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Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

SOC 51-4032.00Job Zone 2 · Some Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers the setup, operation, in-process inspection, and continuous improvement of drilling and boring machines used to manufacture metal and plastic parts in a production machining environment calibrated to Job Zone 2 moderate vocational preparation.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Basic measuring instruments such as calipers and micrometers — identify and use under direct supervision to verify that machined workpiece dimensions meet specification tolerances on the shop floor.
  2. Job orders and machining instructions — read and interpret with supervisor guidance to determine basic dimensional and finish specifications before beginning a drilling operation.
  3. Machine controls — operate under close direction to lower cutting tools to workpieces and engage automatic feeds on a production drilling machine.
  4. Workpiece clamping devices such as bolts, jigs, and clamps — apply under supervision to secure metal or plastic parts to machine tables prior to drilling cycles.
  5. Zero reference points on workpieces — locate and mark at edge intersections or hole centers with trainer support in a metal fabrication environment.
  6. Worn cutting tools — identify and change using wrenches under direct technician oversight during scheduled maintenance stops on the production line.
  7. Cutting speed and feed rate tables — reference with supervisor assistance to select basic parameters for common metal grades on standard drilling machines.
  8. Dial indicators mounted in spindles — use under guidance to check that workpiece reference lines are roughly parallel to the table rotation axis.
  9. Safety protocols and personal protective equipment requirements — follow consistently when operating or tending drilling and boring machines in a manufacturing setting.
  10. Shift logs and basic production records — complete accurately using word processing or spreadsheet software under supervisor direction to document run quantities and tool changes.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Calipers, micrometers, and telescoping gauges — apply routinely and independently to verify conformance of drilled and bored features to blueprint specifications during production runs.
  2. Blueprints and job orders for multi-step operations — study and interpret with limited oversight to determine machining sequences, tooling requirements, and finish specifications for familiar workpiece families.
  3. Drilling and boring machine controls — operate and adjust with reduced supervision to manage automatic feeds, spindle speeds, and tool paths across standard production cycles.
  4. Workpiece alignment and parallelism — verify using dial indicators mounted in spindles to confirm reference lines are within acceptable tolerance of the table rotation axis on routine setups.
  5. Cutting speeds, feed rates, and depths of cut — select and set based on machining instructions and developing knowledge of metal and plastic properties for common material grades.
  6. Tooling changeovers including worn-tool replacement — complete efficiently using wrenches and standard hand tools within allotted cycle times to minimize machine downtime.
  7. Workpiece fixturing with bolts, shims, jigs, and clamps — configure independently to position and secure a variety of part geometries on machine tables without supervision.
  8. Out-of-specification conditions and surface finish anomalies — detect during in-process monitoring and apply corrective adjustments such as modifying feed rate or replacing tooling.
  9. Industrial control software on CNC drilling machines — navigate to load programs, adjust offsets, and monitor cycle status during routine production in a metal-parts manufacturing environment.
  10. Production scheduling priorities and time constraints — manage personal work pace and task sequencing to meet shift output targets in a high-volume shop environment.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex blueprints and engineering drawings for non-routine parts — analyze autonomously to plan full machining sequences, select appropriate tooling, and anticipate fixturing challenges on difficult geometries.
  2. Fixed and telescoping gauges alongside precision optical instruments — deploy across the full inspection cycle to verify dimensional conformance of intricate bored features within tight tolerance bands.
  3. Non-standard workpiece setups requiring custom shims, angle plates, or compound fixtures — design and execute independently to achieve correct datum alignment on challenging part configurations.
  4. Cutting parameter optimization for difficult alloys and engineered plastics — determine from material properties and tool manufacturer data to maximize tool life and surface quality without supervisor input.
  5. Machine performance deviations such as chatter, thermal drift, or spindle runout — diagnose root causes and implement corrective measures during live production without escalation.
  6. Zero-point reference establishment on complex or asymmetric workpieces — perform with high repeatability using edge finders and precision test indicators in a close-tolerance machining environment.
  7. ERP and inventory management software — use to track tooling consumption, log completed jobs, and flag stock replenishment needs within a plant-wide manufacturing execution system.
  8. In-process statistical monitoring data — evaluate trends across multiple part runs to anticipate tool wear and adjust offsets proactively before nonconforming parts are produced.
  9. New operators and production associates — guide informally on machine setup procedures, measurement techniques, and safety practices to build baseline competency on the shop floor.
  10. Cross-functional communication with quality technicians and process engineers — conduct clearly to convey machining anomalies, suggest process improvements, and support root-cause investigations.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Drilling and boring process standards and setup procedures — develop and document for the department to establish consistent, repeatable practices across all machines and shifts in a multi-operator shop.
  2. Tooling strategies and cutting parameter libraries — design and maintain within industrial control and ERP software to drive cost reduction and quality improvement across the entire product portfolio.
  3. Machine capability studies and measurement system analyses — lead to evaluate equipment condition, gauge repeatability, and process variation, reporting findings to production and engineering leadership.
  4. Operator training curricula and on-the-job coaching plans — create and deliver to accelerate skill development of emerging and developing practitioners in metal and plastic machining operations.
  5. Capital equipment evaluations for new or replacement drilling and boring machines — conduct by assessing technical specifications, capacity requirements, and ROI in partnership with operations management.
  6. Production scheduling conflicts and bottleneck conditions — resolve at the floor level by reallocating setups, adjusting run sequences, and coordinating with planners to protect on-time delivery.
  7. Continuous improvement initiatives targeting scrap reduction and cycle time — lead using structured problem-solving methods and cross-functional teams within the machining and quality departments.
  8. Safety audits and ergonomic risk reviews for drilling and boring workstations — conduct and present corrective action plans to plant management to ensure regulatory compliance and worker protection.
  9. Supplier quality dialogues concerning incoming material consistency and tooling performance — represent the production department in technical discussions to influence specification and sourcing decisions.
  10. Departmental performance metrics including OEE, first-pass yield, and tool cost per part — monitor, analyze, and report to senior management, recommending data-driven corrective and preventive actions.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Related titles
Automatic Driller and Reamer · Automatic Drilling Machine Operator · Barrel Driller · Billet Driller · Bore Mill Operator · Borematic Machine Operator · Borematic Operator · Borer · Boring Machine Operator · Boring Machine Setup Operator · Boring Mill Operator · Boring Mill Setup Operator
RAPIDS apprenticeships
—
O*NET skills
Operations MonitoringReading ComprehensionOperation and ControlMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingTime ManagementSpeakingCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingActive Listening
Knowledge domains
MathematicsProduction and ProcessingMechanicalEnglish LanguageEngineering and TechnologyEducation and TrainingDesignAdministration and Management
Abilities
Control PrecisionArm-Hand SteadinessNear VisionReaction TimeProblem SensitivityFinger DexterityManual DexteritySelective AttentionInformation OrderingVisualization
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityCautiousnessAchievement OrientationStress TolerancePerseverance
Technology
Inventory management softwareIndustrial control softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareWord processing softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges.
  2. Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements.
  3. Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.
  4. Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.
  5. Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations.
  6. Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.
  7. Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.
  8. Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices.
CIP education codes
48.0501

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.