What You'll Do

  • 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.

Essential Skills

Operations Monitoring 3.5/5
Operation and Control 3.38/5
Reading Comprehension 3.0/5
Active Listening 3.0/5
Monitoring 3.0/5
Equipment Maintenance 3.0/5
Quality Control Analysis 3.0/5
Judgment and Decision Making 2.88/5
Speaking 2.75/5
Time Management 2.75/5
Critical Thinking 2.62/5
Coordination 2.62/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to understand the kind of profile this role rewards. It helps you judge whether this career looks like a stronger match than your current role, a nearby move worth exploring, or a broader path to compare more seriously.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Dependability, Cautiousness, Achievement Orientation, Perseverance

Want a personal read on fit? Take the free assessment and compare this career to your current role, nearby alternatives, and broader stronger-fit options.

Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.75/5
Control Precision 3.75/5
Near Vision 3.5/5
Finger Dexterity 3.25/5
Oral Comprehension 3.12/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.12/5
Visualization 3.12/5
Manual Dexterity 3.12/5

Technologies & Tools

Autodesk HSMWorks Computer numerical control CNC editor software G-code Inventory tracking software M-code

Work Environment & Strengths

Common Strengths for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.69/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.55/5)
  • Cautiousness (High importance: 4.33/5)
  • Achievement Orientation (High importance: 3.73/5)
  • Perseverance (High importance: 3.62/5)

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How to Become One

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Automatic Screwmaker Automatic Spinning Lathe Operator Automatic Spinning Lathe Setter Axle Turner Back Facer Balance Recesser Balance Wheel Facer Bar Pointer Bar Turner Barrel Finisher Barrel Turner Bell Spinner Bevel Mill Operator Bevel Operator Bolt Threader Brake Drum Lathe Operator Bullard Machine Operator Bullard Operator Chaser Chucker Chucker Operator Chucking Machine Setup Operator CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator) CNC Setup Operator (Computer Numerical Control Setup Operator) CNC Turning Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Turning Machine Operator) CNC Turning Operator (Computer Numerical Control Turning Operator) Concaver Cup Trimming Machine Operator Deburrer Dial Lathe Operator Engine Lathe Operator Engine Lathe Setup Operator Engine Lathe Setup Tool Operator Facing Machine Operator Fittings Finisher Fountain Pen Turner Gear Cutter Gear Cutting Machine Operator Gear Cutting Machine Setup Operator Gear Generator Setup Operator Gear Hobber Gear Hobber Operator Gear Hobber Setup Operator Gear Machine Operator Gear Setter Gear Shaper Gear Shaver Setup Operator Grooving Lathe Tender Gun Profiler Hand Spinner Heavy Threader Hob Machine Operator Hobber Hobbing Machine Operator Hobbing Press Operator Hydraulic Spinner Hydrotel Operator Jewel Bearing Broacher Jewel Lathe Operator Knurling Machine Operator Lap Cutter Truer Operator Lathe Hand Lathe Machine Operator Lathe Operator Lathe Scalper Operator Lathe Setup Operator Lathe Tender Lathe Turner Lathe Winder Machine Deburrer Machine Operator Manual Lathe Operator Manufacturing Associate Manufacturing Operator Multiple Spindle Screw Machine Operator Multiple Spindle Screw Machine Setup Operator Nipple Machine Operator Nipple Threader Numerical Control Operator (NC Operator) Nut Tapper Nut Threader Optical Lathe Operator Pipe Threader Planer Planer Hand Planer Operator Press Setup Person Radial Router Operator Rim Turning Finisher Rim Turning Machine Operator Ring Cutter Lathe Operator Roll Turner Routing Machine Operator Rubber Turner Screw Machine Hand Screw Machine Operator Screw Machine Setter Screw Machine Setup Operator Screw Machine Tender Screw Machine Tool Setter Setup Operator Single Spindle Screw Machine Operator Single Spindle Screw Machine Setup Operator Small Lot Operator Spar Cap Beveler Spinner Spinning Lathe Operator Swiss Type Screw Machine Operator Swiss Type Screw Machine Setup Operator Threader Threading Machine Operator Threading Machine Setter Tool Lathe Operator Tool Setter Tool Turret Lathe Setup Operator Tumble Tailstock Turret Lathe Operator Turn Operator Turning Machine Operator Turret Lathe Operator Turret Lathe Setup Operator V-Groove Cutter Vertical Lathe Operator Vertical Multiple Spindle Chucking Machine Setup Operator Winding Lathe Operator

Career Fit FAQs

Is this career a good fit for me

This page shows the role itself. To see personal fit, use the assessment to compare your interests, motivations, and strengths against this career and against the role you are in now.

Can this help if I want to stay in my field

Yes. Many people use career pages like this to compare nearby roles in the same field and see whether they need a full switch or a better-fit version of the work they already know.

What should I compare first

Start with the daily tasks, the preparation level, and the work-style signals on this page. Then use the assessment to see whether this role looks like a stronger fit than your current role or just a different title.