Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Also known as: Abrasive Worker, Air Grinder, Aluminum Polisher (+252 more)
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.
Take our free 15-minute assessment to see how well this career fits YOUR unique profile
What You'll Do
- Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.
- 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.
- Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
- Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation.
- Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.
- Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.
- Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.
- Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools.
- Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.
Essential Skills
Career Fit Overview
Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.
Top passions
- Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
- Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
- Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.
Common styles
Attention to Detail, Dependability, Self-Control, Cooperation, Integrity
Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.
Key Abilities
This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:
Technologies & Tools
Work Environment & Style
Common Styles for This Career
- Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.15/5)
- Dependability (High importance: 4.0/5)
- Self-Control (High importance: 3.85/5)
- Cooperation (High importance: 3.78/5)
- Integrity (High importance: 3.63/5)
Want to see how YOUR work style matches this career?
Take Free 15-Min Assessment →How to Become One
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.
Similar Careers to Explore
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
100.0% similar profile
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
100.0% similar profile
Boilermakers
99.9% similar profile
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
99.9% similar profile
Pile Driver Operators
99.9% similar profile
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
99.9% similar profile
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
99.9% similar profile
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
99.9% similar profile
Also Known As
This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:
Ready to Discover Your Perfect Career?
Our scientific assessment measures your styles, passions, and drivers to match you with careers where you'll thrive.
Take Free Assessment (15 min) →