Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Go Back to List 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.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Computer aided design CAD software

Tasks
	Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.
	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.

Skills
	Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
	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.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	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.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	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.
	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.

Knowledge
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
	Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
	Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
	Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

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Education & Training   Education:   These occupations usually require a high school diploma.   Related Experience:   Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $48,693.00 $23.41  $17.50  $18.80 - $28.07  Bridgeport/Stamford $49,624.00 $23.86  $17.32  $18.44 - $27.97  Danbury $52,459.00 $25.22  $20.68  $21.06 - $25.37  Hartford $49,769.00 $23.93  $18.00  $19.07 - $29.03  New Haven $44,907.00 $21.59  $16.53  $16.90 - $24.00  New London/Norwich $43,934.00 $21.12  $16.80  $18.06 - $23.27  Waterbury $43,800.00 $21.06  $16.92  $18.49 - $23.77  Torrington $45,786.00 $22.01  $17.90  $19.23 - $24.04

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   182   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.