Bench Lathe Operator (Tabletop Lathe Operator)
べんちれーすこう（たくじょうせんばんこう）
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Manufacturing technician who operates manual lathes (tabletop lathes) to perform cutting machining on metal parts.
Description
Bench lathe operators (tabletop lathe operators) use manual lathes to cut and machine metal parts based on drawings or machining instructions. They secure the workpiece in the chuck, set up the tool post and cutting tool, and adjust cutting conditions (rotation speed and feed rate). During machining, they measure dimensions using micrometers or calipers, and perform finishing, deburring, and surface roughness checks. They also handle tool replacement and grinding, daily lubrication and cleaning of the machine, and simple maintenance. High precision is required for small-lot production, prototypes, and jig manufacturing.
Future Outlook
Due to advances in automation and CNC, demand for manual lathe work is on a decreasing trend, but it remains necessary for small-lot production of precision parts and prototyping processes. Skill inheritance and multi-skilling are required.
Personality Traits
Dexterous hands skilled in fine work / High Concentration / Meticulous / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
Factory Work / Prototyping / Shift Work / Small Lot Production
Career Path
Bench Lathe Operator → Senior Lathe Operator → CNC Operator → Machining Leader → Production Management
Required Skills
Cutting Tool Selection / Deburring / Dimensional Measurement / Machine Setup / Manual Lathe Operation / Technical Drawing Reading
Recommended Skills
CAD/CAM / CNC Lathe / Tool Grinding Technology / Understanding of Metal Material Properties
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because high machining accuracy is required within fine dimensional tolerances. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because mathematical thinking is required for cutting conditions and dimension calculations. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Creativity is low because processing is done according to specifications within the framework. |
| Initiative & Leadership | Proactive judgment is limited because work is performed following instructions. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Mainly individual work with low team dependency. |
Related Qualifications
- Crane and Slinging (Optional)
- Lathe Operation Skill Test (Grade 3 or higher)
- Machining Skillster
Aliases
- Bench Lathe Operator
- Manual Lathe Operator
- Tabletop Lathe Operator
Related Jobs
- CNC Lathe Operator
- General Milling Machine Operator
- Jig and Tool Manufacturer
- Milling Machine Operator