Manual Machinist

Job Description

Job Title: Manual Machinist – Heavy Machining

Location:

Mayfield, KY

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Manual Machinist with specialized expertise operating Vertical Turret Lathes (VTL) and Horizontal Boring Mills (HBM). In this role, you will be responsible for setting up and machining large-scale, complex, low-volume, or high-value precision parts. You must possess deep technical knowledge of manual metal-cutting principles, precision setup techniques, print reading, and tight-tolerance inspection.

Primary Responsibilities

• Machine Setup & Operation: Perform complex setups and manual machining operations on Large Vertical Turret Lathes (VTL) and Horizontal Boring Mills (HBM).
• Part Preparation & Fixturing: Secure large, heavy, irregular, or casting/forging work pieces using chucks, faceplates, angle plates, magnetic chucks, and custom fixtures.
• Drawing & Blueprint Interpretation: Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, sketches, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) callouts.
• Tooling & Feeds/Speeds: Select appropriate cutting tools, insert grades, boring bars, and tool holders. Calculate and set optimum speeds, feeds, depth of cut, and coolant application for various metals (e.g., carbon steel, stainless, alloy steels, cast iron, and exotics).
• Precision Measurement: Perform continuous step-by-step and first-piece quality inspections using precision measuring tools, including micrometers (inside/outside), vernier calipers, bore gauges, height gauges, and indicators.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform routine daily maintenance (preventative maintenance) on assigned machines. Identify, troubleshoot, and correct tool wear, vibration/chatter, or machine setup issues.
• Qualifications & Skills

Experience

• 5+ years of hands-on experience as a Manual Machinist in a job shop, heavy manufacturing, or repair environment.
• Direct, proven experience operating Manual Vertical Turret Lathes (VTL) and Manual Horizontal Boring Mills (HBM)

Technical Competencies

• Proven ability to achieve tight tolerances on large-diameter or long-reach features.
• Working knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
• Proficiency in shop math, including practical trigonometry and geometry.
• Experience with large-diameter turning, facing, threading, counterboring, line boring, facing, and milling on heavy manual equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted.
• Physical capability to stand, bend, reach, and maneuver around large machine beds for full shifts.
• Comfort working in a heavy industrial shop environment (heat, noise, oil/coolant mist).

Preferred Qualifications

• Journeyman Machinist card or vocational school certification/degree in Precision Machining.
• Experience working on large job-shop components
• Overhead crane operator certification and rigging certification.
• Basic working knowledge of manual lathes and knee mills (Bridgeport-style) for secondary operations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• First-Pass Yield: Minimal scrap or rework due to improper setups or machining errors.
• Schedule Adherence: Ability to complete job cards within estimated floor hours.