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Boring Machine and Drill-Press Operators use boring and drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, countersink, spot face, or tap holes in metal or plastic workpieces according to specifications. Some Operators also set up their machines before beginning.

JOB DUTIES

Depending on the Operator's skill and experience, Boring Machine and Drill-Press Operators may:

Read job orders, blueprints, and process sheets

Analyze work specifications and decide on the tooling according to their knowledge of shop mathematics, metal properties, and machining procedures

Lift, place, and secure workpiece onto machine

Measure and mark hole locations on the workpiece

Move machine's controls to adjust cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut

Turn valve handle to direct flow of coolant or oil onto cutting tool and workpiece

Observe machine operation

Check the accuracy of work using precision measuring instruments and gages

Change worn cutting tools

Assist job setter in setting up the machine

Remove and properly stack workpieces

Sharpen cutting tools

Use power and hand tools to do minor assembly work

Tools and equipment used by these Operators may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

606.682-014 DRILL-PRESS OPERATORS work in machine shops. They operate drilling machines that drill, ream, or tap holes in metal or plastic workpieces.

606.682-018 SINGLE SPINDLE DRILL-PRESS SET-UP OPERATORS operate single spindle drill presses to bore, countersink, spot-face, and tap holes in metal workpieces. They also prepare the drill press for use according to specifications, tooling instructions, standard charts, and knowledge of drill procedures. They must also read blueprints or job orders and tooling instructions for hole locations and size, feed rates, and type of tools to be used.

606.380-014 RADIAL DRILL-PRESS SET-UP OPERATORS operate radial drill presses to perform drilling and other machining operations such as boring, reaming, and tapping holes in metal workpieces. They may analyze specifications and determine tooling procedures, study blueprints or layout on a workpiece, and plan the order of steps in an operation.

606.280-010 JIG BORING-MACHINE SET-UP OPERATORS set up and operate jig borers to perform machining operations such as boring, drilling, reaming, and counterboring holes in metal jigs, fixtures, gages, and dies.

606.280-014 HORIZONTAL BORING-MILL SET-UP OPERATORS set up and operate horizontal boring, drilling, and milling machines to work on metal workpieces, such as tool and die parts.

606.380-010 MULTIPLE SPINDLE DRILL-PRESS SET-UP OPERATORS set up and operate multiple-spindle drilling machines for drilling, reaming, countersinking, and tapping holes in metal workpieces.

606.382-022 BORING-MACHINE OPERATORS set up and operate one or more boring machines to bore, drill, mill, or ream metal parts according to specifications.

606.682-022 TAPPER OPERATORS set up and operate automatic tapping machines to cut internal threads in nut blanks.

606.685-010 PRODUCTION BORING-MACHINE OPERATORS tend previously set up single or multiple-spindle boring machines to perform machining operations on a production basis.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Boring Machine and Drill-Press Operators work mainly in factories and machine or job shops. In factories, they work on production lines, in maintenance departments, and in tool rooms.

Most Boring Machine and Drill-Press Operators work in clean, well lighted, and well-ventilated areas. Excessive noise and slippery floors may be present when older equipment is being used. Since Boring Machine and Drill-Press Operators work with and around high-speed machines, they must always be aware of safety precautions.

Operators are not allowed to wear long-sleeved shirts or loose-fitting garments. Operators sometimes wear heavy-duty gloves when setting up the machine to protect their hands and are required to wear goggles to protect their eyes when operating the machine.

Boring Machine and Drill-Press Operators generally work a 40-hour week. Overtime, Sunday, holiday, and shift work may also be required, depending on the employer. However, many manufacturers regularly halt operations to change to new models.

The safety equipment worn and the tools used by Boring Machine and Drill-Press Operators are usually provided by the employer. Many Boring Machine and Drill-Press Operators are unionized. Union members must pay monthly dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Working with things and objects

• Using hand tools and machines in your work

• Performing activities of a routine, organized nature

• Performing activities involving processes and methods

You Should Be Able To:

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Demonstrate mechanical aptitude

• Make decisions based on standards that can be checked

• Work without close supervision

• Make shop math calculations

• Do repetitive work

• Work in a relatively small area

• Be dependable

• Accept responsibility for your work

• Understanding drawings or blueprints

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

A 3/4 inch hole is to be drilled in a piece of aluminum with a cutting speed of 250 ft./min. Calculate the correct rpm.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Correct feeding pressures result in uniform spiral chips forming outward from the hole. Too heavy a feed rate may chip the cutting lips. Feed rates that are too light cause a squeaking or chattering noise and quickly dull the cutting lips.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare an order form for new drill bits.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Analytical skills and be detail oriented in assessing blueprints and other job specifications and following through on job orders.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORT UNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

049 MACHINE TOOL OPERATION/SHOP

Approved vocational education programs in Machine Tool Operation and Machine Shop prepare students to shape metal parts on machines such as lathes, grinders, drill presses, milling machines, and shapers. Programs may also train individuals in the use of one machine. Instruction includes calculating dimensions; using precision measuring instruments such as layout tools, micrometers, and gages; machining and heat-treating various metals; and in laying out machine parts.

Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific their school's or area vocation center's requirements for this program.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript  

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program  

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript  

***MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs  

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Secondary vocational education programs in machine tool operation/shop may provide experience. Some summer work in unskilled positions may be available for persons over the age of 18. Trainee positions may also be available. Because of the nature of this work, few opportunities for experience exist for individuals under 18 years of age.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

Mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Boring Machine and Drill-Press Operator employer

internships

volunteer work with a Boring Machine and Drill-Press Operator employer

community service work with an agency

Most Boring Machine and Drill-Press Operators find employment by applying directly to machine shops or to manufacturing plants. New Operators learn on the job and, in some companies, in training courses. Jobs may be located through newspaper want ads, a local office of the Michigan Works!, or school placement offices. In addition, you should access and search the internet's on-line employment services sites such as;

Michigan Talent Bank (http://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage)

Classifieds Employment (http://www.classifieds2000.com)

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

Yahoo! Careers (http://careers.yahoo.com/)

MONSTER.COM  (http://www.monster.com)  

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Boring Machine and Drill-Press Operators are paid an hourly rate, a piecework rate, or a combination of both. Earnings depend on the skill and experience of the worker, the type and size of the employer, the geographical area, and union affiliation.

Nationally, according to limited data, the median weekly earnings of Boring Machine and Drill-Press Operators, were $718 in 2001 or $17.95 per hour.  The median hourly earnings of  "all" workers in the U.S. were $14.92 in 2001.

In early 2002, the average hourly earnings of Boring Machine Operators in Michigan ranged from $16.67 to $21.92 per hour, depending on the type of boring machine and the amount of precision work required. Radial Drill Operators averaged $16.46 per hour.

Most Boring Machine and Drill-Press Operators and Set-up Workers in the automotive industry earned from $23.01 to $27.00per hour (mid 2002). In addition, they also earned a cost-of-living allowance. Workers who set up machines typically earned more than operators. Those who set up and operated "CNC"  (computer numerical control) machines typically earned more than Set Up Operators for regular drilling and boring machines.

The 2000 graduates of high school vocational education programs in Michigan who were working in jobs related to this occupation earned a beginning average of $10.16 per hour in 2001.

Some Operators earn additional wages working overtime, Sundays and holidays, and late shifts.

Benefits depend on the employer and the union contract. They may include health, life, and accident insurance; paid holidays and vacations; paid sick leave, supplemental unemployment benefits, and retirement pensions. Some workers and their dependents may receive dental and optical benefits.

Advancement for Boring Machine and Drill-Press Operators depends on ability, training, seniority, and experience. Some Operators might advance to machinist or tool and die maker.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 71,200 Boring Machine and Drill-Press Operators were employed in 2000. Employment of these Operators is expected to decline through the year 2010. The industry distribution for Boring Machine and Drill Press Operators looked like this:

 The need for metal and plastic parts is expected to increase for motor vehicles and other durable goods. The demand for Boring Machine and Drill-Press Operators will not rise because of increased foreign imports, the use of computer operated equipment, and improved manufacturing technology. In addition, many U.S. firms have moved production operations to other countries to lower costs.

About 4,375 Boring Machine and Drill-Press Operators are employed in Michigan. They worked for manufacturers of motor vehicles, machinery, fabricated metal products, and primary metal products.  

Employment of Boring Machine and Drill-Press Operators in Michigan is expected to decline through the year 2008. An average of 100 openings is expected yearly to replace workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations. Machined goods should continue to be in demand, but the use of automatic machine tools tends to increase workers' output and reduce employment.  

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2008

  EMPLOYMENT              NUMBER                PERCENT              PROJECTED YEARLY

  REGION                          EMPLOYED           GROWTH               JOB OPENINGS  

  Ann Arbor Area                    75                         -18.9                       2

  Battle Creek Area                 80                         -11.2                       2

  Benton Harbor Area             160                       -14.9                        4

  Central Michigan                   45                         -17.0                        1

  Detroit MSA                         2,470                    -23.0                       55

  East Central Michigan            15                         -6.2                          0

  Flint Area                               110                      -29.4                        2

  Grand Rapids Area                 370                       0.3                          8

  Jackson Area                         135                      -17.8                        3

  Kalamazoo Area                    80                        -17.7                        2

  Lansing MSA                         155                      -26.0                        3

  Muskegon Area                      105                     -15.5                         2

  Northeast Lower Peninsula      15                        5.9                           0

  Northwest Lower Peninsula     60                      -1.6                           1

  Saginaw MSA                         90                     -20.7                          2

  Thumb Area                            70                     -12.7                          2

  Upper Peninsula                      65                       3.0                            1

  West Central Michigan            30                      -6.2                           1

MSA designates a Metropolitan Statistical Area  

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below:

Copyright © 2003 Michigan Department of Career Development