# Machinists > Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures. - Code: 51-4041.00 (O*NET-SOC; SOC 2018 51-4041) - Family: [Production](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations#family-51), one of its 114 occupations - Tasks: 29 tasks (20 core and 9 supplemental) - Page: https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4041.00 - JSON: https://foundation.org.ai/data/tasks/51-4041.00.json ## What the work is made of 1. Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers. Core task · Task 20292 · Rated by 80 people who do the job, August 2020 2. Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders. Core task · Task 3094 · Rated by 80 people who do the job, August 2020 3. Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers. Core task · Task 3095 · Rated by 82 people who do the job, August 2020 4. Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations. Core task · Task 20293 · Rated by 82 people who do the job, August 2020 5. Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools. Core task · Task 3110 · Rated by 79 people who do the job, August 2020 6. Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products. Core task · Task 20295 · Rated by 82 people who do the job, August 2020 7. Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process. Core task · Task 3098 · Rated by 81 people who do the job, August 2020 8. Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition. Core task · Task 20294 · Rated by 81 people who do the job, August 2020 9. Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools. Core task · Task 3117 · Rated by 78 people who do the job, August 2020 10. Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines. Core task · Task 3097 · Rated by 80 people who do the job, August 2020 11. Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications. Core task · Task 3116 · Rated by 79 people who do the job, August 2020 12. Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency. Core task · Task 3106 · Rated by 82 people who do the job, August 2020 13. Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability. Core task · Task 20297 · Rated by 80 people who do the job, August 2020 14. Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs. Core task · Task 20296 · Rated by 81 people who do the job, August 2020 15. Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs. Core task · Task 3119 · Rated by 82 people who do the job, August 2020 16. Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations. Core task · Task 19905 · Rated by 81 people who do the job, August 2020 17. Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information. Core task · Task 3112 · Rated by 81 people who do the job, August 2020 18. Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts. Core task · Task 3101 · Rated by 81 people who do the job, August 2020 19. Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal. Core task · Task 19906 · Rated by 81 people who do the job, August 2020 20. Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled. Core task · Task 3103 · Rated by 82 people who do the job, August 2020 21. Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties, and mathematics. Supplemental task · Task 3115 · Rated by 82 people who do the job, August 2020 22. Install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment. Supplemental task · Task 3107 · Rated by 79 people who do the job, August 2020 23. Dismantle machines or equipment, using hand tools or power tools to examine parts for defects and replace defective parts where needed. Supplemental task · Task 3113 · Rated by 81 people who do the job, August 2020 24. Test experimental models under simulated operating conditions, for purposes such as development, standardization, or feasibility of design. Supplemental task · Task 3123 · Rated by 80 people who do the job, August 2020 25. Set up or operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, or cutting equipment. Supplemental task · Task 3122 · Rated by 81 people who do the job, August 2020 26. Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance. Supplemental task · Task 3120 · Rated by 79 people who do the job, August 2020 27. Establish work procedures for fabricating new structural products, using a variety of metalworking machines. Supplemental task · Task 3114 · Rated by 82 people who do the job, August 2020 28. Install experimental parts or assemblies, such as hydraulic systems, electrical wiring, lubricants, or batteries into machines or mechanisms. Supplemental task · Task 3121 · Rated by 82 people who do the job, August 2020 29. Advise clients about the materials being used for finished products. 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