SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

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What is a sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood?

Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood are specialized workers who operate and maintain various types of sawing machines used in the wood processing industry. These professionals play a critical role in manufacturing wood products by setting up and adjusting machines that cut wood into specified shapes and sizes. They are skilled in operating equipment such as band saws, circular saws, and other sawing machinery, ensuring that the processes are efficient and that products meet quality standards. Their work often involves selecting appropriate tools and materials, monitoring the performance of saws during operations, and performing routine maintenance to keep machines in optimal working condition. In addition to machine operation, these workers must be knowledgeable about safety protocols and proper handling techniques to prevent accidents in the workplace. Overall, Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood contribute significantly to the woodworking industry by aiding in the production of a wide range of wood products utilized in various applications.

What the work actually is

  • 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.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Operation and Control Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Operations Monitoring Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Monitoring Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Quality Control Analysis Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Abilities

  • Control Precision The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Manual Dexterity The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Finger Dexterity The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Knowledge

  • Production and Processing Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
  • Mechanical Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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How people get into it

Education of new hires

High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Less than high school diploma
Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)

A normal week

  • Controlling Machines and Processes
  • Handling and Moving Objects
  • Performing General Physical Activities
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel
  • Presentation software Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Document management software Adobe Acrobat
  • Industrial control software Computerized numerical control CNC software
  • Inventory management software Automated inventory software

Tools

  • Power saws Band scroll saws · Circular saws · Contour band saws
  • Calipers Dial calipers · Digital calipers · Vernier calipers
  • Sawing machines Miter saws · Multiple blade sawing machines
  • Forestry saws Crosscut saws · Head saws
  • Rulers Precision rulers · Steel rules

Who it suits

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

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Questions people ask

How much does a sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood earn in South Africa?

Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What is a sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood?

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 and Mount and bolt sawing blades or attachments to machine shafts.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.