Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.

“Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.” is a core task performed by Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. Among the occupation's 17 rated tasks, workers place it 11th by importance (#7 most important). About 96% of workers say it is relevant to their job.

This is a single occupation-specific task statement from O*NET. The figures below describe how central the task is to the job and what independent studies measure about AI and this kind of work — not a prediction that the task will be automated.

Work activities this task rolls up to

O*NET groups concrete tasks into broader work activities shared across many occupations.

• Adjust equipment to ensure adequate performance. in Handling and Moving Objects

AI exposure

The OpenAI / Eloundou “GPTs are GPTs” study rates this task E0. No direct exposure — current language models give little or no time savings on this task.

Exposure measures whether a model could meaningfully speed the task up — it is an estimate of overlap with model capabilities, not a measure of whether the work will be done by software. The study's intermediate score (β) for this task is 0.00. Automation potential label: T1.

Other tasks in this occupation

• Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges. · importance 4.8
• Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements. · importance 4.7
• Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds. · importance 4.5
• Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles. · importance 4.5
• Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations. · importance 4.5
• Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches. · importance 4.5
• Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices. · importance 4.4
• Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems. · importance 4.3
• Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces. · importance 4.3
• Turn valves and direct flow of coolants or cutting oil over cutting areas. · importance 4.2
• Install tools in spindles. · importance 4.1
• Operate single- or multiple-spindle drill presses to bore holes so that machining operations can be performed on metal or plastic workpieces. · importance 3.9
• Perform minor assembly, such as fastening parts with nuts, bolts, or screws, using power tools or hand tools. · importance 3.9
• Lay out reference lines and machining locations on work, using layout tools, and applying knowledge of shop math and layout techniques. · importance 3.9

See all tasks on the Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic page.

Sources for this page

Every figure above traces to a named public dataset and the exact release below — not hand-written opinion. See the full methodology for what each measure does and does not mean.

• O*NET 30.3 U.S. Department of Labor / National Center for O*NET Development
• “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130 OpenAI / academic

Data compiled June 2, 2026. Figures are estimates, not advice.

@misc{singulariki-task-11976,
  title  = {Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.},
  author = {{Singulariki}},
  year   = {2026},
  note   = {O*NET 30.3; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130. Accessed June 7, 2026},
  url    = {https://singulariki.com/tasks/task-11976}
}