What Do Machinists Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Machinists set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures. They also calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments such as micrometers or vernier calipers.

Other tasks include:

• Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
• Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
• Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
• Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
• Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
• Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.

We asked Machinists how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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65% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 47% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Machinists machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders. They calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments such as micrometers or vernier calipers.

A typical day for a Machinist will also include:

• Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal.
• Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.
• Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations.
• Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.
• Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.

We asked some Machinists a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	16% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	28% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	85% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	18% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	7% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	46% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Machinists also test experimental models under simulated operating conditions for purposes such as development, standardization, or feasibility of design. They may also design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Machinists Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information. They might also Install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment.

In addition, they Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.

To some Machinists, it is also their responsibility to Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Machinist, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/production/machinists-and-tool-and-die-makers.htm

http://www.ntma.org/

http://www.pmpa.org/

http://www.pmaef.org/