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Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood
Set up, operate, or tend wood sawing machines. May operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment. Includes lead sawyers.
Other titles employers use
Bandmill Operator · Cut Off Saw Operator · Edgerman · Knot Saw Operator · Panel Saw Operator · Planer · Resaw Operator · Rip Saw Operator
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- Inspect and measure workpieces to mark for cuts and to verify the accuracy of cuts, using rulers, squares, or caliper rules.
- Adjust saw blades, using wrenches and rulers, or by turning handwheels or pressing pedals, levers, or panel buttons.
- Mount and bolt sawing blades or attachments to machine shafts.
- Set up, operate, or tend saws or machines that cut or trim wood to specified dimensions, such as circular saws, band saws, multiple-blade sawing machines, scroll saws, ripsaws, or crozer machines.
- Inspect stock for imperfections or to estimate grades or qualities of stock or workpieces.
- Monitor sawing machines, adjusting speed and tension and clearing jams to ensure proper operation.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Troubleshooting
- Quality Control Analysis
Subjects to know
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
Useful strengths
- Control Precision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Manual Dexterity
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.3 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 4.5 | Standing or moving for most of it |
| Talking face to face | 4.3 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 4.4 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a high school diploma. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 81%
- A certificate or some college 19%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Document management software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Presentation software
- Word processing software
- Inventory management software
- Industrial control software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 2,980
- Job openings each year
- 340
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 10.4%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 2,980 | 340 | 10.4% |
| Oregon | 2,630 | 300 | 4.0% |
| California | 2,500 | 280 | 4.2% |
| Pennsylvania | 2,410 | 270 | — |
| Ohio | 2,390 | 270 | — |
| North Carolina | 2,250 | 250 | 4.7% |
| Washington | 2,180 | 240 | −1.4% |
| Indiana | 2,150 | 240 | — |
| Texas | 2,130 | 240 | 2.9% |
| Georgia | 2,120 | 250 | 12.2% |
| Mississippi | 2,090 | 230 | — |
| Wisconsin | 2,060 | 230 | 6.2% |
| Arkansas | 1,900 | 220 | 6.7% |
| Virginia | 1,900 | 210 | −3.1% |
| Michigan | 1,730 | 190 | −1.1% |
| Kentucky | 1,630 | 180 | 1.2% |
| New York | 1,550 | 0 | −7.2% |
| Florida | 1,450 | 170 | 18.9% |
| West Virginia | 1,420 | 160 | 2.9% |
| Missouri | 1,270 | 140 | — |
| Tennessee | 1,130 | 130 | 4.6% |
| Idaho | 1,060 | 120 | 5.0% |
| Louisiana | 940 | 110 | 1.1% |
| South Carolina | 880 | 100 | 4.8% |
| Minnesota | 810 | 90 | 3.8% |
| Utah | 620 | 70 | 21.6% |
| Maine | 570 | 60 | −3.4% |
| Montana | 500 | 60 | 11.1% |
| Illinois | 450 | 50 | 4.7% |
| Colorado | 410 | 50 | 7.9% |
| Iowa | 390 | 40 | 8.3% |
| Maryland | 390 | 50 | 18.2% |
| South Dakota | 340 | 40 | 9.7% |
| Arizona | 320 | 40 | 18.5% |
| Oklahoma | 270 | 30 | — |
| New Hampshire | 250 | 30 | 4.2% |
| Nebraska | 210 | 20 | 5.0% |
| Connecticut | 160 | 20 | 23.1% |
| Vermont | 140 | 20 | −6.7% |
| New Jersey | 130 | 20 | — |
| Wyoming | 90 | 10 | — |
| Kansas | 80 | 10 | −11.1% |
| Puerto Rico | 50 | 10 | 25.0% |
| New Mexico | 40 | 0 | — |
| Rhode Island | 40 | 0 | 33.3% |
| Alaska | 30 | 0 | — |
Career to college
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Where to study
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