Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

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

Median Annual Wage: $37,100

Projected Growth: Decline (-3% or lower)

Related Job Titles: Machine Operator; Mill Operator; CNC Mill Operator (Computerized Numerical Control Mill Operator); CNC Machinist (Computerized Numerical Control Machinist); CNC Machine Operator (Computerized Numerical Control Machine Operator); CNC Mill Set Up Operator (Computerized Numerical Control Mill Set Up Operator); CNC Operator (Computerized Numerical Control Operator); CNC Programmer (Computerized Numerical Control Programmer); CNC Inspector (Computer Numerical Control Inspector); CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator)

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.

More Production Careers

  • Observe milling or planing machine operation and adjust controls to ensure conformance with specified tolerances.
  • Position and secure workpieces on machines, using holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools, and hoists.
  • Study blueprints, layouts, sketches, or work orders to assess workpiece specifications and to determine tooling instructions, tools and materials needed, and sequences of operations.
  • Move controls to set cutting specifications, to position cutting tools and workpieces in relation to each other, and to start machines.
  • Compute dimensions, tolerances, and angles of workpieces or machines, according to specifications and knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
  • Verify alignment of workpieces on machines, using measuring instruments such as rules, gauges, or calipers.
  • Select cutting speeds, feed rates, and depths of cuts, applying 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.
  • Replace worn tools, using hand tools, and sharpen dull tools, using bench grinders.
  • Select and install cutting tools and other accessories according to specifications, using hand tools or power tools.
  • Record production output.
  • Turn valves or pull levers to start and regulate the flow of coolant or lubricant to work areas.
  • Make templates or cutting tools.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.

  • 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.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.

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