Turner Trade Career Profile

ROLE OVERVIEW:
Turners specialize in operating metal cutting lathes (both manual and CNC) to shape cylindrical metal parts for machinery, tools, and automotive assemblies.

SKILLS REQUIRED:
- Lathe operations (facing, turning, knurling, parting)
- Cutting metric and imperial thread profiles
- Reading engineering drawings and tool sharpening
- Vernier calipers and micrometers measurements

TOOLS USED:
- Center lathes and CNC lathe machines
- Single-point cutting tools, boring bars, and knurling tools
- Chucks, faceplates, and steady rests

GROWTH PROSPECTS:
Core machining specialization leading to CNC setup roles.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
1. Q: What is the purpose of a rake angle on a lathe cutting tool?
A: Rake angle guides chip flow away from the cut surface, reducing friction and cutting force.
2. Q: How do you prevent chatter during turning operations?
A: Reduce cutting speed, ensure rigid tool clamping, and use appropriate feed rates and cutting depth.