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51-4033.00 · Task explorer

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

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.

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This source lists 18 tasks, including 14 marked Core and 4 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2026.

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18 tasks shown

Core · Task 10145 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.

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Core · Task 10140 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.

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Core · Task 10144 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation.

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Core · Task 10143 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.

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Core · Task 10149 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.

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Core · Task 10147 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.

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Core · Task 10141 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps.

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Core · Task 10150 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings.

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Core · Task 10146 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.

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Core · Task 10148 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools.

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Core · Task 10142 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

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 workpieces.

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Core · Task 10152 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Compute machine indexings and settings for specified dimensions and base reference points.

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Core · Task 10156 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Repair or replace machine parts, using hand tools, or notify engineering personnel when corrective action is required.

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Core · Task 10151 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Brush or spray lubricating compounds on workpieces, or turn valve handles and direct flow of coolant against tools and workpieces.

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Supplemental · Task 10157 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Maintain stocks of machine parts and machining tools.

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Supplemental · Task 10155 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Adjust air cylinders and setting stops to set traverse lengths and feed arm strokes.

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Supplemental · Task 10153 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Slide spacers between buffs on spindles to set spacing.

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Supplemental · Task 10154 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Thread and hand-feed materials through machine cutters or abraders.

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Make the shortlist useful

Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.