Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.

“Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.” is a core task performed by Machinists. Among the occupation's 29 rated tasks, workers place it 28th by importance (#2 most important). About 99% 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.

• Operate cutting or grinding equipment. in Controlling Machines and Processes

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: T0.

Other tasks in this occupation

• Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers. · importance 4.8
• Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers. · importance 4.6
• Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations. · importance 4.6
• Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools. · importance 4.5
• Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products. · importance 4.5
• Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process. · importance 4.5
• Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition. · importance 4.5
• Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties, and mathematics. · importance 4.4
• Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools. · importance 4.4
• Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines. · importance 4.3
• Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency. · importance 4.3
• Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications. · importance 4.3
• Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability. · importance 4.3
• Install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment. · importance 4.1

See all tasks on the Machinists 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-3094,
  title  = {Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.},
  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-3094}
}