What Would I Do?
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Machinists set up and operate a variety of machine tools to cut or grind metal, plastic or other materials to make or modify parts with precise dimensions. You use machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, and machining centres, to craft precision metal parts.
Your duties can include:
- read blueprints, written instructions, charts and tables
- decide which machines to use to shape the piece, and in what order to use them
- make pieces using a variety of machines, including drills, lathes, and milling machines
- perform precision machining operations such as sawing, turning, milling, boring, planing, drilling, precision grinding
- verify dimensions of products using precision measuring instruments
- fit and assemble machined metal parts and subassemblies using hand and power tools
Machining and tooling inspectors perform the following duties:
- verify dimensions of machined parts or tooling using micrometers, verniers, callipers, height gauges, optical comparators, co-ordinate measuring machines (CMM) or other specialized measuring instruments
- maintain, repair and calibrate precision measuring instruments such as dial indicators, fixed gauges, height gauges and other measuring devices