Description
Operate hand tools and hand-held power tools to cut, shape, and trim manufactured items—such as carpet, fabric, stone, glass, and rubber—to specified dimensions and finishes.
- • Inspect materials; mark or remove items with defects or unacceptable shapes/finishes.
- • Trim excess material and cut loose threads or flash for smooth finishes.
- • Cut, shape, and trim textiles, food, glass, stone, or metal using hand and portable tools.
- • Separate materials or products by size, weight, type, condition, color, or shade.
- • Mark identification numbers, trademarks, grades, sizes, or model numbers on products.
- • Read work orders to determine dimensions, cut locations, and quantities.
- • Count or weigh items and bundle them for handling or shipment.
- • Lay out and mark cutting lines using patterns, templates, rules, and chalk or pencils.
- • Unroll, lay out, attach, or mount materials on cutting tables or machines.
- • Stack cut items and load them onto racks, conveyors, or trucks.
- • Fold or shape materials before or after cutting.
- • Clean, treat, buff, or polish finished items using grinders, brushes, and cleaning solutions.
- • Position templates and measure to locate cuts and maximize material yield.
- • Route or grind cutouts and openings using portable routers, grinders, and hand tools.
- • Sharpen or replace dull blades, knives, and saws.
- • Operate table-mounted knives, cutting wheels, or saws to cut to specified sizes.
- • Adjust guides and stops to control cut depths and widths.
- • Transport materials and finished items using carts.
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Related Pathways
Advanced Manufacturing
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
