• 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.