They do this by interpreting blueprints, engineering drawings, sketches and verbal instructions.
Machinists also develop and maintain preventive maintenance procedures, and overhaul equipment.
This may involve diagnosing and solving new or unique equipment problems by designing, building and installing equipment improvement prototypes. In analyzing specifications and developing tools, they must have knowledge of metal properties and lathe operation and be able to visualize the finished product. Working Conditions Machinists generally work indoors around high-speed cutting tools, moving machinery, metal chips and abrasive dusts. There is frequent contact with grease, oils and solvents. The work can be physically strenuous, with some heavy lifting.