Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

Pay

Getting in

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

Prior experience

None

Calculate your switch to grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

What the work is like

Core tasks

• Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.
• Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.
• Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation.
• Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
• Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.
• Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.
• Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps.
• Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings.

Also called: Cell Operator · Centerless Grinder Operator · Deburrer · Die Maintenance Technician (Die Maintenance Tech) · Finisher · Grinder · Grinder Operator · Grinding Machine Operator

Outlook and AI

Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic held 68,500 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 61,100 by 2035 (−11%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).

Productivity change - share decreases as manufacturers are expected to use more CNC, automated, and programmable machinery to perform some functions or tasks previously done by these workers.

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