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Michigan Occupational Information System
#022 - POLISHER & BUFFER

Polishers and Buffers use various hand and hand-held power tools to correct defects in surfaces, to smooth and prepare surfaces for further finishing operations, and/or to polish a variety of items and materials.

Polishers use equipment such as polishing wheels and sanding belts to remove excess material or surface defects from automotive trim and accessory parts, hardware, and other manufactured products that need buffing, bluing, plating or other processes. Buffers use cloth buffing wheels on such items as automotive trim, hardware, or fabricated plastic parts.

JOB DUTIES 

Polishers may:

Select the proper wheel or belt for the type of product to be polished, the finish needed, and amount of material to be removed

Set up and operate polishing equipment

Examine the finished product

Buffers may:

Coat buffing wheel by holding buffing compound stick against revolving wheel

Hold and move parts against buffing wheels to smooth surfaces, produce special finishes, or remove plating defects in metal products

Maintain the equipment

Tools, equipment, and materials used by Polishers are:

Tools, equipment, and materials used by Buffers are:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Polishers and Buffers may specialize according to the type of tool or process used, product produced, or materials needed. Specialty occupation titles may include:

705.684-062 POLISHER AND BUFFER II

700.687-058 POLISHER

705.684-054 PIPE BUFFER

705.687-018 METAL SANDER & FINISHER

706.684-098 VALVE GRINDER

775.684-038 GLASS POLISHER

849.684-010 PLASTIC BOAT BUFFER

705.684-022 GREASE BUFFER

705.684-026 GRINDER I

705.684-030 GRINDER-CHIPPER I

Polishers and Buffers may specialize in the polishing and buffing of steel and stainless steel articles such as ice cream freezer lids, soda fountain dispensers, storage tanks, and display cases.

Polishers may specialize in the use of:

Buffers may specialize in the use of:

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

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Polishers and Buffers work in facilities that vary from small shops to large factories. Although they usually work as part of a team, Polishers and Buffers may do a job alone. They work under the direction of a supervisor. Polishers and Buffers work inside in areas that are well lighted and ventilated, but are sometimes noisy. There may be dust or dirt particles present which may irritate the eyes and nose.

Since Polishers and Buffers work with rotating wheels or belts often set at very high speeds, they are also exposed to various hazards associated with machines. By using safety equipment and following correct procedures, workers can minimize these hazards.

Polishers and Buffers generally wear safety glasses and other safety equipment that is usually provided by the employer.

Polishers and Buffers usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Depending on the employer and the industry, they may be required to work day, evening, or night shifts. Overtime and weekend work may be necessary, depending on production schedules.

Many Polishers and Buffers belong to unions. The particular union depends on the industry. Those belonging to unions must pay dues. The unions include: International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), United Steelworkers of America, and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

You Should Prefer:

• Working with things and objects

• Doing routine work

• Working with machines and equipment using set processes or methods

You Should Be Able To:

• Work within set standards and specifications

• Work well with your hands

• Determine the relationship between moving objects to adjust equip.

• Compare and see differences in the shadings of objects

• Feel differences in the smoothness of objects

• Perform the same work repeatedly

• Rate information according to standards that can be measured

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

What is the finish depth of a grinding cut when grinding a dimension to size with a .002 tolerance (plus or minus)?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

The proper diamond for dressing any concave shape is one brazed in the largest holder possible without having the wheel grind the shank during the dressing operation.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written analysis following an inspection of a finished product indicating any malfunctions or defects.

Thinking Skills You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Analytical skills and be detail oriented in operating power equipment and examining finished products.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer, 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***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE, 0700 CAREERS, 0900 COMMUNICATIONS, 2200 MATH, 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

042 AUTOMOTIVE BODY REPAIR

Approved vocational education programs in Automotive Body Repair prepare students to repair or replace fenders and other body parts of automobiles. Instruction includes body preparation for painting and finishing.

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

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 is given in 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 programs.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript  

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although this occupation has apprenticeship programs available in Michigan, they are limited in number. See the Sources Of More Information below for name, address and phone number of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.

You will also find a more extensive list of information sources in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the MOIS Supports Menu Items.

***MILITARY TRAINING***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript  

E-Learning Courses and Programs  

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 OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Summer and part-time jobs with manufacturing firms may be available to those over the age of 18. Secondary vocational education programs in machine tool operation/shop, automotive body repair, manufacturing technology, or transportation services and technology may provide training.

                School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Polisher and Buffer employer

internships

volunteer work with a Polisher and Buffer employer

community service work with an agency

The most common method of becoming a Polisher and Buffer is through direct application to employers. Assistance may be available through local unions, newspaper want ads, and local offices of Michigan Works!. Although this occupation has apprenticeship programs available in Michigan, they are limited in number. Contact the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training Representative in your area if you would like more information. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:  

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Michigan Works!

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

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 EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Polishers and Buffers depend on the employer, type of industry, extent of unionization, and geographic area. Large manufacturers such as automobile firms usually pay higher wages than do employers in small shops.

Nationally, Polishers and Buffers had median weekly earnings of $441 in 1998 which was about $11.03 an hour, based on a 40-hour week. In the transportation equipment industry, where many of these workers were employed, the average hourly wage was $17.54 in early 1999.

In the automobile industry, basic union hourly wages for polishers were $20.13 to $20.64 per hour in early 1999. They also earned a cost-of-living allowance.

Hourly wages of Polishers and Buffers in Michigan averaged about $15.29 in early 1999. Some employers provide extra pay for late-shift work.

Polishers and Buffers usually receive paid vacations and holidays, sick leave, hospitalization insurance, and retirement plans. Some workers and their dependents also receive dental and optical benefits. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Polishers and Buffers usually begin as trainees or helpers. A career ladder may be: helper/trainee, Polisher and Buffer, grinding machine operator. They may advance to supervisory positions or more skilled machine operator positions, depending on training, experience, and available openings. A few Polishers and Buffers in larger facilities eventually advance to a supervisory position. However, many advance to more highly skilled machine operator jobs.

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 EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 73,800 Polishers and Buffers were employed in 1996. The number of Polishers and Buffers is expected to decline through the year 2006. The industry distribution for Polishers and Buffers looked like this:

Imports of metal products and improvements in manufacturing technology will limit the employment of Polishers and Buffers in this country. Also, increasing number of American firms are producing their goods in other countries because of lower costs. These factors will tend to decrease the demand nationally for Polishers and Buffers.

There are approximately 4,000 Polishers and Buffers employed in Michigan. Most worked in the manufacturing industry for firms that made cars, trucks, and related equipment; furniture and other wood products; machinery; metal products; and glass products.

Employment of Polishers and Buffers in Michigan is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. An average of 110 annual openings is expected mostly due to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations. Future employment will be limited because additional automated machinery and new technological developments will increase the output per worker. Increased foreign imports of metal products will decrease the demand for workers.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

 SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below:

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Polisher and Buffer can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development