# Tasks & work activities — woodturner

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 51-4034.00 (Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
- **[Core]** Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.
- **[Core]** Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
- **[Core]** Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.
- **[Core]** Start lathe or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met.
- **[Core]** Select cutting tools and tooling instructions, according to written specifications or knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
- **[Core]** Crank machines through cycles, stopping to adjust tool positions and machine controls to ensure specified timing, clearances, and tolerances.
- **[Core]** Lift metal stock or workpieces manually or using hoists, and position and secure them in machines, using fasteners and hand tools.
- **[Core]** Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.
- **[Core]** Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines, using hand tools, and verify their positions with measuring instruments.
- **[Core]** Compute unspecified dimensions and machine settings, using knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
- **[Core]** Install holding fixtures, cams, gears, and stops to control stock and tool movement, using hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments.
- **[Core]** Move toolholders manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to feed tools to and along workpieces.
- **[Core]** Turn valve handles to direct the flow of coolant onto work areas or to coat disks with spinning compounds.
- **[Core]** Mount attachments, such as relieving or tracing attachments, to perform operations, such as duplicating contours of templates or trimming workpieces.
- **[Core]** Refill, change, and monitor the level of fluids, such as oil and coolant, in machines.
- **[Core]** Program computer numerical control machines.
- **[Core]** Clean work area.

## Detailed work activities

- Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.
- Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
- Clean work areas.
- Conduct test runs of production equipment.
- Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
- Install mechanical components in production equipment.
- Lift materials or workpieces using cranes or other lifting equipment.
- Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
- Monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed.
- Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
- Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
- Operate cutting equipment.
- Operate grinding equipment.
- Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
- Perform basic equipment maintenance.
- Program equipment to perform production tasks.
- Program robotic equipment.
- Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
- Replace worn equipment components.
- Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
- Select production equipment according to product specifications.
- Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
- Sharpen cutting or grinding tools.