RATING GUIDE NO. 6

Operation of ____________________ (Specify equipment, machinery, etc.)

DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT

Ability to operate particular equipment, machinery, etc. This guide is a Master Rating Guide to be applied to each particular element numbered 6.

LEVEL OF ABILITY

Most Difficult

- Able to perform the more complex operations. Possesses knowledge equal to an expert who is able to give technical direction to otherwise competent workers at the next lower level who have not been exposed to a particular situation.

- Able to perform the more complex operations and to instruct others.

Common

Able to perform the common operations and to assume responsibility for proper use.

Less Difficult

- Able to perform the common operations under close guidance in situations where operations can be practicably carried on under continuous supervisory inspection.

- Able to perform the simpler operations.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. Had training on this.

2. Had limited experience under close supervision.

3. Can operate this independently.

4. Considered an expert; called on to do unusual jobs (Explain).

5. Can set up equipment (Give details).

6. Can adjust, oil, do minor maintenance, etc. (Explain).

7. Can keep records or logs of operation.

To Guide Index

---

RATING GUIDE NO. 6-A

Operation of Motor Vehicle

DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT

Ability to operate mobile equipment such as automobiles, trucks, mobile cranes, mobile well drilling equipment, etc., and attachments.

LEVELS OF ABILITY

Most Difficult

- Level of knowledge possessed by an expert who can operate safely under most dangerous and difficult conditions.

- Level of knowledge equal to that of an instructor in an established program.

Common

Well grounded in knowledge of acceptable practice in common operation.

Less Difficult

Able to operate with routine equipment under routine conditions.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

List the kinds of equipment you can operate, giving sizes and type or models. List attachments, if any, for each kind. Write the number of each statement that applies to your experience, and give examples of the more difficult work you have done:

1. Had training on this.

2. Had limited experience under close supervision.

3. Can operate this independently.

4. Considered an expert, called on to do unusual jobs (Explain).

5. Can adjust, oil, do minor maintenance, and set up attachments (Explain).

6. Can operate under difficult or dangerous conditions (Explain).

To Guide Index

---

RATING GUIDE NO. 6-B

Operation of Metalworking Machines (Particular machines may be specified)

DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT

Ability to use metalworking machines.

WORK EXAMPLES

The following degrees of complexity of machine operation may be found in one or more lines of work:

- Producing parts by series of operations such as drawing, piercing, forming, bending, and cutting, where guides and precedents are not available.

- Producing parts with irregular and unusual shapes, formed sections, and several close stepped diameters or holes.

- Operating non-automatic machines involving a number of tools and devices, such as form tools, cutting tools, and special attachments.

- Operating non-automatic machines for routine work, such as shaping of metal tubing, or shearing or drilling to rough dimensions.

- Operating automatic machines having self-regulated devices which prevent damage to machine, work, or tools.

LEVELS OF ABILITY

Most Difficult

Able to perform the most complex operations in the line of work.

Common

Able to perform the common operations assigned as the journeyman duties in the line of work.

Less Difficult

- Able to perform the common operations associated with the journeyman duties but under close guidance, using mainly tools which can be set up and operated under continuous supervisory inspection.

-Able to perform the simpler functions in a line of work.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

For each type of machine that you have used, write the Job Numbers or other item numbers to show where you used it.

- Drill press

- Shears

- Grinders

- Rolling machine

- Dimpling machine

- Metal shrinker

- Rotary punch

- Planishing hammer

- Brakes

- Flanging machine

- Hydraulic press

- Punch press

- Drophammer

- Other (Specify)

For each type of machine, write the number of each statement that describes your training.

1. No experience or training.

2. Operating machine for a single kind of routine work.

3. Operating machine when setup is done by someone else.

4. Producing parts with unusual shapes but when guides and precedents are available.

5. Producing parts with unusual shapes where guides and precedents are not available.

6. Working safely.

7. Maintaining machine in operable condition.

Give examples of work you have done, type of metal used, etc.

To Guide Index

---

RATING GUIDE NO. 6-C

Operation of Machine Tools (Particular too1s may be specified)

DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT

Ability to use machine tools.

