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Occupation AtlasSawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood

O*NET · 51-7041.00

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.

Also called Automatic Bandsaw Tender · Automatic Edger · Automatic Log Cut-Off Sawyer · Backup Sawyer · Band Saw Operator · Band Saw Runner · Band Sawyer · Band Scroll Saw Operator
179 more

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Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic7.00
  • C Conventional3.87
  • I Investigative2.36
  • S Social1.16
  • A Artistic1.00
  • E Enterprising1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma22%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent59%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate10%
  • Some College Courses10%
Related work experience
None (34%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (38%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (37%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations Monitoring3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Operation and Control3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Monitoringbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Quality Control Analysis3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Troubleshooting3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Equipment Maintenance2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Active Listeningbasic2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Time Management2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Coordination2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Repairing2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
Show the other 23
  • Complex Problem Solving2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Speakingbasic2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Social Perceptiveness2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.42.6Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Active Learningbasic2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Instructing2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Equipment Selection2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Systems Analysis2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Mathematicsbasic2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Systems Evaluation2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Negotiation1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Persuasion1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Service Orientation1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Operations Analysis1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Writingbasic1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Management of Material Resources1.80.8
  • Installation1.50.5
  • Management of Financial Resources1.50.5
  • Technology Design1.40.4
  • Sciencebasic1.3—
  • Programming1.1—

Tasks

10 core · 12 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Inspect and measure workpieces to mark for cuts and to verify the accuracy of cuts, using rulers, squares, or caliper rules.4.6
  2. Adjust saw blades, using wrenches and rulers, or by turning handwheels or pressing pedals, levers, or panel buttons.4.5
  3. 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.4.5
  4. Mount and bolt sawing blades or attachments to machine shafts.4.5
  5. Inspect stock for imperfections or to estimate grades or qualities of stock or workpieces.4.4
  6. Monitor sawing machines, adjusting speed and tension and clearing jams to ensure proper operation.4.3
  7. Guide workpieces against saws, saw over workpieces by hand, or operate automatic feeding devices to guide cuts.4.3
  8. Sharpen blades, or replace defective or worn blades or bands, using hand tools.4.3
  9. Clear machine jams, using hand tools.4.0
  10. Lubricate or clean machines, using wrenches, grease guns, or solvents.3.8
Show the other 12
  1. Adjust bolts, clamps, stops, guides, or table angles or heights, using hand tools.4.5
  2. Examine logs or lumber to plan the best cuts.4.4
  3. Trim lumber to straighten rough edges or remove defects, using circular saws.4.4
  4. Count, sort, or stack finished workpieces.4.3
  5. Position and clamp stock on tables, conveyors, or carriages, using hoists, guides, stops, dogs, wedges, or wrenches.4.2
  6. Operate panelboards of saw or conveyor systems to move stock through processes or to cut stock to specified dimensions.4.1
  7. Measure and mark stock for cuts.4.1
  8. Select saw blades, types or grades of stock, or cutting procedures to be used, according to work orders or supervisors' instructions.4.0
  9. Examine blueprints, drawings, work orders, or patterns to determine equipment set-up or selection details, procedures to be used, or dimensions of final products.4.0
  10. Cut grooves, bevels, or miters, saw curved or irregular designs, and sever or shape metals, according to specifications or work orders.4.0
  11. Unclamp and remove finished workpieces from tables.3.9
  12. Dispose of waste material after completing work assignments.3.5

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Mechanical3.23.4Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Production and Processing3.22.8
  • Public Safety and Security2.71.7Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Mathematics2.61.9Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Education and Training2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • English Language2.21.6Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Design2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Engineering and Technology2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
Show all 33
  • Building and Construction1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Computers and Electronics1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Psychology1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Telecommunications1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Transportation1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Administration and Management1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Customer and Personal Service1.5—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.4—
  • Communications and Media1.3—
  • Law and Government1.3—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.3—
  • Administrative1.2—
  • Chemistry1.2—
  • Foreign Language1.2—
  • Physics1.2—
  • Sales and Marketing1.2—
  • Biology1.1—
  • Economics and Accounting1.1—
  • Geography1.1—
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.1—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—
  • History and Archeology1.0—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.0—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Control Precision3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Manual Dexterity3.43.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Near Vision3.43.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Finger Dexterity3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Problem Sensitivity3.32.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Rate Control3.32.8
  • Reaction Time3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
Show all 52
  • Multilimb Coordination3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Selective Attention3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Stamina3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Climb 6 flights of stairs
  • Trunk Strength3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
  • Deductive Reasoning3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Depth Perception3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Far Vision3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Inductive Reasoning3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Static Strength3.02.9
  • Auditory Attention2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Category Flexibility2.92.6Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Oral Comprehension2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
  • Oral Expression2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Perceptual Speed2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speech Clarity2.92.5Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
  • Visualization2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Flexibility of Closure2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Information Ordering2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Speech Recognition2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Extent Flexibility2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Response Orientation2.52.5Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Written Comprehension2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Dynamic Strength2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body Coordination2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Number Facility2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Written Expression2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Peripheral Vision2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Fluency of Ideas1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Memorization1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Originality1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Spatial Orientation1.90.9
  • Speed of Closure1.91.8
  • Time Sharing1.91.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Sound Localization1.80.8
  • Glare Sensitivity1.60.8
  • Night Vision1.60.8
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.40.4
  • Explosive Strength1.40.4

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.14.9Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Handling and Moving Objects4.15.8
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.73.1Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.73.8Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Getting Information3.42.5Level 1 looks like: Follow a standard blueprint
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.33.0Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
Show all 41
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Training and Teaching Others3.22.6
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.12.4Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People2.92.7
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Determine the meal selection for a cafeteria
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards2.71.8Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
  • Developing and Building Teams2.61.9Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work2.62.2Level 1 looks like: Organize a work schedule that is repetitive and easy to plan
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Thinking Creatively2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge2.52.6
  • Processing Information2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Calculate the costs for shipping packages
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.31.6Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.21.5Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Documenting/Recording Information2.21.6Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.01.4Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Working with Computers2.01.2Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Analyzing Data or Information1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Performing Administrative Activities1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.6—
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.5—
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.4—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets5.0
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment4.9
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.8
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.7
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.6
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled4.5
  • Spend Time Standing4.5
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.4
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.3
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.2

Technology

7 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (5)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (2)
  • Automated inventory software
  • Computerized numerical control CNC software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
  2. Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  3. Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
  4. Cutters and Trimmers, Hand
  5. Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  6. Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  7. Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  8. Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  9. Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
  10. Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.