A professional who sets up and operates one or more multiple-spindle lathe-type screw machines equipped with automatic indexing and feeding mechanisms to perform turning, boring, threading, and facing operations on metal bar stock on custom basis, analyzing specifications and deciding on tooling according to knowledge of screw-machine operations. Respnsibilities include:

• Studies blueprint, visualizes machining to be done, dimensions of parts and permissible tolerances, and plans sequence of operations.
• Visualizes movements of machine parts, workpieces, and tools in each operation in relation to others, and decides on station and timing of each operation to assure efficient use of tools and time.
• Selects cutting speeds, feed rates, depth of cuts, and cutting tools to be used on basis of experience and knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
• Installs collets, bushings, and stock pushers in stock-feeding mechanism, using wrenches and screwdrivers.
• Installs and adjusts cams, gears, and stops to control stock and tool movements at each station.
• Positions and secures tools in tool holders, verifying positions with gauges and other measuring instruments.
• Moves controls to set cutting speeds and feed rates.
• Cranks machine through cycle, stopping machine and adjusting tool positions and machine controls to allow for such factors as timing, clearance between moving parts, and chip removal.
• Starts machine, observes operation, and verifies conformance to specifications of first-run and sample workpieces, using such instruments as plug and ring gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
• Replaces worn tools.
• May operate bench grinder or cutter-grinding machine to sharpen tools.
• May machine plastics or other nonmetallic materials.
• May set up and operate single-spindle screw machine.
• May be required to have experience with particular material or product or machine of particular size, type, or trade name.
• May set up machines for other workers.