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Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Job Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Examples

These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.

Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $27K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $32K
Median Salary: $39K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $51K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $63K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

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.

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

Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems.

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.

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

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

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.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP
Industrial control software
Computerized numerical control CNC software
Inventory management software
Automated inventory software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Personal computers
Hand tools
Adjustable hand wrenches
Hardware
Shims
Industrial process machinery and equipment and supplies
Adjustable jigs
Material handling machinery and equipment
Hoisting equipment
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Gauge blocks
Metal cutting machinery and accessories
Lathes
Office and desk accessories
Layout scales
Personal safety and protection
Protective ear muffs
Raw materials processing machinery
Boring tools
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Mechanical
75%
Importance

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

Mathematics
74%
Importance

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

Production and Processing
63%
Importance

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

Design
57%
Importance

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Customer and Personal Service
56%
Importance

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.

English Language
56%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Engineering and Technology
55%
Importance

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.

Administration and Management
52%
Importance

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.

Computers and Electronics
52%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Education and Training
50%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Top 10 Skills
Operations Monitoring
75%
Importance

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

Monitoring
63%
Importance

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

Operation and Control
63%
Importance

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Active Listening
60%
Importance

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
60%
Importance

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

Reading Comprehension
60%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking
60%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Complex Problem Solving
58%
Importance

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Judgment and Decision Making
58%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Quality Control Analysis
58%
Importance

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Top 10 Abilities
Arm-Hand Steadiness
68%
Importance

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
68%
Importance

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

Near Vision
68%
Importance

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

Manual Dexterity
65%
Importance

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
65%
Importance

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

Problem Sensitivity
65%
Importance

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
65%
Importance

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

Finger Dexterity
63%
Importance

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
63%
Importance

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
63%
Importance

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

Top 10 Work Activities
Controlling Machines and Processes
88%
Importance

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Getting Information
85%
Importance

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

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
82%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Interacting With Computers
77%
Importance

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

Handling and Moving Objects
74%
Importance

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
74%
Importance

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

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
74%
Importance

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

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
74%
Importance

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
73%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
71%
Importance

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Detailed Work Activities

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.

Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.

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

Replace worn equipment components.

Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.

Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.

Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials.

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.

Work Context
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

Education
Majors
Major
Precision Metal Working
Interests
Realistic
100%
Importance

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
72%
Importance

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
67%
Importance

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.

Enterprising
29%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Artistic
24%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Social
15%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
91%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Dependability
83%
Importance

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

Cooperation
80%
Importance

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

Integrity
80%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Self Control
79%
Importance

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

Independence
78%
Importance

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
76%
Importance

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

Persistence
75%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Adaptability/Flexibility
74%
Importance

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

Initiative
74%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Work Values
Support
67%
Importance

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
53%
Importance

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
50%
Importance

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

Independence
48%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Achievement
34%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Recognition
34%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.