Skip to content

← Occupation guides

51-4041.00 · Task explorer

Machinists: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.

Use the skill profile to plan your next practice →

Read the task inventory

This source lists 29 tasks, including 20 marked Core and 9 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: 08/2020.

Find a task in this inventory

29 tasks shown

Core · Task 20292 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 3094 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 3095 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 20293 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 3110 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 20295 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 3098 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 20294 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 3117 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 3097 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 3116 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 3106 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 20297 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 20296 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 3119 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 19905 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 3112 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 3101 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 19906 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 3103 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 3115 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties, and mathematics.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 3107 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 3113 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Dismantle machines or equipment, using hand tools or power tools to examine parts for defects and replace defective parts where needed.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 3123 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Test experimental models under simulated operating conditions, for purposes such as development, standardization, or feasibility of design.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 3122 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Set up or operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, or cutting equipment.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 3120 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 3114 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Establish work procedures for fabricating new structural products, using a variety of metalworking machines.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 3121 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Install experimental parts or assemblies, such as hydraulic systems, electrical wiring, lubricants, or batteries into machines or mechanisms.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 3109 · 08/2020 · Incumbent

Advise clients about the materials being used for finished products.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

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.

Keep your worksheet

Download before leaving this page. Unsaved writing remains only in the page and is cleared on refresh. Notes and learning actions are not sent to a server. This guide describes an occupation and supports study planning; it does not provide clinical, legal or equipment-operating procedures.

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.