Machinists Job Description
The Machinist sets up and operates a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments, includes precision instruments 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, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout and machining procedures.
Tasks for Machinists
- The Machinist calculates dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and vernier calipers.
- The Machinist aligns and secures holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials onto machines.
- The Machinist selects the appropriate tools, machines, and materials to be used in preparation of machinery work.
- The Machinist monitors the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
- The Machinist machines parts to specifications using machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
- The Machinist sets up, adjusts, and operates all of the basic machine tools and many specialized or advanced variation tools to perform precision machining operations.
- The Machinist measures, examines, and test completed units to detects defects and ensures conformance to specifications, using precision instruments such as micrometers.
- The Machinist sets controls to regulate machining, or enters commands to retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control media.
- The Machinist positions and fastens work pieces.
- The Machinist maintains industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.
The Machinist needs knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. The Machinist needs knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. The Machinist needs knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. The Machinist needs knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. The Machinist needs 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. The Machinist needs knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. The Machinist needs 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.
Skills for the Machinist
The Machinist needs certain skills in order to do their job function. The Machinist needs to be able to watch gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. The Machinist conducts tests and inspects of productions, services or processes to evaluate quality or performance. The machinist is responsible to control operations of equipment or systems. The Machinist determines causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it. The Machinist must use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. The Machinist monitors performance of their own work, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. The Machinist gives full attention to what other people are saying, taking time o understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. The machinist must be able to identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. The machinist must adjust actions in relation to others’ actions. The Machinist performs routine maintenance on equipment and determines when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Abilities for the Machinist
The Machinist must have ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. The Machinist must have the ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. The Machinist needs the ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate or assemble very small objects. The Machinist must have the ability to quickly move the hand, the hand together with the arm, or the two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. The ability to keep the hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding the arm and hand in one position. The Machinist must have the ability to coordinate two or more limbs for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion. The Machinist needs the ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. The Machinist needs the ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. The Machinist needs the ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules; such as patterns of numbers, letter, words, pictures, and mathematical operations. The Machinist needs the ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.