WORK EXAMPLES

The following degrees of complexity of machine operation may be found in one or more lines of work:

- Setting up and operating to produce parts with irregular and unusual shapes, formed sections, and several close stepped diameters or holes.

- Setting up and operating with the involvement of a number of tools and devices such as form tools, cutting tools, die heads, taper and special attachments, index heads, etc.

- Operating to produce more complex parts, not performing initial setup but replacing new tools into original positions, adjusting safety devices, clutches, collets, spindle carriers, etc.; and observing operation to ensure satisfactory production rate and agreement with specifications.

- Setting up and operating but with only one or two of the simpler tools such as cutting tools, or facing tools, or counterbores, or drills.

- Operating non-automatic machines for a simple kind of work, starting and stopping machines for work to be done, stopping if machine gets "hung up," feeding proper amount of coolant, and adjusting safety devices, clutches, collets, and spindle carriers.

- Operating automatic machines having self-regulated devices which prevent damage to machine, work, or tools.

LEVELS OF ABILITY

Most Difficult

Able to perform the most complex operations in the line of work.

Common

Able to perform the common operations assigned as the journeyman duties in the line of work.

Less Difficult

- Able to perform the common operations associated with the journeyman duties but under close guidance, using mainly tools which can be set up and operated under continuous supervisory inspection.

- Able to perform the simpler functions in a line of work.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

For each kind of machine tool listed below that you used, write the job numbers or other item numbers to show type and size and where you used it.

- Drill press (Give types and sizes).

- Lathe (Give types and sizes).

- Milling machine (Give types and sizes).

- Others (Specify) (Give types and sizes).

For each machine you used, write the number of each statement below that applies to your experience.

1. Had training on this.

2. Can operate this independently.

3. Can grind tools (Give examples of most complex).

4. Can set up on my own. Show examples of tools, jigs, chucks, etc. Show extent to which you set speed and feed to material and tolerance.

5. Considered an expert, called on to do unusual job (Explain).

6. Can work to close tolerance, fine finish, etc. (Give details).

Give examples of your more difficult work.

To Guide Index

---

RATING GUIDE NO. 6-D

Setup

DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT

Skill in alining and holding the work in proper relation to the cutting tools. This includes preparation of the machine for operation, installation of attachments, jigs, etc., clamping or bolting the workpiece by means of fixtures, chucks, etc., and attaching cutting tools. Setup includes the setting of speeds and feeds to type of metal and tolerance required, and making trial cuts and final adjustment prior to operations. Compare Element 80-D, Ability to Plan, Lay Out, and Set Up Work, which includes setup among other considerations.

Note: This element may be made specific for a particular machine. If this is done, job applicants whose experience is limited to related machines should be rated in terms of how well their experience will permit them to perform on the required machines. For example, an applicant who can work at the common level on a milling machine can usually work at the common level on a gear cutter or gear hobber, but the reverse is not always true.

WORK EXAMPLES

The following degrees of complexity may be found in one or more lines of work:

- Unusual setups in adapting machines and tools for prototype and experimental jobs requiring close tolerances such as .0001 to .0005 inch.

-Original setups of form tools, threading, dies, reamers, etc., to conform with drawing specifications requiring precision measuring to tolerances of .001 inch or less.

-Determining by examination and/or frequent gaging, calibrating, or measuring when form tools, tool bits, die heads, and special machine attachments are worn or dull; removing, and replacing tools in such setups where precision measuring work to a tolerance of .005 inch is required.

-Initial setups such as in original setups of drills, counterbores, and cut-off tools, not requiring precision measuring instruments to make the adjustments.

-Simple secondary setup on a simple machine after initial setup has been made by others; for example: removing and replacing drill, counterbore or cut-off tool.

LEVELS OF ABILITY

Most Difficult

-Able to make unusual setups in adapting machines and tools for prototype and experimental jobs.

-Able to make the more difficult setups.

Common

Able to do the common setup jobs typical of the Journeyman job in the line of work.

Less Difficult

-Able to perform common tasks typical of the journeyman job in the line of work under close supervision and continuous guidance.

-Able to make simple setups of the line of work.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. Describe your experience and training in setup: replacing tools, alining work and fixtures, and setting feeds and speeds. Include the machines, kinds of tools, kinds of work done, and tolerances.

