What You Need to Know About Metal and Plastic Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender
Position Description 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.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, & Buffing Machine Tool Operator Responsibilities
- Repair or replace machine parts, using hand tools, or notify engineering personnel when corrective action is required.
- Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation.
- Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps.
- Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.
- Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools.
- Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
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Things a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, & Buffing Machine Tool Operator Should Know How to Do
These are the skills Metal and Plastic Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders say are the most useful in their careers:
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Castings Trimmer
- Lapper
- Metal Polisher
- Tool Polishing Machine Operator
- Magnetic Grinder Operator
Is There Going to be Demand for Metal and Plastic Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 76,200 jobs in the United States for Metal and Plastic Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Metal and Plastic Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender. The BLS estimates 6,800 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, & Buffing Machine Tool Operator are Idaho, North Dakota, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Colorado, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, & Buffing Machine Tool Operator Average Salary
The average yearly salary of a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, & Buffing Machine Tool Operator ranges between $23,960 and $52,170.

Metal and Plastic Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders who work in Maine, Oregon, or Maryland, make the highest salaries.
How much do Metal and Plastic Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $34,190 |
Arizona | $39,180 |
Arkansas | $34,910 |
California | $34,580 |
Colorado | $32,840 |
Connecticut | $43,350 |
Delaware | $28,230 |
Florida | $32,890 |
Georgia | $34,710 |
Idaho | $28,540 |
Illinois | $38,400 |
Indiana | $37,270 |
Iowa | $35,740 |
Kansas | $35,770 |
Kentucky | $37,440 |
Louisiana | $41,320 |
Maine | $42,950 |
Maryland | $43,200 |
Massachusetts | $41,290 |
Michigan | $37,070 |
Minnesota | $38,390 |
Mississippi | $40,840 |
Missouri | $40,800 |
Montana | $29,350 |
Nebraska | $39,630 |
Nevada | $32,300 |
New Hampshire | $34,950 |
New Jersey | $36,900 |
New Mexico | $26,610 |
New York | $39,010 |
North Carolina | $37,840 |
North Dakota | $40,060 |
Ohio | $34,980 |
Oklahoma | $32,240 |
Oregon | $42,990 |
Pennsylvania | $38,780 |
Rhode Island | $36,110 |
South Carolina | $39,880 |
South Dakota | $35,350 |
Tennessee | $36,870 |
Texas | $32,710 |
Utah | $34,530 |
Vermont | $38,550 |
Virginia | $31,030 |
Washington | $37,890 |
West Virginia | $31,070 |
Wisconsin | $36,800 |
Wyoming | $42,570 |
What Tools & Technology do Metal and Plastic Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Metal and Plastic Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Mazak Mazatrol SMART CNC
How do I Become a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, & Buffing Machine Tool Operator?
What education is needed to be a Metal and Plastic Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Metal and Plastic Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders?

Below are examples of industries where Metal and Plastic Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders work:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Metal and Plastic Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender may also be interested in:
Career changers with experience as a Metal and Plastic Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders
- Machinists
References:
Image Credit: US Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier via Public domain
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