Machinists

What Does a Machinists Do?

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.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• 1Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
• 2Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
• 3Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
• 4Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
• 5Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
• 6Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
• 7Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
• 8Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.

Required Skills

• 3D Printing software
• Armchair Machinist software
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Autodesk Fusion 360
• Autodesk HSMWorks
• CNC Consulting Machinists' Calculator
• CNC Mastercam
• Dassault Systemes CATIA
• Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
• EditCNC

Machinists Salary