Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms

Watch machine operation to identify workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary

Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists

Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences

Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles

Inspect workpieces for defects, and use rules, templates, or other measuring instruments to measure workpieces to make sure that machine is operating accurately

Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools

Set up and operate machines like lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, and auxiliary machines to make metallic and plastic workpieces