Job Description:

• 1) Sets up and operates engine lathes to machine metallic and nonmetallic workpieces according to specifications, tooling instructions, and standard charts, applying knowledge of machining methods: Reads blueprint or job order for specifications, such as dimensions and tolerances, tooling instructions on holding devices, feed rates, cutting speeds, depth of cuts, and cutting tools.

• 2) Positions and secures tools in holders, using wrenches.

• 3) Lifts workpiece manually or with hoist, and positions and secures workpiece in holding device, machine table, chuck, centers, or fixture, using clamps and wrenches.

• 4) Sets specified rotation speed, feed rate, and depth of cut, and positions tool in relation to workpiece.

• 5) Starts machine, turns handwheels to feed tool to workpiece, and engages feed.

• 6) Turns valve handle to direct flow of coolant against tool and workpiece.

• 7) Observes cutting action of machine to detect excessive wear or malfunction.

• 8) Verifies conformance of machined workpiece to specifications, using micrometers, calipers, and fixed gauges.

• 9) May scribe reference lines on workpiece, using scale, or template and scriber, to lay out interrelated surfaces, lengths, and depths of cut.

• 10) May compute unspecified dimensions and machine settings, using knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.

• 11) May set up tracing attachment that guides cutting tool to follow movement of tracing stylus along template to duplicate template profile on turned workpiece and be designated Tracing-Lathe Set-Up Operator.

• 12) May be required to have experience with custom or production work, or with particular material, product, level of precision, or size, type, or trade name of machine.