Cutting Machine Careers: Setters, Operators, Tenders

Also called: Abrasive Sawyer, Almond Cutting Machine Tender, Angle Shearer, Apple Peeler Operator, Applique Cutter

Cutting Machine Careers: Setters, Operators, Tenders

Varies

estimated salary

Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders set up, operate or tend machines that cut or slice materials, such as glass, stone, cork, rubber, tobacco, food, paper, or insulating material.

  • Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut or slice materials, such as glass, stone, cork, rubber, tobacco, food, paper, or insulating material.
  • Review work orders, blueprints, specifications, or job samples to determine components, settings, and adjustments for cutting and slicing machines.
  • Examine, measure, and weigh materials or products to verify conformance to specifications, using measuring devices, such as rulers, micrometers, or scales.
  • Press buttons, pull levers, or depress pedals to start and operate cutting and slicing machines.
  • Start machines to verify setups, and make any necessary adjustments.
  • Feed stock into cutting machines, onto conveyors, or under cutting blades, by threading, guiding, pushing, or turning handwheels.
  • Monitor operation of cutting or slicing machines to detect malfunctions or to determine whether supplies need replenishment.
  • Stack and sort cut material for packaging, further processing, or shipping, according to types and sizes of material.
  • Adjust machine controls to alter position, alignment, speed, or pressure.
  • Remove completed materials or products from cutting or slicing machines, and stack or store them for additional processing.
  • Maintain production records, such as quantities, types, and dimensions of materials produced.
  • Remove defective or substandard materials from machines, and readjust machine components so that products meet standards.
  • Position stock along cutting lines, or against stops on beds of scoring or cutting machines.
  • Move stock or scrap to and from machines manually, or by using carts, handtrucks, or lift trucks.
  • Select and install machine components, such as cutting blades, rollers, and templates, according to specifications, using hand tools.
  • Clean and lubricate cutting machines, conveyors, blades, saws, or knives, using steam hoses, scrapers, brushes, or oil cans.
  • Operate cranes, or signal crane operators to position or remove stone from cars or saw beds.
  • Mark cutting lines or identifying information on stock, using marking pencils, rulers, or scribes.
  • Start pumps to circulate water and abrasives onto blades or cables during cutting.
  • Type instructions on computer keyboards, push buttons to activate computer programs, or manually set cutting guides, clamps, and knives.
  • Change or replace saw blades, cables, cutter heads, and grinding wheels, using hand tools.
  • Position width gauge blocks between blades, and level blades and insert wedges into frames to secure blades to frames.
  • Direct workers on cutting teams.
  • Sharpen cutting blades, knives, or saws, using files, bench grinders, or honing stones.
  • Turn cranks or press buttons to activate winches that move cars under sawing cables or saw frames.
  • Tighten pulleys or add abrasives to maintain cutting speeds.
  • Cut stock manually to prepare for machine cutting, using tools such as knives, cleavers, handsaws, or hammers and chisels.
  • Wash stones, using water hoses.
Work Context

Work Context information for this career will be available soon.

Work Activities
  • Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Weigh finished products.
  • Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
  • Operate cutting equipment.
  • Sort materials or products for processing, storing, shipping, or grading.
  • Stack finished items for further processing or shipment.
  • Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
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Knowledge

Production and Processing
  • Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Mechanical
  • Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Skills

Operation Monitoring
  • Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control
  • Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Quality Control Analysis
  • Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Monitoring
  • Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Abilities

Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Control Precision
  • The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Finger Dexterity
  • The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Arm-Hand Steadiness
  • The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Data base user interface and query software
  • Data entry software Hot Technology
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Electronic mail software
  • Microsoft Outlook Hot Technology
Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word Hot Technology