Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Production
Work is laid out with precision measuring devices after the blueprint or work order is read for specifications, tooling, and sequence. Tools are mounted in the chuck or spindle, the workpiece is indexed, and the machine is started to grind, lap, hone, or polish. During the run, the work is watched for problems and settings are changed as needed. Finished pieces are inspected with gauges or micrometers to confirm they match the required dimensions and surface. The work fits people who prefer close finishing and spotting a fault while the machine is still running.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$46'550
Median Wage Market Position
$46'550
What you might do
- Grind, lap, or polish metal and plastic parts
- Lay out work with precision measuring devices
- Mount tools in chucks, spindles, or holders
- Start the machine to grind or buff parts
- Spot problems during the grind and correct them
- Measure finished pieces with gauges and micrometers
Skills that matter
- Measuring ground work with gauges
- Catching problems on grind and lap runs
- Reading prints for finish and tool needs
- Indexing work to the preset machine settings
- Mounting tools in chucks and spindles
- Correcting runs that leave burrs or marks
AI & the future of this role
Automated grinders can take on more routine finishing passes and in-process checks. Achieving tight surface finish, managing wheel dress, and deciding when a part is truly to spec still rely on practiced hands and judgment.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details