpieces, or turn valve handles and direct flow of coolant against tools and workpieces.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.

• Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
• Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.