Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

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Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Careers / Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Summary Description


	Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic work pieces.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Abrasive Worker

2.	Air Grinder

3.	Aluminum Polisher

4.	Automatic Grinder Operator

5.	Axle Bearing Polisher

6.	Axle Polisher

7.	Balance Screwhead Polisher

8.	Band Reamer Machine Operator

9.	Band Saw Filer

10.	Barrel Centerer

11.	Barrel Polisher

12.	Bearing Grinder

13.	Bearingnizer

14.	Belt Polisher

15.	Bench Grinder

16.	Bevel Face Stoner and Polisher

17.	Bevel Polisher

18.	Billet Grinder

19.	Bit Grinder

20.	Bit Sharpener

21.	Bit Sharpener Operator

22.	Blade Filer

23.	Blade Grinder

24.	Blade Groover

25.	Blade Sharpener

26.	Body Finisher

27.	Bottom Polisher

28.	Bottom Sander

29.	Brass Buffer

30.	Brass Burnisher

31.	Brass Finisher

32.	Brass Polisher

33.	Broach Grinder

34.	Brush Polisher

35.	Buffer

36.	Buffing Line Set Up Worker

37.	Buffing Machine Operator

38.	Buffing Machine Tender

39.	Burnisher

40.	Burnishing Machine Operator

41.	Burr Bench Hand

42.	Burr Bench Operator

43.	Burr Filer

44.	Burr Machine Operator

45.	Burr Sander

46.	Burrer

47.	Burrer Operator

48.	Burring Machine Operator

49.	Burring Wheel Operator

50.	Castings Trimmer

51.	Cell Operator

52.	Centerless Grinder

53.	Centerless Grinder Operator

54.	Centerless Grinder Set-Up Operator

55.	Chrome Polisher

56.	CNC Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Operator)

57.	Color Buffer

58.	Computer Numerical Control Grinder (CNC Grinder)

59.	Crankshaft Grinder

60.	Cutlery Grinder

61.	Cutter Grinder

62.	Cylinder Grinder

63.	Deburrer

64.	Deburring and Tooling Machine Operator

65.	Deburring Machine Operator

66.	Dial Buffer

67.	Die Maintenance Technician

68.	Dinger

69.	Disc Sander

70.	Disk Grinder

71.	Disk Sander

72.	Disk Sharpener

73.	Double Reamer Operator

74.	Dresser

75.	Drill Bit Sharpener

76.	Drill Grinder

77.	Drum Sander

78.	Dry Sander

79.	Edge Grinder

80.	Edger

81.	Edging Machine Operator

82.	Emery Grinder

83.	Emery Wheel Worker

84.	Enamel Buffer

85.	End Polisher

86.	External Grinder

87.	Eye Glass Frame Polisher

88.	Eyeglass Frames Polisher

89.	Faucet Polisher

90.	Fender Finisher

91.	Fiberglass Finisher

92.	File Machine Operator

93.	Filing Machine Operator

94.	Finish Filer

95.	Finish Grinder

96.	Finish Opener

97.	Finisher

98.	Flat Polisher

99.	Flute Grinder

100.	Flute Polisher

101.	Gear Finisher

102.	Gear Grinder

103.	Gear Lapper

104.	Gear Lapping Machine Operator

105.	Gold Wheel Blocker and Polisher

106.	Gold-Nib Grinder

107.	Grinder

108.	Grinder Machine Setter

109.	Grinder Operator

110.	Grinder Set Up Operator

111.	Grinder Set-Up Operator, Gear, Tool

112.	Grinding Machine Operator

113.	Grinding Machine Tender

114.	Grinding Wheel Dresser

115.	Grinding Wheel Facer

116.	Grinding Wheel Operator

117.	Hob Grinder

118.	Honer

119.	Honing Job Setter

120.	Honing Machine Operator

121.	Honing Machine Set-Up Operator

122.	Inside Barrel Polisher

123.	Internal Grinder

124.	Jet Blade Polisher

125.	Jewel Bearing Facer

126.	Jewel Bearing Grinder

127.	Jewel Bearing Polisher

128.	Jig Grinder Set-Up Operator

129.	Job Setter

130.	Key Filer

131.	Key Sander

132.	Knife Blade Polisher

133.	Knife Edger

134.	Knife Glazer

135.	Knife Grinder

136.	Knife Sharpener

137.	Lap Grinder

138.	Lap Machine Tender

139.	Lapper

140.	Lapping Machine Operator

141.	Lapping Machine Set-Up Operator

142.	Lawn Mower Sharpener

143.	Linter Saw Sharpener

144.	Machine Burrer

145.	Machine Finisher

146.	Machine Grinder

147.	Machine Operator

148.	Machine Setter

149.	Machine Tester

150.	Machine Tool Dresser

151.	Machinist

152.	Magnetic Grinder Operator

153.	Manufacturing Assistant

154.	Manufacturing Associate

155.	Manufacturing Operator

156.	Metal Buffer

157.	Metal Burnisher

158.	Metal Burrer

159.	Metal Dresser

160.	Metal Filer

161.	Metal Finisher

162.	Metal Furniture Polisher

163.	Metal Grinder

164.	Metal Polisher

165.	Mirror Finishing Machine Operator

166.	Mold Cutting Machine Operator

167.	Mold Sander

168.	Needle Grinder

169.	Nicking Machine Operator

170.	Notch Grinder

171.	Operator

172.	Pallet Rectifier

173.	Pattern Filer

174.	Pinion Polisher

175.	Pivot Maker

176.	Plate Grinder

177.	Platen Grinder

178.	Polisher

179.	Polisher and Buffer

180.	Polisher Apprentice

181.	Polishing Machine Operator

182.	Pot Sander

183.	Printing Roller Polisher

184.	Process Equipment Operator

185.	Production Honing Machine Operator

