Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Production
Blueprints, charts, and job orders give the specifications, tooling, and sequence; shop math fills in missing dimensions and settings from the metal's properties. Speeds, depths, and feed rates are set, then the tool is fed by handwheel or automatic mechanism along the spinning stock. Cycles are run through and stopped so tool position, timing, and clearances can be corrected. Sample pieces are checked with gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators; worn or dull tools are replaced or sharpened on a bench grinder. Fits people who like holding tight tolerances on a turning machine and doing the arithmetic that keeps a cut on size.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$50'620
Median Wage Market Position
$50'620
What you might do
- Turn, bore, and thread rod or bar stock
- Study blueprints for sizes and threading steps
- Set cutting speeds, depths, and feed rates
- Feed tools along the spinning workpiece
- Inspect sample parts with gauges and micrometers
- Work out missing sizes with shop math
Skills that matter
- Reading layouts and orders for turning work
- Changing tool settings to hold tolerances
- Inspecting samples with dial indicators
- Sharpening worn cutters on bench grinders
- Using shop math for missing dimensions
- Cranking machines through cycles to check clearances
AI & the future of this role
Programmed turning can cover much routine shaping of bars and rods with less constant attendance. Setup, threading judgment, and troubleshooting chatter or tool issues on varied jobs still tend to keep skilled operators needed.
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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