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Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
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Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.
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Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.
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Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
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Align layout marks with dies or blades.
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Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
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Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation.
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Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.
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Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow.
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Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on workpieces, using traced templates, compasses, and rules.
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Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
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Write programs for computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut metal and plastic materials.
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Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
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Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.
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Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles.
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Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars.
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Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.
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Record operational data, such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, or speeds.
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Compute data, such as gear dimensions or machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.
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Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
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Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.