A Day in the Life
You operate manual or CNC lathe machines to produce cylindrical metal components — turning, facing, boring, threading, and grooving to engineering specifications in a manufacturing or engineering workshop.
- Read engineering drawings to determine dimensions, tolerances, and surface finish requirements
- Select and mount appropriate cutting tools for each operation
- Set up workpieces in lathe chucks, faceplates, or between centres
- Perform turning, facing, taper turning, boring, and threading operations
- Measure in-process dimensions with micrometers and vernier callipers
- Adjust cutting speeds and feed rates for optimal finish and tool life
- Check completed parts against drawings and quality requirements
- Maintain lathe — lubricate, clean, and report wear or malfunction
Work Environment
INDOORTeam: SMALLUNIFORMRemote: NONE
Engineering workshop or light manufacturing facility — metal swarf, coolant/oil, noise from rotating machinery. Safety equipment (eye protection, closed-toe shoes) mandatory. In Sri Lanka, lathe operators work in engineering repair workshops, government workshops (SEC, STC), and manufacturing companies.
Skills Required
Technical Skills
Manual lathe operation — turning, facing, boring, threadingEngineering drawing interpretationPrecision measurement (micrometers, vernier callipers, dial indicators)Cutting tool selection and grindingTaper turning and knurling techniques
Soft Skills
Attention to dimensional accuracy and surface finishPhysical coordination and machine feelSafety discipline around rotating machineryMethodical working and measurement habitsContinuous improvement mindset
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