CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator)
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool OperatorsDescription
Set up and operate CNC lathes to machine metal or plastic components per blueprints and process plans. Load and secure stock, set tooling and offsets, monitor cycles, inspect parts, and perform routine maintenance and program edits to maintain quality and throughput.
- • Measure part features with micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, and thread gauges to verify tolerances and finishes.
- • Replace worn or dull inserts and toolholders for turning, facing, boring, threading, grooving, and parting.
- • Mount and align chucks, collets, jaws, mandrels, and fixtures; secure bar stock or workpieces; set tailstock or steady rest.
- • Listen for chatter, rubbing, or abnormal vibration and adjust speeds, feeds, or tooling to correct issues.
- • Adjust feeds, speeds, depths of cut, or offsets and change tools when programming or machine faults occur.
- • Stop machines to remove parts, check dimensions, change tooling, or adjust setups per the machining sequence.
- • Lift and load bars or chucks with hoists; set and load bar feeders; handle heavy stock safely.
- • Edit and save lathe programs to resolve issues found during operation; document revisions.
- • Calculate spindle speeds, surface speed, feed rates, and cut locations based on material and tooling.
- • Load programs and set work and tool offsets (X/Z), wear compensation, and tool nose radius values.
- • Verify coolant flow and chip evacuation during turning; adjust nozzles, pressure, and chip conveyor or auger.
- • Input initial part and bar dimensions; set part length, cutoff positions, and zero references.
- • Set up and run CNC lathes (bar-fed and chucking) for turning, facing, boring, drilling, threading, grooving, and cutoff.
- • Collaborate with programmers, engineers, or supervisors to resolve alarms, dimensional issues, or tooling problems and approve first articles.
- • Review blueprints, routings, and control sheets to define operations, sequences, tolerances, and GD&T.
- • Monitor cycle status and control panel displays; compare readings and in-process checks to specifications.
- • Manage coolant and lubrication systems; check levels, concentration, and filtration.
- • Perform preventive maintenance; replace broken or worn tools and machine components; clear chips and clean the work area.
- • Deburr, clean, and identify finished parts; stage or package for downstream operations.
- • Clean machines, chucks, and tooling using approved solvents and rags; maintain chip conveyor or auger.
- • Load programs from DNC or servers into the control and back up revised programs to network storage.
- • Stage tooling and raw material for upcoming jobs while machines are running; pre-set tools.
- • Implement engineering changes in programs and offsets; enter new specifications at the control.
- • Write or prove out simple lathe programs using G- and M-codes at the control.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
