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

O*NET · 51-4033.00

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 called Automatic Grinder Operator · Bench Grinder · Billet Grinder · Bit Grinder · Blade Grinder · Brass Buffer · Buffer · Bufferer
69 more

Buffing Line Set Up Worker · Buffing Machine Operator · Buffing Machine Tender · Cell Operator · Centerless Grinder Operator · Centerless Grinder Setup Operator · Cylinder Grinder · Deburr Operator · Deburr Tech · Deburr Technician (Deburr Tech) · Deburrer · Deburring and Tooling Machine Operator · Deburring Machine Operator · Deburring Tech · Deburring Technician (Deburring Tech) · Die Maintenance Tech · Die Maintenance Technician (Die Maintenance Tech) · Disk Grinder · Drill Grinder · Emery Grinder · External Grinder · Fender Finisher · Finish Grinder · Finisher · Flute Grinder · Flute Polisher · Gear Finisher · Gear Grinder · Gear Lapper · Gear Lapping Machine Operator · Gold Wheel Blocker and Polisher · Gold-Nib Grinder · Grinder · Grinder Machine Operator · Grinder Machine Setter · Grinder Operator · Grinder Set Up Operator · Grinding Machine Operator · Grinding Machine Tender · Jig Grinder Setup Operator · Knife Grinder · Lapper · Lapping Machine Operator · Lapping Machine Setup Operator · Machine Burrer · Machine Finisher · Machine Grinder · Magnetic Grinder Operator · Metal Buffer · Metal Burnisher · Metal Burrer · Metal Finisher · Metal Grinder · Metal Polisher · Polishing Machine Operator · Process Equipment Operator · Production Lapping Machine Operator · Roll Grinder · Roll Grinder Operator · Satin Finisher · Saw Grinder · Scissors Grinder · Scratch Brusher · Scratch Finisher · Shear Grinder Operator · Shot Grinder Operator · Silverware Buffing Machine Operator · Tool Polishing Machine Operator · Universal Grinder Operator

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic7.00
  • C Conventional3.91
  • I Investigative2.14
  • A Artistic1.18
  • S Social1.00
  • E Enterprising1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent87%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate3%
  • Some College Courses1%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree9%
Related work experience
None (38%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (39%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (37%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operation and Control4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Operations Monitoring4.03.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Quality Control Analysis3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Monitoringbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Critical Thinkingbasic2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Troubleshooting2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Complex Problem Solving2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Equipment Maintenance2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Active Listeningbasic2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Coordination2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
Show the other 23
  • Speakingbasic2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Time Management2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Social Perceptiveness2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Repairing2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Active Learningbasic2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Equipment Selection2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Mathematicsbasic2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Writingbasic2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Systems Analysis2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Instructing2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Service Orientation2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Persuasion2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Negotiation2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Programming1.80.8
  • Technology Design1.80.8
  • Installation1.50.5
  • Management of Financial Resources1.50.5
  • Management of Material Resources1.50.5
  • Operations Analysis1.50.5
  • Sciencebasic1.50.5

Tasks

14 core · 4 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.4.5
  2. Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.4.3
  3. Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.4.3
  4. Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation.4.3
  5. Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps.4.2
  6. Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.4.2
  7. Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.4.2
  8. Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools.4.2
  9. Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.4.2
  10. Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings.4.2
  11. 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.4.1
  12. Compute machine indexings and settings for specified dimensions and base reference points.4.1
Show the other 6
  1. Repair or replace machine parts, using hand tools, or notify engineering personnel when corrective action is required.4.0
  2. Brush or spray lubricating compounds on workpieces, or turn valve handles and direct flow of coolant against tools and workpieces.3.9
  3. Adjust air cylinders and setting stops to set traverse lengths and feed arm strokes.4.2
  4. Maintain stocks of machine parts and machining tools.4.2
  5. Slide spacers between buffs on spindles to set spacing.4.0
  6. Thread and hand-feed materials through machine cutters or abraders.3.8

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Production and Processing3.73.8Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Mechanical3.64.7Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Engineering and Technology3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Mathematics3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Administration and Management3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Education and Training2.82.9
  • English Language2.83.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Design2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
Show all 33
  • Computers and Electronics2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Public Safety and Security2.42.6
  • Administrative2.22.3Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Physics2.22.5Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Chemistry2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Telecommunications2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Communications and Media1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Law and Government1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Transportation1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Building and Construction1.71.6Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.70.9Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Economics and Accounting1.4—
  • Customer and Personal Service1.3—
  • Food Production1.3—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.3—
  • Psychology1.3—
  • Sales and Marketing1.3—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.3—
  • Biology1.2—
  • Foreign Language1.2—
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.2—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.1—
  • Geography1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Control Precision3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Near Vision3.93.9
  • Manual Dexterity3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Problem Sensitivity3.83.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Multilimb Coordination3.63.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Reaction Time3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.53.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Finger Dexterity3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
Show all 52
  • Oral Comprehension3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
  • Rate Control3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Selective Attention3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Written Comprehension3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Auditory Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Deductive Reasoning3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Far Vision3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Inductive Reasoning3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Information Ordering3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Oral Expression3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Perceptual Speed3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Static Strength3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Visualization3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Category Flexibility2.93.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Depth Perception2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Flexibility of Closure2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Trunk Strength2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Carve roast beef in a cafeteria
  • Speech Clarity2.82.1Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
  • Speech Recognition2.82.1Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Extent Flexibility2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Response Orientation2.62.6Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Speed of Closure2.52.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Number Facility2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Time Sharing2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Dynamic Strength2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Explosive Strength2.11.3Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Stamina2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Written Expression2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Fluency of Ideas2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Gross Body Coordination2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Memorization2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Originality2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Sound Localization2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Spatial Orientation2.01.0Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Peripheral Vision1.60.6
  • Glare Sensitivity1.50.6
  • Night Vision1.50.5
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.1—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Handling and Moving Objects4.25.3Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.14.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.14.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.05.4Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.03.7Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Getting Information3.92.5Level 1 looks like: Follow a standard blueprint
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.64.5Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.54.2Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.42.9
  • Processing Information3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Developing and Building Teams3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Training and Teaching Others3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.23.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.23.9Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Working with Computers3.23.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.92.8
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.92.4Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Thinking Creatively2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.83.2Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.72.1Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.62.7
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.31.9Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.91.1Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.40.6Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.9
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.9
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.6
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.5
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.5
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.3
  • Contact With Others4.2
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions4.2
  • Spend Time Standing4.1
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.0

Technology

7 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (5)

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Windows
  • SAP software
Other tools (2)
  • Manufacturing reporting system
  • Mazak Mazatrol SMART CNC

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
  2. Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
  3. Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
  4. Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  5. Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  6. Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  7. Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  8. Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  9. Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  10. Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.