Position Summary
The Boring Mill Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining boring mills (and related drilling or milling machines) to bore, mill, ream, or countersink metal or plastic workpieces per engineering drawings and work orders. The operator ensures parts meet dimensional and finish specifications and performs machine adjustments, tool changes, and quality checks as required.
Key Responsibilities
- Read and interpret blueprints, job orders, and machining instructions to determine part specifications, sequences of operations, setups, tooling requirements and finish requirements.
- Position and secure workpieces on machine tables using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices.
- Establish zero reference points on workpieces and ensure correct alignment of reference lines relative to machine axes.
- Select and install cutting tools (boring heads, drills, reamers, countersinks etc.), set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cut, and coolant/cutting oil flows according to instructions or material properties.
- Operate the boring mill (or drilling/boring machine) controls, engage automatic feeds, monitor machine operation, and detect problems (e.g., tool wear, misalignment, machine malfunction).
- Measure and verify machined work to specifications using measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, fixed/telescoping gauges, dial indicators, etc. Maintain inspection records.
- Perform tool changes (including changing worn cutting tools with wrenches), sharpen tools if required, and maintain machine tooling and attachments.
- Maintain machine cleanliness and operate in accordance with safety procedures (includes proper usage of protective equipment, safe handling of workpieces, awareness of noise levels, etc.).
- Report any machine irregularities, part defects, or tool issues to the supervisor and collaborate on corrective actions.
- Record production data, machine logs, tool usage, part counts, downtime, quality metrics and communicate with team/shift for handoffs.
- Assist with minor assembly or fitting operations (such as fastening parts with nuts/bolts/screws) if required for the machining process.
Qualifications / Skills / Abilities
- High school diploma or equivalent required. Some vocational or technical coursework in machining, manufacturing, or related field preferred.
- Prior experience operating boring mills, drilling/boring machines, or other machine tools in a manufacturing or machining environment preferred.
- Proficient with measuring instruments: micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, gauges.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, job orders, machining instructions.
- Strong hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and ability to work with hands and machine controls.
- Ability to maintain high accuracy in measurements and alignments (near vision, finger dexterity, control precision).
- Good communication skills—ability to work with supervisors and team, ask questions, and report issues.
- Basic computer skills are desirable (e.g., entering data, using spreadsheets, machine control software).
- Dependable, detail-oriented—ensuring parts meet specification and machine tasks are performed correctly.
- Physical stamina: ability to lift or position workpieces (sometimes using hoists/cranes), stand for long periods, use tools, bend/stoop.
Working Conditions & Environment
- Work takes place in a manufacturing floor / machine shop environment with metal or plastic workpieces being machined.
- Machines are often noisy; hearing protection, safety glasses, steel-toe shoes, gloves may be required.
- Work may require standing, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting up to [insert weight] (with help of hoist/crane as needed).
- Shift work may be required; more than 40 hours per week is common in many shops.
- Attention to safety, machine guards, coolant and oil handling, correct tool changes are critical.
Career Path / Advancement
- Opportunity to advance to Setup Machinist, CNC Programmer, or Lead Operator roles.
- Additional training in CNC programming, advanced tooling, CAD/CAM may open further advancement.
- Certifications such as those from National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) may be beneficial.
