A professional who sets up and operates one or more single-spindle lathe-type screw machines equipped with automatic feeding and tool-indexing mechanisms to perform turning, boring, threading, and facing operations on metal bar stock on custom basis, analyzing specifications and deciding on tooling according to knowledge of screw machine operations. Respnsibilities include:

• Studies blueprint to visualize machining to be done, dimensions of parts and permissible tolerances, and plans sequence of operations.
• Selects cutting speeds, feed rates, depth of cuts, and cutting tools to be used on basis of knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
• Installs collets, bushings, and stock pushers in stock-feeding mechanism, using wrenches and screwdrivers, and loads with bar stock manually or with hoist.
• Installs and adjusts cams, gears, and stops to control stock and tool movements.
• Positions and secures tools in tool holders, verifying positions with gauges and other measuring instruments.
• Moves controls to set cutting speeds and feed rates.
• Starts machine, observes operations, and verifies conformance of first-run and sample workpieces to specifications, using such instruments as plug and ring gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
• Replaces worn tools.
• May operate bench grinder or cutter-grinding machine to sharpen tools.
• May machine plastics or other nonmetallic materials.
• May be required to have experience with particular material or product or machine of particular size, type, or trade name, and be designated accordingly.
• May set up machines for other workers.