# Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

> 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.

- Code: 51-4033.00 (O*NET-SOC; SOC 2018 51-4033)
- Family: [Production](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations#family-51), one of its 114 occupations
- Tasks: 18 tasks (13 core and 5 supplemental)
- Page: https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4033.00
- JSON: https://foundation.org.ai/data/tasks/51-4033.00.json

## What the work is made of

1. Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.  
   Core task · Task 10140 · Rated by 83 people who do the job, July 2016
2. Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.  
   Core task · Task 10145 · Rated by 83 people who do the job, July 2016
3. Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.  
   Core task · Task 10143 · Rated by 83 people who do the job, July 2016
4. Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings.  
   Core task · Task 10150 · Rated by 83 people who do the job, July 2016
5. Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.  
   Core task · Task 10147 · Rated by 83 people who do the job, July 2016
6. Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.  
   Core task · Task 10146 · Rated by 83 people who do the job, July 2016
7. Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools.  
   Core task · Task 10148 · Rated by 83 people who do the job, July 2016
8. Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.  
   Core task · Task 10149 · Rated by 83 people who do the job, July 2016
9. 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.  
   Core task · Task 10142 · Rated by 82 people who do the job, July 2016
10. Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation.  
   Core task · Task 10144 · Rated by 83 people who do the job, July 2016
11. Brush or spray lubricating compounds on workpieces, or turn valve handles and direct flow of coolant against tools and workpieces.  
   Core task · Task 10151 · Rated by 83 people who do the job, July 2016
12. Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps.  
   Core task · Task 10141 · Rated by 83 people who do the job, July 2016
13. Repair or replace machine parts, using hand tools, or notify engineering personnel when corrective action is required.  
   Core task · Task 10156 · Rated by 83 people who do the job, July 2016
14. Compute machine indexings and settings for specified dimensions and base reference points.  
   Supplemental task · Task 10152 · Rated by 83 people who do the job, July 2016
15. Maintain stocks of machine parts and machining tools.  
   Supplemental task · Task 10157 · Rated by 83 people who do the job, July 2016
16. Thread and hand-feed materials through machine cutters or abraders.  
   Supplemental task · Task 10154 · Rated by 82 people who do the job, July 2016
17. Adjust air cylinders and setting stops to set traverse lengths and feed arm strokes.  
   Supplemental task · Task 10155 · Rated by 81 people who do the job, July 2016
18. Slide spacers between buffs on spindles to set spacing.  
   Supplemental task · Task 10153 · Rated by 82 people who do the job, July 2016

