Lathe and turning machine tool setters typically work in factories that manufacture metal and plastic materials. A tool setter is responsible for setting up machines that are used to cut, shape and form these pieces. Many setters also operate the machines, although in some cases, these tasks are each completed by specialists.
When you’re writing the skills section of the lathe and turning machine tool setter job description, you may want to include computer and mechanical skills. Tool setters and operators likely will be using computers and robots on the factory floor and should understand how to program them.
Physical strength and stamina are required for this position, as well as manual dexterity, to perform repetitive tasks while standing for long periods. Workers also must be able to physically load heavy, bulky materials. Refer to the lathe and turning machine tool setter job description below for more information.
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter Job Summary
Are you good with your hands as well as your head? We have an opening for someone who can use both in performing the duties of a lathe and turning machine tool setter. The right candidate has the opportunity to learn valuable trade skills at a company whose products are sold and used throughout the world. You will receive on-the-job training from skilled craftsmen and may elect to participate in our mentor program, which can help guide you in a career path. You will receive a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as ongoing training and support to help you grow and take on new responsibilities.
Job Responsibilities
- Adjust controls and tool settings to maintain dimensions according to specific tolerances
- Maintain sharp cutting tools by replacing them when dull; use bench or machine grinders to hone dull edges so tools may be used again
- Inspect workpieces to ensure they meet specifications using micrometers, gauges, dial indicators and other measuring devices
- Use hand tools to securely mount and align machine cutting tools and ensure correct positioning using measuring devices
- Crank machines through their cycles, monitoring and stopping when needed to make adjustments to tools and controls to meet specified clearances, timing and tolerances
- Examine blueprints and other job specifications, as well as guidelines for tooling; from this information, calculate how much material is needed and the sequence of machine operations
- Use written specifications or knowledge of shop mathematics and material properties (such as metal) to choose cutting tools and tooling instructions
- Lift metal materials and workpieces, by hand or with winches, and use hand tools and fasteners to position them correctly and securely in machines
Job Skills and Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Ability to stand for long periods and have full use of hands
- Strong interpersonal skills for working as a team member
- Basic computer and word processing skills
- Ability to lift heavy and/or bulky objects
Preferred:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Mechanical abilities in use of tools
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter Job Responsibilities
While your job summary section introduces the position to potential applicants, it is in your lathe and turning machine tool setter job responsibilities section where you give the in-depth details of the role. Do not take “in-depth” to mean long and overly detailed. You should still strive for conciseness here just as you would in any other section of your lathe and turning machine tool setter job description. One might argue that succinctness is even more vital here because including too much might overwhelm potential applicants and scare them away from the position.
Getting the right type of candidates to apply for your position requires crafting a lathe and turning machine tool setter job description that makes them excited at the potential of working for your organization. Job market research data shows that having a passion for the work they do often influences candidates more than their own career ambitions. You can instill that kind of passion by showing how the daily responsibilities of the position they are applying for contribute to your company’s success.
Use the following examples as references when detailing the job responsibilities in your listing:
- Review work order specifications to determine product dimensions as well as the proper setup procedures and machining sequence
- Acquire appropriate materials, parts and tools needed to complete each work order
- Provide estimates of programming and production time to managers and clients
- Inspect every completed product to ensure conformance to specifications
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter Job Specifications
Screening applications is often the most tedious part of the hiring process. Application screening programs can help, but in order to truly optimize the time required to bring on a new hire, it is best to use your lathe and turning machine tool setter job description to distinguish your candidates from each other. More than just a simple list of qualifications, your lathe and turning machine tool setter job specifications should set a baseline for every applicant to meet.
Ideally, you will find a candidate who checks every one of your proverbial boxes when looking to fill a position. Unfortunately, that rarely happens. Therefore, to ensure that you get a large enough candidate pool from which any potential hire could meet your needs, you should create a qualification algorithm that will identify the right applicants. For example, say you include a list of eight skills and specifications in your lathe and turning machine tool setter job description. Your primary candidates should be those who meet between 5-7 of those qualifications. If that does not yield you a large enough group of applicants, move on to looking at those who meet four of the criteria.
Here are some examples for you to model the job qualifications and skills section of your listing after:
- High school diploma or GED
- Technical machinist certification or 2 years of experience working in CNC manufacturing
- Demonstrated ability to accurately interpret blueprints and schematics
- Strong math and computer skills