Manual Lathe Machinist

Depatie Fluid Power Co.; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Thread-Craft in Augusta, GA seeks an experienced Manual Lathe Hand to join our precision machining team. You will operate manual and semi-automatic lathes to manufacture high-quality metal components to exact specifications.

You will read blueprints, set up machines, measure parts with calipers and micrometers, and help maintain tooling and quality control, ensuring parts meet tight tolerance requirements in a hands-on environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1–3 years skilled trades training or 2 years of equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of tool holders, cutting tools, boring bars, fixtures and accessories for manual machines.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, problem solving, and ability to read blueprints.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs regularly and up to 70 lbs occasionally.
• Experience on engine lathe and Bridgeport mill preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operates all equipment safely; maintains a clean work area and follows safety procedures.
• Sets up and operates machines using blueprints and work instructions.
• Mounts, aligns and secures tools and fixtures with hand tools and measuring instruments.
• Sharpens or replaces tooling as needed.
• Positions and secures work pieces; monitors gauges to ensure proper operation.
• Provides basic machine maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Follows settings to ensure tool longevity and performs first-run inspections.
• Documents job transactions in ERP software; cross-trains as needed.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.

Skills

Manual lathe operation

Blueprint interpretation

Quality inspection

Measurement tools

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Caliper

Micrometer

Tool holders

Boring bars

Fixtures

Job description

Description

Thread-Craft is looking for an experienced Manual Lathe Hand to join our team. As a leader in precision machining, we take pride in producing high-quality parts and creating a workplace where skilled tradespeople can grow and succeed.

In this role, you’ll work with manual and semi-automatic lathes to machine precision metal components to spec. We’re looking for someone who enjoys hands‑on work, pays attention to detail, and takes pride in producing quality parts the right way.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

• Operates all equipment in a safe manner and uses safe work habits. Maintains a clean working environment including complying with all safety procedures, rules and regulations.
• Follows procedures for job set‑up and machine operation using blueprints, work instructions, and machine knowledge.
• Mounts, installs, aligns and secures tools, attachments and fixtures using hand tools and precise measuring instruments.
• Sharpens cutting tools or replaces tooling as necessary.
• Positions and secures the work piece in equipment.
• Watches gages, dials or other indicators to make sure machinery is working properly. Notifies the supervisor promptly in the event a machine is not properly working.
• Provides basic machinery maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Follows proper settings and procedures to ensure tool/machine longevity.
• Conducts tests and first run inspection of product to evaluate quality and tolerance.
• Detects and reports defective materials or questionable conditions to a supervisor.
• Accurately clocks job transactions into ERP software.
• Willingness to cross train and perform the work of other job tasks when necessary.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One to three years of skilled trades training or two years of equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of tool holders, cutting tools, boring bars, fixtures, inserts and other accessories used on manually operated machines.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, problem solving, and ability to interpret blueprints.
• Basic mathematical skills and ability to perform precise measurements using a tape measure, caliper and micrometer.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs with regularity and up to 70 lbs occasionally.
• Five years prior experience operating manual machinery or in a tool room preferred.
• Experience on an engine lathe and Bridgeport mill ideal.