Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

What this job is

Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut or slice materials, such as glass, stone, cork, rubber, tobacco, food, paper, or insulating material.

What they do day to day

• Remove defective or substandard materials from machines, and readjust machine components so that products meet standards.
• Maintain production records, such as quantities, types, and dimensions of materials produced.
• Start machines to verify setups, and make any necessary adjustments.
• Press buttons, pull levers, or depress pedals to start and operate cutting and slicing machines.
• Review work orders, blueprints, specifications, or job samples to determine components, settings, and adjustments for cutting and slicing machines.
• Adjust machine controls to alter position, alignment, speed, or pressure.
• Examine, measure, and weigh materials or products to verify conformance to specifications, using measuring devices, such as rulers, micrometers, or scales.
• Remove completed materials or products from cutting or slicing machines, and stack or store them for additional processing.
• Stack and sort cut material for packaging, further processing, or shipping, according to types and sizes of material.
• Type instructions on computer keyboards, push buttons to activate computer programs, or manually set cutting guides, clamps, and knives.

Skills and knowledge that matter most

Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).

Education and preparation

Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.

Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.

Who this job suits

Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.

Job titles you'll see in postings

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