According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances. | 94% |
| Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines. | 91% |
| Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators. | 89% |
| Start lathe or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met. | 89% |
| Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines, using hand tools, and verify their positions with measuring instruments. | 88% |
| Crank machines through cycles, stopping to adjust tool positions and machine controls to ensure specified timing, clearances, and tolerances. | 86% |
| Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences. | 86% |
| Select cutting tools and tooling instructions, according to written specifications or knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics. | 85% |
| Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces. | 85% |
| Refill, change, and monitor the level of fluids, such as oil and coolant, in machines. | 83% |
| Install holding fixtures, cams, gears, and stops to control stock and tool movement, using hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments. | 83% |
| Compute unspecified dimensions and machine settings, using knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics. | 83% |
| Lift metal stock or workpieces manually or using hoists, and position and secure them in machines, using fasteners and hand tools. | 80% |
| Move toolholders manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to feed tools to and along workpieces. | 79% |
| Turn valve handles to direct the flow of coolant onto work areas or to coat disks with spinning compounds. | 79% |
| Mount attachments, such as relieving or tracing attachments, to perform operations, such as duplicating contours of templates or trimming workpieces. | 73% |