2. Show the purpose of the setup for your own operations, for operations of a shop, etc.

3. Show whether setups were usually about the same or were constantly changing.

To Guide Index

---

RATING GUIDE NO. 6-E

Tapping

DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT

Ability to cut threads in holes by hand or machine, using drills and taps. Involves knowledge of thread pitch and diameter, relation between thread cutting and other machine operations, characteristics of tapping machines, etc. Does not include internal thread cutting done on a lathe using thread-cutting tools; does not include lapping threads.

WORK EXAMPLES

The following degrees of complexity may be found in one or more lines of work:

-Tapping of small holes in fuse bodies or precision instruments; blind hole tapping in tough material like stainless steel or titanium where tap breakage is highly probable.

-Tapping of provision holes (class 3 fit) for studs; tapping of pipe threads in castings where depth is a factor.

-Tapping of through holes in flat surfaces where extreme precision of threads is not critical (class 2 fit).

LEVELS OF ABILITY

Most Difficult

Able to perform difficult tapping in the line of work.

Common

Able to perform tapping common to line of work.

Less Difficult

-Able to perform common tapping, but under close guidance and supervision.

-Able to do simple tapping in the line of work.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. Tell about your experience and training in using drills and taps by hand and machine to thread holes (Do not include using thread cutting tools on a lathe, or lapping thread).

2. Show the kind of work you have done, especially the more demanding. For what class fit?

To Guide Index

---

RATING GUIDE NO. 6-F

Threading (Chasing) on Lathe

DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT ELEMENT ELEMENT

Ability to produce internal and external threads, using engine lathe with chasing or threading tool. Involves knowledge of thread types and pitch.

WORK EXAMPLES

The following degrees of complexity may be found in one or more lines of work:

-Cutting single and multiple internal and external threads on lathes using single point tool for class 3 fit; guiding tools for external and internal threading, setting in proper position with the center gage, adjusting compound head to proper angle, computing length of single thread; using thread micrometer or 3-wire system of measurement; using knowledge of correct angles for different types of threads.

-External and internal threading, using single point tool on lathes, producing class 2 fit.

-External threading on studs and bolts using dies, and internal threading using taps.

LEVELS OF ABILITY

Most Difficult

Able to perform the more complex threading in the line of work.

Common

Capable of common threading in the line of work.

Less Difficult

-Capable of performing common threading in the line of work, under close supervision and guidance.

-Able to do simple threading in the line of work.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. Tell about your experience and training in producing internal and external threads, using engine lathe with chasing or threading tool.

2. Show how you got your knowledge of thread types, angles, and pitch, and what use you have made of this knowledge.

3. For what classes of fit have you done chasing?

4. Show your experience and training in checking product (with thread micrometer, 3-wire system, etc.).

To Guide Index

---

RATING GUIDE NO.6-G

Loading, Unloading, and Feeding Machines

DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT

Ability to feed material to any machine, conveyor, etc., or remove the processed material. Material may be in any form (roll, strip, piece, or liquid, etc.) and processed material may be in semi-finished or finished condition. Includes handling between steps in processing, as turning machine over for next step.

WORK EXAMPLES

The following degrees of complexity of machine loading and unloading may be found in one or more lines of work:

-Loading by clamping in fixture at one or more points by hand, air hydraulic, or magnetic means or where several parts are positioned in relation to one another.

-Positioning material or timing rate of feed where some damage to machine or product will result from incorrect positioning or timing of feeds, but where material must be placed against stops or must be placed in some guide, fixture, etc.

-Merely placing material on conveyor, belt, slide, etc., where machine itself feeds and positions the oncoming material for processing.

LEVELS OF ABILITY

Most Difficult

Able to perform the more difficult operations in the line of work.

Common

Able to perform the common operations in the line of work.

Less Difficult

-Able to perform the common operations under close guidance.

-Able to perform the simpler operations in the line of work.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

Tell about your experience in feeding and unloading machines. Show the kind of feeding operations you have done, such as placing material on conveyor, positioning material, adjusting timing, clamping fixtures, etc. Show what damage might have resulted from improper feeding.

