Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Go Back to List Set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod, or bar stock.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Industrial control software

Tasks
	Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
	Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.
	Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
	Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.
	Start lathe or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met.
	Select cutting tools and tooling instructions, according to written specifications or knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
	Crank machines through cycles, stopping to adjust tool positions and machine controls to ensure specified timing, clearances, and tolerances.
	Lift metal stock or workpieces manually or using hoists, and position and secure them in machines, using fasteners and hand tools.
	Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.
	Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines, using hand tools, and verify their positions with measuring instruments.

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.
	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.
	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.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
	Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Knowledge
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	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.
	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.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
	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.
	Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

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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 $57,621.00 $27.70  $18.68  $21.98 - $32.14  Bridgeport/Stamford $66,559.00 $32.00  $21.18  $23.45 - $37.54  Hartford $63,579.00 $30.57  $26.27  $30.01 - $32.99  New Haven $53,855.00 $25.89  $19.46  $21.98 - $30.22  Waterbury $40,966.00 $19.70  $16.29  $16.30 - $19.58  Torrington $48,103.00 $23.13  $15.53  $15.53 - $30.37

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   139   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.