Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.

Also Known As:

Bore Mill Operator CNC Drilling Operator (Computer Numerical Control Drilling Operator) CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist) Drill Operator Drill Press Operator Drill Setup Operator Machine Operator Punch Operator Radial Drill Operator Setup Mill Operator

Wages

Hourly

Annual wages for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in United States

Job Outlook Below Average

New job opportunities are less likely in the future

United States 2033 Projected Employment

4,700

-19% Change From 2023

Explore Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators video

Tasks you might complete in a day.

Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.
Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements.
Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.
Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems.
Lay out reference lines and machining locations on work, using layout tools, and applying knowledge of shop math and layout techniques.
Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.
Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces.
Operate tracing attachments to duplicate contours from templates or models.
Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations.
Install tools in spindles.
Sharpen cutting tools, using bench grinders.
Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges.
Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.
Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces.
Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices.
Sharpen cutting tools, using bench grinders.
Perform minor assembly, such as fastening parts with nuts, bolts, or screws, using power tools or hand tools.
Turn valves and direct flow of coolants or cutting oil over cutting areas.
Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements.
Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements.
Operate single- or multiple-spindle drill presses to bore holes so that machining operations can be performed on metal or plastic workpieces.

Subject areas you may need to master.

Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Administrative - Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Therapy and Counseling - Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Geography - Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Philosophy and Theology - Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Personnel and Human Resources - Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Fine Arts - Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
History and Archeology - Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Sociology and Anthropology - Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Food Production - Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Foreign Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Strengths you may need in this role.

Systems Analysis - Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.
Mathematics - Using math to solve problems.
Operations Analysis - Figuring out what a product or service needs to be able to do.
Active Learning - Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.
Monitoring - Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.
Operation and Control - Using equipment or systems.
Active Listening - Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
Operations Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.
Negotiation - Bringing people together to solve differences.
Speaking - Talking to others.
Social Perceptiveness - Understanding people's reactions.
Persuasion - Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior.
Writing - Writing things for co-workers or customers.
Complex Problem Solving - Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
Learning Strategies - Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things.
Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the right tools.
Quality Control Analysis - Testing how well a product or service works.
Systems Evaluation - Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
Technology Design - Making equipment and technology useful for customers.
Time Management - Managing your time and the time of other people.
Management of Financial Resources - Making spending decisions and keeping track of what is spent.
Management of Material Resources - Managing equipment and materials.
Judgment and Decision Making - Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
Reading Comprehension - Reading work-related information.
Instructing - Teaching people how to do something.
Programming - Writing computer programs.
Science - Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.
Equipment Selection - Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job.
Coordination - Changing what is done based on other people's actions.
Management of Personnel Resources - Selecting and managing the best workers for a job.
Equipment Maintenance - Planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment.
Critical Thinking - Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs.
Service Orientation - Looking for ways to help people.
Troubleshooting - Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work.
Trunk Strength - Using your lower back and stomach.
Far Vision - Seeing details that are far away.
Time Sharing - Doing two or more things at the same time.
Response Orientation - Quickly deciding if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part.
Deductive Reasoning - Using rules to solve problems.
Mathematical Reasoning - Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
Perceptual Speed - Quickly comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
Night Vision - Seeing at night or under low light.
Speech Recognition - Recognizing spoken words.
Static Strength - Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying.
Gross Body Coordination - Moving your arms, legs, and mid-section together while your whole body is moving.
Depth Perception - Deciding which thing is closer or farther away from you, or deciding how far away it is from you.
Visual Color Discrimination - Noticing the difference between colors, including shades and brightness.
Originality - Creating new and original ideas.
Oral Expression - Communicating by speaking.
Wrist-Finger Speed - Making fast, simple, repeated movements of your fingers, hands, and wrists.
Explosive Strength - Jumping, sprinting, or throwing something.
Dynamic Strength - Exercising for a long time without your muscles getting tired.
Dynamic Flexibility - Quickly and repeatedly bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Auditory Attention - Paying attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds.
Stamina - Exercising for a long time without getting out of breath.
Fluency of Ideas - Coming up with lots of ideas.
Rate Control - Changing when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.
Memorization - Remembering words, numbers, pictures, or steps.
Flexibility of Closure - Seeing hidden patterns.
Glare Sensitivity - Seeing something even if there is a glare or very bright light.
Written Comprehension - Reading and understanding what is written.
Selective Attention - Paying attention to something without being distracted.
Arm-Hand Steadiness - Keeping your arm or hand steady.
Control Precision - Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
Extent Flexibility - Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Written Expression - Communicating by writing.
Oral Comprehension - Listening and understanding what people say.
Visualization - Imagining how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
Problem Sensitivity - Noticing when problems happen.
Manual Dexterity - Holding or moving items with your hands.
Finger Dexterity - Putting together small parts with your fingers.
Multilimb Coordination - Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down.
Inductive Reasoning - Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.
Information Ordering - Ordering or arranging things.
Category Flexibility - Grouping things in different ways.
Number Facility - Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
Spatial Orientation - Knowing where things are around you.
Speed of Closure - Quickly knowing what you are looking at.
Gross Body Equilibrium - Keeping your balance or staying upright.
Speed of Limb Movement - Quickly moving your arms and legs.
Peripheral Vision - Seeing something to your side when your are looking ahead.
Near Vision - Seeing details up close.
Hearing Sensitivity - Telling the difference between sounds.
Speech Clarity - Speaking clearly.
Sound Localization - Noticing the direction that a sound came from.
Reaction Time - Quickly moving your hand, finger, or foot based on a sound, light, picture or other command.