Milling / Planing Machine Setter / Operator / Tender (Metal/Plastic)

Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: CNC Licensed Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Licensed Mill Operator); CNC Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator); CNC Mill Operator (Computerized Numerical Control Mill Operator); CNC Mill Set Up Operator (Computerized Numerical Control Mill Set Up Operator); Machine Operator; Machine Set Up Operator; Mill Operator; Miller; Milling Operator; Setup Man

Tasks

• 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 controls to set cutting specifications, to position cutting tools and workpieces in relation to each other, and to start machines.
• Observe milling or planing machine operation, and adjust controls to ensure conformance with specified tolerances.
• Select and install cutting tools and other accessories according to specifications, using hand tools or power tools.
• Position and secure workpieces on machines, using holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools, and hoists.
• Replace worn tools, using hand tools, and sharpen dull tools, using bench grinders.
• Study blueprints, layouts, sketches, or work orders to assess workpiece specifications and to determine tooling instructions, tools and materials needed, and sequences of operations.
• Compute dimensions, tolerances, and angles of workpieces or machines according to specifications and knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
• Move cutters or material manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to mill workpieces to specifications.
• Mount attachments and tools, such as pantographs, engravers, or routers, to perform other operations, such as drilling or boring.
• Select cutting speeds, feed rates, and depths of cuts, applying knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
• Record production output.
• Turn valves or pull levers to start and regulate the flow of coolant or lubricant to work areas.

Knowledge

• Mechanical
• Production and Processing
• Mathematics
• English Language
• Computers and Electronics

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Active Listening

Abilities

• Manual Dexterity
• Near Vision
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Control Precision
• Problem Sensitivity
• Multilimb Coordination
• Reaction Time
• Oral Comprehension
• Deductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Visualization
• Selective Attention
• Finger Dexterity
• Trunk Strength
• Written Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Inductive Reasoning
• Speech Recognition