A machinist is a tradesperson or trained professional, who not only operates machine tools, but has the knowledge of tooling and materials required to create set ups on machine tools including, but not limited to milling machines, grinders, lathes, and drilling machines. A competent machinist should have a well-developed mechanical aptitude, the ability to correctly use precision measuring instruments, and a working knowledge of the proper speeds and feeds required for successfully utilizing the various work and tool materials commonly used in most machining operations.