## More in Production

- [Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9191.00): 16 tasks
- [Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2011.00): 27 tasks
- [Assemblers and Fabricators, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2099.00): no tasks listed
- [Bakers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3011.00): 18 tasks
- [Biofuels Processing Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8099.01): 19 tasks
- [Biomass Plant Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8013.03): 18 tasks
- [Butchers and Meat Cutters](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3021.00): 11 tasks
- [Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-7011.00): 20 tasks
- [Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9011.00): 23 tasks
- [Chemical Plant and System Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8091.00): 19 tasks
- [Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9192.00): 11 tasks
- [Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9124.00): 29 tasks
- [Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2021.00): 11 tasks
- [Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9161.00): 27 tasks
- [Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9162.00): 15 tasks
- [Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9193.00): 18 tasks
- [Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9021.00): 21 tasks
- [Cutters and Trimmers, Hand](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9031.00): 18 tasks
- [Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9032.00): 25 tasks
- [Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4031.00): 32 tasks
- [Dental Laboratory Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9081.00): 17 tasks
- [Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4032.00): 17 tasks
- [Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2022.00): 16 tasks
- [Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2023.00): 14 tasks
- [Engine and Other Machine Assemblers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2031.00): 12 tasks
- [Etchers and Engravers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9194.00): 26 tasks
- [Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4021.00): 16 tasks
- [Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6091.00): 17 tasks
- [Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9041.00): 26 tasks
- [Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6092.00): 16 tasks
- [Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2051.00): 16 tasks
- [First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-1011.00): 20 tasks
- [Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3091.00): 19 tasks
- [Food Batchmakers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3092.00): 25 tasks
- [Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3093.00): 17 tasks
- [Food Processing Workers, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3099.00): no tasks listed
- [Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4022.00): 13 tasks
- [Foundry Mold and Coremakers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4071.00): 13 tasks
- [Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9051.00): 17 tasks
- [Furniture Finishers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-7021.00): 22 tasks
- [Gas Plant Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8092.00): 19 tasks
- [Gem and Diamond Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9071.06): 14 tasks
- [Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9195.04): 16 tasks
- [Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9022.00): 17 tasks
- [Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4191.00): 23 tasks
- [Helpers--Production Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9198.00): 30 tasks
- [Hydroelectric Plant Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8013.04): 21 tasks
- [Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9061.00): 31 tasks
- [Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9071.00): 29 tasks
- [Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4034.00): 18 tasks
- [Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6011.00): 23 tasks
- [Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4192.00): 14 tasks
- [Machinists](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4041.00): 29 tasks
- [Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3022.00): 12 tasks
- [Medical Appliance Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9082.00): 15 tasks
- [Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4199.00): no tasks listed
- [Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4051.00): 15 tasks
- [Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4035.00): 15 tasks
- [Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9023.00): 20 tasks
- [Model Makers, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4061.00): 16 tasks
- [Model Makers, Wood](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-7031.00): 14 tasks
- [Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9195.00): 24 tasks
- [Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4072.00): 29 tasks
- [Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4081.00): 21 tasks
- [Nuclear Power Reactor Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8011.00): 19 tasks
- [Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9083.00): 18 tasks
- [Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9111.00): 20 tasks
- [Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9123.00): 9 tasks
- [Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9196.00): 14 tasks
- [Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4062.00): 15 tasks
- [Patternmakers, Wood](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-7032.00): 20 tasks
- [Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8093.00): 24 tasks
- [Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9151.00): 27 tasks
- [Plant and System Operators, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8099.00): no tasks listed
- [Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4193.00): 33 tasks
- [Potters, Manufacturing](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9195.05): 23 tasks
- [Pourers and Casters, Metal](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4052.00): 16 tasks
- [Power Distributors and Dispatchers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8012.00): 14 tasks
- [Power Plant Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8013.00): 30 tasks
- [Prepress Technicians and Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-5111.00): 15 tasks
- [Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6021.00): 28 tasks
- [Print Binding and Finishing Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-5113.00): 25 tasks
- [Printing Press Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-5112.00): 23 tasks
- [Production Workers, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9199.00): no tasks listed
- [Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4023.00): 19 tasks
- [Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-7041.00): 22 tasks
- [Semiconductor Processing Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9141.00): 20 tasks
- [Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9012.00): 20 tasks
- [Sewers, Hand](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6051.00): 11 tasks
- [Sewing Machine Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6031.00): 26 tasks
- [Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6041.00): 26 tasks
- [Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6042.00): 19 tasks
- [Slaughterers and Meat Packers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3023.00): 14 tasks
- [Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8021.00): 25 tasks
- [Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9195.03): 16 tasks
- [Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2041.00): 23 tasks
- [Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6052.00): 22 tasks
- [Team Assemblers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2092.00): 11 tasks
- [Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6061.00): 23 tasks
- [Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6062.00): 18 tasks
- [Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6063.00): 19 tasks
- [Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6064.00): 23 tasks
- [Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6099.00): no tasks listed
- [Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2061.00): 17 tasks
- [Tire Builders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9197.00): 20 tasks
- [Tool and Die Makers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4111.00): 17 tasks
- [Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4194.00): 18 tasks
- [Upholsterers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6093.00): 22 tasks
- [Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8031.00): 8 tasks
- [Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4121.00): 30 tasks
- [Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4122.00): 29 tasks
- [Woodworkers, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-7099.00): no tasks listed
- [Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-7042.00): 25 tasks

## Where this comes from

Quoted from O*NET 29.0, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0: free to copy and reuse, with credit. Nothing on this page is written by the Org.AI Foundation.
