Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Forging Machine Operator
What forging machine operators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a forging machine operator?
Check the furnace. From there, the day usually includes set up forging dies, heat billets, and operate presses and hammers. Full time, often shifts.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a forging machine operator working full time.
- Check the furnace.
- Install dies.
- Forge parts.
- Check part dimensions.
- Trim flash.
- Lubricate dies.
- Record counts.
Where forging machine operators work
Operators work in hot, loud forge shops.
Hours and schedule
Full time, often shifts.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Set up forging dies
- Heat billets
- Operate presses and hammers
- Trim flash
- Inspect parts
- Maintain dies
- Record production
Tools you’ll use every day
- Forging presses
- Hammers
- Furnaces
- Tongs
- Calipers
- Trim presses
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Strong parts that matter
- No degree needed
- Industrial pay
- Skilled craft
What’s hard
- Steep decline
- Extreme heat and noise
- Heavy work
- Injury risk
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like heavy industry
- I don’t mind heat
- I’m safety-focused
- I’m strong
- I like teamwork
- I don’t need a degree
Not sure? Take the free Forging Machine Operator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear heat-resistant PPE
- Wear hearing protection
- Guard presses
- Use tongs and handling tools