Lathe Operator

Summary Job Description: Responsible for running lathe machines. This involves tasks related to set-up, machine operation, and disposing of chips as required.

Tools and Equipment: lathes, variety of cutters and hand tools, chip pushers, steady rests, cranes, shovels, scale, tape measure, and brooms. This list is not all inclusive.

Job Functions and Functional Job Task Elements

Task 1: Lathe Operation

• Responsible for turning necks, facing, centering, etc -finishing lathe-smaller finer cuts-customer centers, etc.
• An overhead crane is used on these machines to set rolls and take out chip boxes.
• The employee can hook up the chain for the chip box, by squatting to the level of the chain and not having to lift it to place it on the crane hook.
• Finishing Lathe- the employee needs to make an average of 4 tools changes per shift on this machine. Based on the design of the machine, the tool change is made between knee and waist level, and some have easier leverage than others.
• They weigh between 10-40#s and are handled on an infrequent basis per hour.
• Once set-up is completed, the employee runs the machine using automatic controls between waist and chest level with minimal coordination of bilateral hands.
• When the machine is running, the employee is only required to supervise the operation and dislodge chips on an occasional to frequent basis per hour.
• Chips are pushed by climbing on 2 steps and using a chip pusher to dislodge the chips while using a partial squatting motion in the standing position.
• Chips can also be pushed from a vertical position at ground level and this mostly involves using bilateral arms.
• Some lathes do not have hydraulics to move the rolls on the machine.
• The rolls have to be locked or unlocked from their location by using a variety of cranks, wrenches, etc.
• This involves increased use of bilateral upper extremities with twisting of the trunk. Need to be able to push and pull with at least 50#s of force to use the tools.
• To apply drivers to roll may be required to lift up to 90# waist level to neck of roll several times each month.
• Rough Lathe-needs to be able to lift a 50# tool without a jib crane and place it at 28 inches off the floor from the left side and make sure it fits in the slot for the tool.
• There is only a space of 2 feet on the side of the insert, so that the employee would not be able to stand in front of it and perform this task.
• Also need to be able to handle a chip pusher that is 10 feet and 8 inches long and weighs 15# on an occasional to frequent basis per hour.
• Need to be able to push chips that are approximately 12 feet away.
• Dual Compound -the cutters on this machine need to be mounted twice the number of times as a regular lathe as they cut from both ends.
• The parts are mounted sideways from the right and the left.
• On one side the part is mounted 25 inches off the floor from approximately 2 feet away and from 6 inches away on the other side.
• Do not need to use a chip pusher on this machine as they move into the underground bin by themselves, but the employee needs to be able to use a broom to knock them down with minimal force on an infrequent to occasional basis per hour.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

If you meet the requirements above and are interested in joining our team, please apply with your updated resume. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Shift: 8 hours regular shifts and 12 hours over-time shifts. Breaks: 30 minute lunch. . Flooring: Cement, wooden platforms, grates, rubber mats. Environment: Machine shop environment. Need to be careful with other employees while moving overhead cranes in the vicinity. Safety Equipment: Hard hat, gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toe shoes. Strength Range: Medium-Heavy strength range.