Drilling or Boring Machine Tool Setter, Operator or Tender, for Metal or Plastic

Other Titles

Bore Mill Operator, Computer Numerical Control Drilling Operator (CNC Drilling Operator), Drill Operator, Drill Press Operator, Drill Setup Operator, Driller, Machine Operator, Machinist, Punch Operator, Radial Drill Operator

Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces. Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders for Metal and Plastic refers to such workers who are responsible for setting up and operating industrial drilling machines. In this role, they use drilling machines to bore and drill through metal and plastic. A part of their job is to receive blueprints or specifications and then study them thoroughly to ensure that the finished products are of the right dimensions. They are also responsible for adjusting the settings of drilling machines and determining various factors such as cutting depth and cutting speeds. In addition, it is their responsibility to make sure that the operation of the machine conforms to safety standards.

Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges.

Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements.

Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.

Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.

Install tools in spindles.

Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.

Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations.

Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices.

Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems.

Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces.

Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.

Lay out reference lines and machining locations on work, using layout tools, and applying knowledge of shop math and layout techniques.

Turn valves and direct flow of coolants or cutting oil over cutting areas.

Operate single- or multiple-spindle drill presses to bore holes so that machining operations can be performed on metal or plastic workpieces.

Perform minor assembly, such as fastening parts with nuts, bolts, or screws, using power tools or hand tools.

Sharpen cutting tools, using bench grinders.

Operate tracing attachments to duplicate contours from templates or models.

Operation Monitoring→ Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Monitoring→ Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Operation and Control→ Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Active Listening→ Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking→ Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension→ Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking→ Talking to others to convey information effectively.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.

Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.

Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.

Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.

Replace worn equipment components.

Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.

Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials.

Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.

Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.

Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.

Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.

Lift materials or workpieces using cranes or other lifting equipment.

Signal others to coordinate work activities.

Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.

Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.

Assemble metal or plastic parts or products.

Operate grinding equipment.

Sharpen cutting or grinding tools.

Arm-Hand Steadiness→ The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Control Precision→ The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Near Vision→ The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Manual Dexterity→ The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Oral Comprehension→ The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Problem Sensitivity→ The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Written Comprehension→ The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Finger Dexterity→ The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Information Ordering→ The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g. , patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Oral Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Visualization→ The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

Written Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Deductive Reasoning→ The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Far Vision→ The ability to see details at a distance.

Inductive Reasoning→ The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Multilimb Coordination→ The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

Rate Control→ The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

Reaction Time→ The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

Selective Attention→ The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

Speech Clarity→ The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Speech Recognition→ The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Static Strength→ The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Trunk Strength→ The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.

Mathematics→ Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Mechanical→ Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Production and Processing→ Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Enterprise resource planning ERP software -- e.g., Sage; Xero; Sapama; ebizframe; Odoo; Macro 2000; SYSPRO ERP; QuickEasy BOS; TrueERP; Microsoft Dynamics; NetSuite ERP; Oracle Hyperion; SAP

Industrial control software -- Computerized numerical control CNC software

Inventory management software -- Automated inventory software

Office suite software -- e.g., Corel WordPerfect Office; Microsoft Office; Google Workspace; Apache OpenOffice.org

Spreadsheet software -- e.g., Corel Quattro Pro; Microsoft Excel; Google Sheets

Word processing software -- e.g., Corel Wordperfect; Microsoft Word; Google Docs

Adjustable wrenches→ Adjustable hand wrenches

Ball peen hammer→ Ball peen hammers

Bench vises→ Workshop bench vises

Boring machines→ Boring tools; Computerized numerical control CNC boring machines; Jig boring machines

Calipers→ Dial calipers

Deburring tool→ Deburring tools

Double ended stud→ Shims

Drill press or radial drill→ Drill presses; Computerized numerical control CNC drill presses; Multiple spindle drill presses; Radial drill presses; Single spindle drill presses

Ear muffs→ Protective ear muffs

Gage block set→ Gauge blocks; Precision gauges

Go or no go gauge→ Go/no-go gauges

Height gauges

Hoists→ Hoisting equipment

Hold down clamps→ Holding clamps

Horizontal boring machine→ Horizontal boring mills

Loupes→ Inspection loupes

Mainframe console or dumb terminals→ Computer terminals

Micrometers→ Digital micrometers

Personal computers

Positioning jig→ Adjustable jigs

Power grinders→ Bench grinders

Precision file→ Precision files

Punches or nail sets or drifts→ Prick punches

Rulers→ Steel rules

Safety glasses

Scales→ Layout scales

Scribers→ Metal scribers

Surface gauge→ Surface gauges

Tapping machine→ Tapping machines

Telescoping gauge→ Telescoping gauges

Tracer or duplicating or contouring lathe→ Lathes

Utility knives

Realistic→ Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Conventional→ Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Investigative→ Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Attention to Detail→ Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Dependability→ Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Integrity→ Job requires being honest and ethical.

Cooperation→ Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Self Control→ Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Independence→ Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Concern for Others→ Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Persistence→ Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Adaptability/Flexibility→ Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Initiative→ Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Achievement/Effort→ Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Social Orientation→ Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

Stress Tolerance→ Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Analytical Thinking→ Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Innovation→ Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Support→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Relationships→ Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Working Conditions→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.