O*NET-SOC 51-4034.00

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod, or bar stock.

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
Operations Monitoring2.B.3.g3.508/2024
Operation and Control2.B.3.h3.3808/2024
Active Listening2.A.1.b3.008/2024
Equipment Maintenance2.B.3.j3.008/2024
Monitoring2.A.2.d3.008/2024
Quality Control Analysis2.B.3.m3.008/2024

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
Arm-Hand Steadiness1.A.2.a.13.7508/2024
Control Precision1.A.2.b.13.7508/2024
Near Vision1.A.4.a.13.508/2024
Finger Dexterity1.A.2.a.33.2508/2024
Manual Dexterity1.A.2.a.23.1208/2024
Multilimb Coordination1.A.2.b.23.1208/2024

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
Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.Core6908/2024
Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.Core6908/2024
Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.Core6908/2024
Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.Core6908/2024
Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.Core6808/2024

Work interests

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

InterestScoreDate
Realistic7.011/2023
Conventional4.1311/2023
Investigative1.9611/2023
Artistic1.011/2023
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.