Sawing Machine Operators

Career summary

#No alternate titles CJ

There are two types of sawyers. Setters set up and adjust sawing machines. Operators run, observe, and trouble-shoot sawing machines. Both types of sawyers perform many of the same tasks.

Sawyers read work orders or get instructions from supervisors to determine what knives or blades to use. They determine the type and grade of wood and the cutting procedures.

Sawyers measure and mark the wood before cutting. They may also trim off defects with a hand-held circular saw. Sawyers mount blades or attachments on the machines. They adjust the machines using hand tools or computerized controls.

Sawyers position and clamp the wood on the table, conveyor, or carriage. They operate the machines or observe their operation. They adjust speed and clear jams if necessary.

Sawyers inspect the finished work pieces and estimate their grade or quality. Operators count, sort, and stack the finished lumber and clear the area of waste material.

Sawing machine operators run many different types of sawing machines. They are often responsible for maintaining the machines they operate.

Sawyers may unload and roll logs from trucks to sawmill decks or carriages. Some sawyers move logs in ponds using pike poles.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Metal and Plastic Processing Workers
• Packaging and Filling Machine Operators
• Painting and Coating Machine Operators
• Production Helpers
• Tire Building Machine Operators
• Welders and Solderers
• Welding and Soldering Machine Operators
• Woodworking Machine Operators

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to sawing machine operators.

• Read blueprints, drawings, and work orders to determine which blades to use, type of wood, and cutting procedures.
• Inspect stock for imperfections and to estimate grades or quality. Examine logs or lumber in order to plan the best cuts.
• Measure and mark wood for cuts. Trim defects or straighten rough edges with circular saw.
• Align and mount blades or attachments. Adjust blade tension.
• Adjust bolts, clamps, and table angle and height. Use hand tools or set controls.
• Operate control panels of saws and conveyor systems.
• Position and clamp wood on table, conveyor, or carriage. May guide wood against saw or saw over wood.
• Operate and tend saws and cutting machines. Adjust speed and tension and clear jams.
• Inspect finished work pieces and estimate grade or quality.
• Count, sort, and stack finished work pieces. Dispose of waste material.
• Unload and roll logs from truck to deck or carriage. May use pike pole to move logs in pond.
• Lubricate and clean machines. Sharpen blades or replace worn blades or parts.

Common work activities

Sawing machine operators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Handle and move objects
• Control machines and processes
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Get information needed to do the job
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Teach others
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, sawing machine operators:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are responsible for the work done by others.
• Have a medium level of social contact. They often work alone with machines and lumber but also interact with loggers and supervisors via face to face discussions.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of other workers.
• Often work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Wear ear plugs, safety shields, and dust masks on a daily basis.
• Are often exposed to hazardous equipment.
• Are regularly exposed to contaminants, especially wood dust.
• Are often exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.
• Are sometimes exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures when working outdoors.
• Are often exposed to hazardous situations that may produce cuts or burns.
• Usually work indoors, but may sometimes work outdoors. Indoor work sites usually don't have heating or air conditioning.
• May work physically near others, such as when sharing work space.

Work performance

• Must be sure that all details are done and their work is very exact. Errors could endanger the safety of self or others.
• Must allow the work pace to be set by the speed of machinery.
• May make some decisions independently. They usually talk to a supervisor before making important decisions that affect others.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor.
• Must meet strict daily deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a 40-hour week.
• Generally work a set schedule.

Physical demands

Sawing machine operators frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.

It is important for sawing machine operators to be able to:

• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Determine the distance between objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for sawing machine operators to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.

Skills and abilities

Sawing machine operators need to:

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Woodworking and Cabinetmaking

Other programs of study to consider

• Computer Systems Technology
• Industrial Mechanics
• Manufacturing Technology
• Process Technology

Training

To work as a sawing machine operator, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education beyond high school is required for this occupation.

On-the-job training

Most sawing machine operators learn their skills on the job from an experienced worker. During training, you learn to:

• read blueprints;
• set up machines; and
• plan for production.

