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.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Available on paid plans only
Interview time
Related Pathways
Advanced Manufacturing
View
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
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
