O*NET-SOC 51-4033.00

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic work pieces.

Preparation

ItemValue
Preparation zoneZone 2 – Some preparation needed
What O*NET says the zone requiresSome previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed
Broad occupation in O*NETTrue (Yes)
Skills listed for this occupation6
Abilities listed for this occupation6
Tasks listed for this occupation5
Interest scores given for this occupation6

Skills

The 6 skills with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

SkillO*NET elementImportanceDate
Operation and Control2.B.3.h4.007/2016
Operations Monitoring2.B.3.g4.007/2016
Quality Control Analysis2.B.3.m3.507/2016
Monitoring2.A.2.d3.1207/2016
Reading Comprehension2.A.1.a3.1207/2016
Critical Thinking2.A.2.a3.007/2016

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Abilities

The 6 abilities with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

AbilityO*NET elementImportanceDate
Control Precision1.A.2.b.14.007/2016
Manual Dexterity1.A.2.a.23.7507/2016
Near Vision1.A.4.a.13.7507/2016
Problem Sensitivity1.A.1.b.33.6207/2016
Reaction Time1.A.2.c.13.6207/2016
Arm-Hand Steadiness1.A.2.a.13.507/2016

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Tasks

The tasks O*NET records for this occupation, with the type, respondent count and date each record carries.

TaskTypeIncumbents respondingDate
Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.Core8307/2016
Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.Core8307/2016
Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.Core8307/2016
Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings.Core8307/2016
Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.Core8307/2016

Work interests

The interest scores O*NET gives this occupation, on the six interest types.

InterestScoreDate
Realistic7.011/2023
Conventional3.911/2023
Investigative2.1511/2023
Artistic1.1811/2023
Enterprising1.011/2023
Social1.011/2023

More occupations in preparation zone 2

Source: O*NET 29.1 Database (Occupation Data, Job Zones, Skills, Abilities, Task Statements, Interests), U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Data fetched 2026-10-31. See about and sources.