Training typically lasts up to one year.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Industrial Arts
• Physical Education
• Safety and First Aid
• Woodworking

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Machinery in this field is becoming more complex and operators often need retraining. Therefore, employers prefer applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers also look for people with good hand control and mechanical ability.

Tips

A good background in basic mathematics and some knowledge of woodworking and related machinery is helpful. Develop precise measuring skills. Stay in good shape since most positions are physically demanding.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary by the worker's skill and level of responsibility. Setters and set-up operators have more responsibility and training than operators and tenders. As a result, setters and set-up operators tend to earn higher wages. Those who operate more complex machinery usually earn higher wages. In addition, workers who are members of a union tend to earn higher wages.

Full-time sawing machine operators often receive benefits. Typical benefits include vacation, sick leave, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

#Between 2014 and 2024, it is estimated that for wood sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders there will be 20 openings annually due to new positions and 60 openings annually from workers leaving this career.

#Updated outlook 06.16 sd

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Jobs in the lumber industry are found throughout the country. However, more of these jobs are available in the South and Northwest, close to the supply of wood.

Major employers:

• Sawmills and planing mills
• Veneer and plywood manufacturers
• Household furniture manufacturers
• Kitchen cabinet manufacturers

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will show little or no change. As more lumber production is automated people are needed to operate the machines.

Job openings will occur as people retire. Job prospects are best for people who have advanced skills and problem-solving skills.

Other resources

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

Woodworker's Central 

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood (51-7041.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Automatic Bandsaw Tender (667.685-070) 
• Band-saw Operator (667.685-010) 
• Band-saw Operator (667.685-014) 
• Band-scroll-saw Operator (667.682-010) 
• Beading Sawyer (667.685-018) 
• Bolter (667.685-022) 
• Bottom-saw Operator (667.682-014) 
• Buzzsaw Operator (667.685-026) 
• Chucking-and-sawing-machine Operator (669.682-026) 
• Circle-cutting-saw Operator (669.685-026) 
• Cob Sawyer (667.685-030) 
• Corner-brace-block-machine Operator (669.682-030) 
• Corner-trimmer Operator (667.682-018) 
• Croze-machine Operator (669.682-034) 
• Cut-off Sawyer, Log (667.685-034) 
• Cut-off-saw Operator I (667.682-022) 
• Cut-off-saw Operator II (667.685-074) 
• Dowel Pointer (667.685-038) 
• Edger, Automatic (667.682-026) 
• Gang Sawyer (667.682-030) 
• Jigsaw Operator (667.682-042) 
• Kerfer-machine Operator (667.685-042) 
• Log-cut-off Sawyer, Automatic (667.682-090) 
• Machine-tank Operator (667.662-014) 
• Packager, Head (667.682-046) 
• Pocket Cutter (667.482-014) 
• Pony Edger (667.682-050) 
• Radial-arm-saw Operator (667.682-054) 
• Resaw Operator (667.682-058) 
• Rip-and-groove-machine Operator (667.682-062) 
• Ripsaw Operator (667.682-066) 
• Sawmill Worker (667.687-018) 
• Sawyer, Cork Slabs (667.685-046) 
• Shake Sawyer (667.682-070) 
• Shaping Machine Tender (665.685-046) 
• Shingle Sawyer (667.485-010) 
• Shingle Trimmer (667.685-050) 
• Slasher Operator (667.685-054) 
• Stave-bolt Equalizer (667.682-074) 
• Stave-log-cut-off Saw Operator (667.682-078) 
• Stave-log-ripsaw Operator (667.685-058) 
• Stave-saw Operator (667.685-062) 
• Stock Cutter (667.482-018) 
• Stock Grader (667.382-010) 
• Stock-patch Sawyer (667.682-082) 
• Trimmer Sawyer (667.682-094) 
• Turning-machine Operator (667.685-066) 
• Utility Operator (669.682-070) 
• Variety-saw Operator (667.682-086) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled