Milling and Planing Machine Operators set up and operate various types of machines to mill and plane metallic and nonmetallic workpieces.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Milling and Planing Machine Operators may:

Interpret blueprints to determine the sequence of machine operations

Position workpiece on the machine table manually or with a hoist

Secure workpiece on the machine table using clamps, bolts, or fixtures

Select proper feed rate, cutting speed, depth of cut, and cutter to use on the workpiece

Verify proper alignment of the workpiece by using a dial indicator or thickness gage

Direct the flow of coolant or lubricant on the work area

Start the machine and engage the automatic feed or turn the handwheel to feed the workpiece to the cutter

Observe the proper operation of the machine

Stop the machine and remove chips

Mount different cutting tools

Compare the tolerances of the workpiece to the job specifications

Tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Milling and Planing Machine Operators may specialize by the type of machine they operate or by the operation they perform.

605.280-010 MILLING-MACHINE SET-UP OPERATORS set up and operate various types of milling machines to mill flat or curved surfaces on metal workpieces such as machine, tool, or die parts.

605.280-014 PROFILING-MACHINE SET-UP OPERATORS set up and operate milling machines equipped with a built-in or attached tracing mechanism that guides the cutting tool to mill the contour of a model or profile of a template on a metal workpiece.

605.282-018 PLANER-TYPE-MILLING-MACHINE SET-UP OPERATORS set up and operate a planer-type milling machine that moves the workpiece back and forth against a rigidly held rotating cutter to mill workpieces, such as castings and machine parts.

605.382-010 BROACHING-MACHINE SET-UP OPERATORS set up and operate one or more broaching machines to broach internal or external, cylindrical or flat surfaces on metal workpieces.

605.282-014 TOOL PLANER SET-UP OPERATORS set up and operate planers that move workpieces back and forth against a stationary bar tool to plane and groove large metal workpieces.

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

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Skilled Milling and Planing Machine Operators generally work under the direction of a section or shop supervisor, in the specialized production departments or tool rooms of factories, tools shops, or job shops. These Operators work indoors in heated, well lighted, and well ventilated areas. Some hazards are metal chips, abrasive dust, sharp cutting tools, rotating machine parts, and skin irritation from oil or coolants.

Most Operators work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Some work on an afternoon or a night shift. Overtime may be necessary to meet production requirements or contract deadlines.

Some of these Operators may have to provide their own hand tools.

Most Milling and Planing Machine Operators are members of unions, including the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America; and the United Steelworkers of America. Those who belong to unions must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities which involve the use of machines

You Should Be Able To:

• Understand and apply mechanical principles when setting up machines

• Rate information using standards that can be measured or checked

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• See detail in objects/drawings/recognize slight differences in shapes

• Visualize how flat drawings/pictures would look as solid objects

• Work easily and skillfully with your hands

• Communicate problems about machine operations effectively

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If the mass of a sheet or metal is 20 kilograms and it's volume is 2 cubic meters, what is the density of the metal?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Volume is always a function of the dimensions, thus expansion causes a considerable increase in volume.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write an explanation to your supervisor of any malfunctions in the equipment that you may have experienced.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to brainstorm ways that you could increase the productivity of your plant.

Employers often prefer applicants with mathematical and blueprint

reading skills, as well as machine shop experience.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer, a High School Diploma or Equivalent a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or a Certificate (program of up to one years of study beyond High School) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond High School) or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond High School) 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 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 program.

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***

098 MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Mechanical Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the design, manufacture, testing, operation, and maintenance of devices, tools, and mechanical equipment. Individuals who teach Mechanical Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses will vary from school to school but may include:

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program  

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan. For more information, contact the Bureau or Apprenticeship and Training found in the Sources Of More Information below.

An extensive listing of other information sources can also be found in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the MOIS Supports Menu Item.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript  

E-Learning Courses and Programs  

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Chances to explore or gain experience in this occupation are summer jobs or part-time work as a helper or laborer in a machine shop. Employees who work with or around metalworking machinery must be at least 18 years old. Secondary vocational education programs in machine tool operation and machine shop plus postsecondary programs in mechanical technology may offer opportunities for practical experience.

            School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Milling and Planing Machine Operator employer

internships

volunteer work with a Milling and Planing Machine Operator employer

community service work with an agency

The most common method of entering this occupation is by applying directly to employers in factories or machine shops. Assistance in locating a job may be available from a high school placement office or a local office of Michigan Works!. Openings may appear in want ads. Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan. 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)

America's Job Bank (http://www.ajb.dni.us)

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

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

MONSTER.COM  (http://www.monster.com)

            Michigan Works! (http://www.michiganworks.org)       

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

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Milling and Planing Machine Operators vary by skill level, type of machine operated, size and location of the employer, and extent of unionization. These Operators may receive hourly rates, incentive rates, or a combination of both.

Nationally, in 2001, the median weekly wage for Milling and Planing Machine Operators was $405 or $10.13 per hour.  The median hourly earnings of  "all" workers in the U.S. were $14.92 in 2001.

Milling and Planing Machine Operators working in the auto industry earned between $22.87 and $26.79 per hour in mid 2002. They also earned a cost-of-living allowance.

In Michigan, in early 2002, Milling Machine Operators had average hourly wages of $17.05. The average hourly wages (early 2002) of milling machine set up/operators in several Michigan cities were:

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

Most Milling and Planing Machine Operators receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and sick pay. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Promotion for Milling and Planing Machine Operators depends on training, skill, and experience. Advancement to machinist or tool and die maker may require completion of a formal apprenticeship. Operators with leadership ability may advance to supervisory jobs.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, the number of Milling and Planing Machine Operators is 34,300. Employment of Milling and Planing Machine Operators is expected to decline through the year 2008. Technological changes that increase productivity of Milling and Planing Machine Operators are expected to keep employment from rising as fast as the demand for machined products. The industry distribution of Milling and Planing Machine Operators was:   

There were about 15,675 Metal Machine Tool Cutting Operators and Tenders, including Milling and Planing Machine Operators employed in Michigan. All of them worked in the manufacturing industry.  

Employment of Milling and Planing Machine Operators in Michigan is expected to decline through the year 2008.  The changeover to numerically controlled machine tools; new processes in metal removal, such as ultrasonic machining; and the use of powdered metals which reduce the machining necessary for a final product have had a negative impact on employment. Automotive companies are purchasing more sophisticated programmable machining centers that can be easily integrated into production lines. In this way a machining and turning center can replace two to three traditional machine tools.  These machines adapt to short changeover times. Environmental concerns have promoted use of new machines that produce less waste and use less polluting coolant.  More plastic and cast nylon is used rather than metal, so that metal machining requirements are eliminated.  There is increased use of lasers, and electrical discharge machining (EDM).  

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2008

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Milling and Planing Machine Operator can be summarized by the following:

Copyright © 2003 Michigan Department of Career Development