Conventional Lathe Operator

About the role

Ultragear is looking for a skilled Conventional Lathe Operator to join its busy engineering workshop in Johannesburg. The successful candidate will be responsible for setting up and running conventional lathes to produce high‑quality components to engineering specifications.

Key responsibilities

• Set up and operate conventional lathes independently, selecting appropriate cutting tools and determining feeds and speeds.
• Perform turning operations such as facing, boring, thread cutting, taper turning, drilling, parting and grooving.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings to manufacture components to specified tolerances.
• Measure and inspect parts using precision equipment (verniers, micrometers, bore gauges, dial indicators, thread gauges) and make adjustments as needed.
• Carry out repairs, modifications, rework and maintain machinery, tooling and the work area.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a conventional/ manual turner or machinist with the ability to work independently.
• Strong knowledge of tolerances, fits, cutting tools, feeds and speeds, and different material machining characteristics.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and work to close tolerances.
• Experience in a precision engineering environment is highly advantageous; CNC turning experience is a plus.

Required skills

• Conventional lathe operation
• Turning processes (facing, boring, threading, taper turning, drilling, parting, grooving)
• Tool selection and machining parameters (feeds and speeds)
• Use of precision measuring instruments (vernier, micrometer, bore gauge, dial indicator, thread gauge)
• Interpretation of engineering drawings