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Lathe operator

MEDIUM Demand

A Day in the Life

You operate manual or CNC lathe machines to produce cylindrical metal components — turning, facing, boring, threading, and grooving to engineering specifications in a manufacturing or engineering workshop.

  • Read engineering drawings to determine dimensions, tolerances, and surface finish requirements
  • Select and mount appropriate cutting tools for each operation
  • Set up workpieces in lathe chucks, faceplates, or between centres
  • Perform turning, facing, taper turning, boring, and threading operations
  • Measure in-process dimensions with micrometers and vernier callipers
  • Adjust cutting speeds and feed rates for optimal finish and tool life
  • Check completed parts against drawings and quality requirements
  • Maintain lathe — lubricate, clean, and report wear or malfunction

Work Environment

INDOORTeam: SMALLUNIFORMRemote: NONE

Engineering workshop or light manufacturing facility — metal swarf, coolant/oil, noise from rotating machinery. Safety equipment (eye protection, closed-toe shoes) mandatory. In Sri Lanka, lathe operators work in engineering repair workshops, government workshops (SEC, STC), and manufacturing companies.

Skills Required

Required

CNC Machining & Precision Manufacturing

Preferred

Attention to Detail

Technical Skills

Manual lathe operation — turning, facing, boring, threadingEngineering drawing interpretationPrecision measurement (micrometers, vernier callipers, dial indicators)Cutting tool selection and grindingTaper turning and knurling techniques

Soft Skills

Attention to dimensional accuracy and surface finishPhysical coordination and machine feelSafety discipline around rotating machineryMethodical working and measurement habitsContinuous improvement mindset

How to Qualify in Sri Lanka

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At a Glance

SL DemandMEDIUM
Remote WorkNONE

Sectors

Private

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Frequently Asked Questions

You operate manual or CNC lathe machines to produce cylindrical metal components — turning, facing, boring, threading, and grooving to engineering specifications in a manufacturing or engineering workshop.

Key skills for a Lathe operator in Sri Lanka: CNC Machining & Precision Manufacturing. Important soft skills: Attention to dimensional accuracy and surface finish, Physical coordination and machine feel, Safety discipline around rotating machinery.

Engineering workshop or light manufacturing facility — metal swarf, coolant/oil, noise from rotating machinery. Safety equipment (eye protection, closed-toe shoes) mandatory. In Sri Lanka, lathe operators work in engineering repair workshops, government workshops (SEC, STC), and manufacturing companies.