Table of contents
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators and Tenders, Metal and Plastic set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.
What they do
- Position and secure workpieces on machines, using holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools, and hoists.
- Remove workpieces from machines, and check to ensure that they conform to specifications, using measuring instruments such as microscopes, gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
- Verify alignment of workpieces on machines, using measuring instruments such as rules, gauges, or calipers.
- Move cutters or material manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to mill workpieces to specifications.
Typical day
On a daily basis, CNC Mill Operators study blueprints, layouts, sketches, or work orders to assess workpiece specifications and to determine tooling instructions, tools and materials needed, and sequences of operations. They record production output.
A typical day for a Milling and Planing Machine Setter, Operator and Tender, Metal and Plastic will also include:
- Remove workpieces from machines, and check to ensure that they conform to specifications, using measuring instruments such as microscopes, gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
- Compute dimensions, tolerances, and angles of workpieces or machines according to specifications and knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
- Turn valves or pull levers to start and regulate the flow of coolant or lubricant to work areas.
- Position and secure workpieces on machines, using holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools, and hoists.
- Observe milling or planning machine operation, and adjust controls to ensure conformance with specified tolerances.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, CNC Mill Operators also make templates or cutting tools. They may also mount attachments and tools, such as pantographs, engravers, or routers, to perform other operations, such as drilling or boring.
On a weekly to monthly basis, CNC Mill Operators replace worn tools, using hand tools, and sharpen dull tools, using bench grinders. They might also turn valves or pull levers to start and regulate the flow of coolant or lubricant to work areas.
In addition, they select and install cutting tools and other accessories according to specifications, using hand tools or power tools.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them observe milling or planning machine operation, and adjust controls to ensure conformance with specified tolerances.
To some CNC Mill Operators, it is also their responsibility to study blueprints, layouts, sketches, or work orders to assess workpiece specifications and to determine tooling instructions, tools and materials needed, and sequences of operations.
Featured Schools
What is it like working as one
Pros
Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.
Suitable for people who want to work in a supportive work environment.
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to help and teach others.
Salary is below average.
Demand for this career is declining.
Should you become one
People who are suitable for this job tend 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.