186.	Production Lapping Machine Operator

187.	Profile Grinder Technician

188.	Rail Grinder

189.	Razor Grinder

190.	Razor Sharpener

191.	Roll Grinder

192.	Roll Grinder Operator

193.	Sample Grinder

194.	Sand Bobber

195.	Sand Buffer

196.	Sand Polisher

197.	Sander Operator

198.	Sanding Machine Operator or Tender

199.	Satin Finisher

200.	Saw Grinder

201.	Saw Setter

202.	Saw Sharpener

203.	Scissors Grinder

204.	Scissors Sharpener

205.	Scratch Brusher

206.	Scratch Finisher

207.	Screw Machine Operator

208.	Screwhead Polisher

209.	Seater Grinder

210.	Set-Up Person

211.	Shear Grinder Operator

212.	Shot Grinder Operator

213.	Shot Polisher

214.	Silver Buffer

215.	Silverware Buffer

216.	Silverware Buffing Machine Operator

217.	Silverware Cleaner

218.	Sizing Machine Operator

219.	Smoother

220.	Snag Grinder

221.	Snagger

222.	Snailer

223.	Steel Buffer

224.	Steel Grinder

225.	Stone Polisher

226.	Stove Polisher

227.	Strip Deburrer

228.	Surface Grinder

229.	Swing Grinder

230.	Tap Grinder

231.	Thread Grinder

232.	Thread Tool Grinder Set-Up Operator

233.	Tool and Die Maker

234.	Tool Dresser

235.	Tool Grinder

236.	Tool Honing Machine Set-Up Operator

237.	Tool Polisher

238.	Tool Polishing Machine Operator

239.	Tooth Grinder

240.	Tooth Polisher

241.	Top Polisher

242.	Track Grinder

243.	Trimmer

244.	Universal Grinder Operator

245.	Valve Grinder

246.	Watch Case Polisher

247.	Watch Parts Grinder

248.	Water Sander

249.	Wet Sander

250.	Wheel Buffer

251.	Wheel Grinder

252.	Wheel Polisher

Job Tasks

	Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as gauges or micrometers. Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.

	Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps. Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment. Lift materials or workpieces using cranes or other lifting equipment.

	Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic workpieces. Operate grinding equipment.

	Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems. Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.

	Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation. Operate grinding equipment.

	Compute machine indexings and settings for specified dimensions and base reference points. Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.

	Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices. Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications. Lay out parts to prepare for assembly.

	Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements. Select production equipment according to product specifications.

	Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences. Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements. Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.

	Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools. Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.

	Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications. Reshape metal workpieces to established specifications. Operate grinding equipment. Operate cutting equipment.

	Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings. Operate grinding equipment.

	Slide spacers between buffs on spindles to set spacing. Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures.

	Thread and hand-feed materials through machine cutters or abraders. Feed materials or products into or through equipment.

	Brush or spray lubricating compounds on workpieces, or turn valve handles and direct flow of coolant against tools and workpieces. Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow. Apply lubricants or coolants to workpieces.

	Adjust air cylinders and setting stops to set traverse lengths and feed arm strokes. Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures.

	Repair or replace machine parts, using hand tools, or notify engineering personnel when corrective action is required. Replace worn equipment components. Repair production equipment or tools. Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.

	Maintain stocks of machine parts and machining tools. Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Metal and Plastic Machine Workers
	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Metal and Plastic Machine Workers
	Metal and plastic machine workers are employed mainly in factories. Workers must adhere to safety standards to protect themselves from workplace hazards. Most work full time, and some work evenings and weekends.

	Read More >>

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Interesting Fact

British translations of American professions: solicitor/barrister = lawyer; bobby = policeman; dustman = garbageman; minder = bodyguard; estate agent = realtor.

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