A professional who sets up and operates machine that automatically performs multioperations, such as roll-threading, heading (upsetting), slotting, slitting, or shearing to form chain or produce fasteners, such as bolts and rivets, from hot or cold metal rod or wire. Respnsibilities include:

• Selects, installs, and aligns dies, rolls, cutting tools, guides, and stops to set up machine, using handtools and measuring instruments.
• Sets controls to synchronize machine actions for various operations on workpiece in specified sequence.
• Positions coil of metal wire or rod on feed spindle and threads it through straightening rolls into feed mechanism; or inserts end of heated rod into feed mechanism.
• Starts machine to produce sample product and measures for conformance with specifications, using measuring instruments.
• Adjusts settings of dies on controls, as required, to obtain product meeting specifications and quality standards.
• Starts machine to begin production and observes machine operations for evidence of malfunction and products for defects.
• May be designated according to type of product produced, as bolt-machine operator; chain-forming-machine operator; rivet maker.
• May be known according to whether metal is heated or cold forged, as cold-header operator; hot-header operator.