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

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.

Also Known As:

Cell Operator Centerless Grinder Operator Deburrer Die Maintenance Technician Finisher Grinder Grinder Operator Grinding Machine Operator Process Equipment Operator

Wages

Hourly

Annual wages for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in United States

Job Outlook Below Average

New job opportunities are less likely in the future

United States 2034 Projected Employment

61,700

-12% Change From 2024

Explore Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators video

Tasks you might complete in a day.

Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.
Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.
Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
Maintain stocks of machine parts and machining tools.
Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.
Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps.
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.
Repair or replace machine parts, using hand tools, or notify engineering personnel when corrective action is required.
Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.
Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation.
Repair or replace machine parts, using hand tools, or notify engineering personnel when corrective action is required.
Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.
Compute machine indexings and settings for specified dimensions and base reference points.
Adjust air cylinders and setting stops to set traverse lengths and feed arm strokes.
Thread and hand-feed materials through machine cutters or abraders.
Brush or spray lubricating compounds on workpieces, or turn valve handles and direct flow of coolant against tools and workpieces.
Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings.
Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.
Repair or replace machine parts, using hand tools, or notify engineering personnel when corrective action is required.
Slide spacers between buffs on spindles to set spacing.
Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools.
Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.
Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.
Brush or spray lubricating compounds on workpieces, or turn valve handles and direct flow of coolant against tools and workpieces.
Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.
Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps.

Subject areas you may need to master.

Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Administrative - Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Philosophy and Theology - Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Therapy and Counseling - Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Fine Arts - Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Geography - Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Foreign Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Personnel and Human Resources - Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
History and Archeology - Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Food Production - Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Sociology and Anthropology - Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Strengths you may need in this role.

Operations Analysis - Figuring out what a product or service needs to be able to do.
Speaking - Talking to others.
Mathematics - Using math to solve problems.
Social Perceptiveness - Understanding people's reactions.
Management of Material Resources - Managing equipment and materials.
Management of Financial Resources - Making spending decisions and keeping track of what is spent.
Time Management - Managing your time and the time of other people.
Negotiation - Bringing people together to solve differences.
Equipment Selection - Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job.
Troubleshooting - Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work.
Instructing - Teaching people how to do something.
Monitoring - Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.
Quality Control Analysis - Testing how well a product or service works.
Complex Problem Solving - Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
Operations Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.
Management of Personnel Resources - Selecting and managing the best workers for a job.
Active Listening - Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
Critical Thinking - Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
Persuasion - Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior.
Technology Design - Making equipment and technology useful for customers.
Operation and Control - Using equipment or systems.
Systems Analysis - Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.
Writing - Writing things for co-workers or customers.
Reading Comprehension - Reading work-related information.
Equipment Maintenance - Planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment.
Systems Evaluation - Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
Science - Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.
Coordination - Changing what is done based on other people's actions.
Active Learning - Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.
Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the right tools.
Learning Strategies - Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things.
Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs.
Service Orientation - Looking for ways to help people.
Programming - Writing computer programs.
Judgment and Decision Making - Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
Time Sharing - Doing two or more things at the same time.
Gross Body Coordination - Moving your arms, legs, and mid-section together while your whole body is moving.
Night Vision - Seeing at night or under low light.
Perceptual Speed - Quickly comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
Fluency of Ideas - Coming up with lots of ideas.
Flexibility of Closure - Seeing hidden patterns.
Near Vision - Seeing details up close.
Originality - Creating new and original ideas.
Deductive Reasoning - Using rules to solve problems.
Spatial Orientation - Knowing where things are around you.
Extent Flexibility - Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Hearing Sensitivity - Telling the difference between sounds.
Written Comprehension - Reading and understanding what is written.
Static Strength - Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying.
Wrist-Finger Speed - Making fast, simple, repeated movements of your fingers, hands, and wrists.
Peripheral Vision - Seeing something to your side when your are looking ahead.
Depth Perception - Deciding which thing is closer or farther away from you, or deciding how far away it is from you.
Glare Sensitivity - Seeing something even if there is a glare or very bright light.
Number Facility - Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
Mathematical Reasoning - Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
Oral Comprehension - Listening and understanding what people say.
Speed of Closure - Quickly knowing what you are looking at.
Written Expression - Communicating by writing.
Visualization - Imagining how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
Selective Attention - Paying attention to something without being distracted.
Arm-Hand Steadiness - Keeping your arm or hand steady.
Manual Dexterity - Holding or moving items with your hands.
Multilimb Coordination - Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down.
Response Orientation - Quickly deciding if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part.
Rate Control - Changing when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.
Explosive Strength - Jumping, sprinting, or throwing something.
Visual Color Discrimination - Noticing the difference between colors, including shades and brightness.
Reaction Time - Quickly moving your hand, finger, or foot based on a sound, light, picture or other command.
Dynamic Strength - Exercising for a long time without your muscles getting tired.
Auditory Attention - Paying attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds.
Oral Expression - Communicating by speaking.
Information Ordering - Ordering or arranging things.
Category Flexibility - Grouping things in different ways.
Far Vision - Seeing details that are far away.
Trunk Strength - Using your lower back and stomach.
Gross Body Equilibrium - Keeping your balance or staying upright.
Sound Localization - Noticing the direction that a sound came from.
Inductive Reasoning - Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.
Problem Sensitivity - Noticing when problems happen.
Memorization - Remembering words, numbers, pictures, or steps.
Speed of Limb Movement - Quickly moving your arms and legs.
Stamina - Exercising for a long time without getting out of breath.
Speech Clarity - Speaking clearly.
Finger Dexterity - Putting together small parts with your fingers.
Control Precision - Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
Dynamic Flexibility - Quickly and repeatedly bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Speech Recognition - Recognizing spoken words.