To Guide Index

---

RATING GUIDE NO. 10

Aptitude and Interest for Learning Trade Theory and Practice

DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT

Ability to acquire knowledges and skills. Includes learning ability for the kinds of knowledges and skills that will be involved, interest in learning, and possession of the coordination and dexterity necessary for the acquisition of skills.

TESTS, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Previous employment; courses in mathematics, science, trades subjects, drafting, etc., as appropriate; hobbies and other activities (as evidenced in competitions entered, awards, amateur licenses, etc.) may be used in assessing the applicant's ability in this element.

Test results may be used to supplement the experience and training record, especially where the record is not conclusive as to ability to progress further. For support jobs where applicants are expected to have little experience, tests often provide important information about an applicant's aptitude that might not be ascertained otherwise. For jobs requiring developed skills, however, the available record of previous progress serves as the most important indication of ability to learn and the applicant must have some knowledge to take advantage of aptitude to progress further.

At all levels, the test is considered as only one evidence of ability; for example:

-A competitor with a good record in school or training, but low test score, probably has ability, but may have difficulty with tests; in such cases, the school or training record is probably better evidence.

-A competitor with a relatively high test score, but a poor school record, may have lacked interest in school work; the question then is whether he will develop interest on a real job. The degree of aptitude demonstrated on a job closely related to apprentice probably outweighs test results.

LEVELS OF ABILITY

Aptitude and Interest for Learning Trade Theory and Practice relates to a personal characteristic. Credit point levels show the degrees to which this characteristic may be demonstrated:

Excellent Aptitude, demonstrated in a test OR past record. Applicant is expected to master advanced theory and practice. Following are indications of excellent aptitude:

-Recent attainment of excellent school grades in relevant subjects generally, and good grades in the more difficult subjects, where relevant, such as algebra, geometry, and physics.

-Recommendations by teachers and instructors indicating excellence.

-Unusually rapid and effective learning in jobs, etc., in a recent period as demonstrated by promotions, assignment of progressively difficult tasks demanding this aptitude, with excellent recommendations by supervisors.

-Substantiation of a high degree of interest in mastering the trade.

-Test indications of excellent aptitude. This includes EITHER overall test performance OR part scores in particularly relevant sub-tests ----- 4points

Above-Average Aptitude demonstrated in a test OR past record as follows:

-Recent attainment of good grades in relevant school subjects generally, and passing grades in the more difficult subjects, where relevant, such as algebra, geometry, and physics.

-Recommendations by teachers and instructors that applicant is above average.

-Better than average learning in jobs, etc., in a recent period, as shown by being given moderate amounts of advanced work to do, and learning to do it rapidly and efficiently; recommendations by supervisors that applicant is above average.

-High level of interest.

-Test indications of above-average aptitude. This includes EITHER overall test performance OR part scores in particularly relevant sub-tests ------- 3 points

Satisfactory Potential Aptitude indicated by a test OR past record as follows:

-Recent attainment of passing grades in relevant school subjects generally, and graduation from high school.

-Recommendations by teachers and instructors that applicant has satisfactory potential.

-Progression and learning at work in a recent period.

-Good interest.

-Test indications of satisfactory potential.

This includes EITHER overall test performance OR part scores in particularly relevant sub-tests ---- 2 points

Inept.-Indications of being unable to learn trade theory and practice required on the job are as follows:

-Scores in written tests below the 2-point level not compensated by demonstrated success in training, experience, interest, etc.

-Demonstrated failure to learn in areas comparable to the required trade theory and practice ----- 0 points

Lacking Interest for devoting oneself to theoretical and shop training to gain knowledges and skills which one does not yet possess; or lacking interest to practice in the trade after training is given.

-Lack of interest may be demonstrated, for example, during the interview process -------- 0 points

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

Tell about your schooling and study in sciences, mathematics, mechanical drawing, and trades. Give the grades you got in these subjects and the name of the school. Give any other indication of your learning ability such as grades in other courses, honors courses of study, other honors, etc. If you learned well on a job, and were given things to do that required learning ability, tell about them. Tell about hobbies that show your interest in trades, technical, or scientific fields, including competitions you entered, amateur radio licenses, or other things that prove your interest.

To Guide Index

Page Updated 11 July 2000