A professional who sets up and operates surface grinding machines with horizontal or vertical spindle and reciprocating or rotating table to grind flat or contoured surfaces of metal workpieces, such as tool, die, and machine parts, usually for limited runs, analyzing specifications and selecting tooling according to knowledge of surface grinding procedures. Respnsibilities include:

• Studies blueprint or layout on workpiece to visualize grinding to be done and plans sequence of operations.
• Positions and secures workpiece on magnetic chuck, in holding fixture, or directly to machine table.
• Selects grinding wheel, grinding speeds, and feed rates for each operation according to knowledge of metal properties and abrasives, and mounts wheel on spindle.
• Moves device to dress wheel.
• Moves controls and reads dials to set rotation speeds and feed rates.
• Positions and tightens stops to limit table travel.
• Moves controls to feed workpiece to wheel or vice versa.
• Turns valve handle and directs flow of coolant against wheel and workpiece.
• Verifies dimensions of ground workpiece for conformance to specifications, using such measuring instruments as micrometers, comparators, dial indicators, gauge blocks, and load test equipment.
• May dress grinding wheel to specified profile for contour grinding, using special fixtures and tools.
• May grind nonmetallic materials, such as plastics.
• May operate tracer attachment to duplicate contours from templates or models.
• May be required to have experience with particular material, product, or precision level, or with machine of particular size, type, or trade name.