Acme-Gridley Setup Operator

Job Summary

The Acme-Gridley Setup Operator is responsible for setting up, adjusting, troubleshooting, and operating Acme-Gridley multi-spindle screw machines to produce precision machined components. This position requires strong mechanical ability, knowledge of cams, gears, tooling, attachments, feeds and speeds, and the ability to maintain production while holding print tolerances and quality requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up Acme-Gridley multi-spindle screw machines for production jobs according to prints, job routers, tooling sheets, and setup documentation.
• Install, align, and adjust cams, gears, collets, feed fingers, stock stops, shave tools, form tools, drills, reamers, taps, die heads, cut-off tools, and attachments.
• Load bar stock and verify correct material size, grade, and heat/lot information when required.
• Make machine adjustments to maintain part dimensions, surface finish, concentricity, thread quality, hole size, length, chamfers, and other critical features.
• Use micrometers, calipers, depth mics, thread gauges, plug gauges, pin gauges, indicators, comparators, and other inspection equipment.
• Read and interpret blueprints, tolerances, inspection plans, and special requirements.
• Troubleshoot machine issues including tool wear, poor finishes, size variation, bar feed issues, chip control problems, timing issues, broken tools, and attachment problems.
• Sharpen, replace, or modify tooling as needed to maintain production and quality.
• Perform first-piece inspection and submit parts for quality approval before full production.
• Monitor machines during production and make offsets or mechanical adjustments as needed.
• Train operators on loading material, checking parts, changing tools, identifying defects, and following inspection frequency.
• Maintain production counts, scrap records, downtime notes, and setup documentation.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance, lubrication checks, housekeeping, and safe machine operation.
• Communicate material shortages, tooling problems, machine repairs, and quality issues to supervision, maintenance, and quality personnel.