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Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
Set up, operate, or tend woodworking machines, such as drill presses, lathes, shapers, routers, sanders, planers, and wood nailing machines. May operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $22K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $26K
Median Salary: $32K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $39K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $47K
Demand
Core Tasks
Examine finished workpieces for smoothness, shape, angle, depth-of-cut, or conformity to specifications and verify dimensions, visually and using hands, rules, calipers, templates, or gauges.
Set up, program, operate, or tend computerized or manual woodworking machines, such as drill presses, lathes, shapers, routers, sanders, planers, or wood-nailing machines.
Start machines, adjust controls, and make trial cuts to ensure that machinery is operating properly.
Examine raw woodstock for defects and to ensure conformity to size and other specification standards.
Monitor operation of machines and make adjustments to correct problems and ensure conformance to specifications.
Adjust machine tables or cutting devices and set controls on machines to produce specified cuts or operations.
Install and adjust blades, cutterheads, boring-bits, or sanding-belts, using hand tools and rules.
Change alignment and adjustment of sanding, cutting, or boring machine guides to prevent defects in finished products, using hand tools.
Determine product specifications and materials, work methods, and machine setup requirements, according to blueprints, oral or written instructions, drawings, or work orders.
Feed stock through feed mechanisms or conveyors into planing, shaping, boring, mortising, or sanding machines to produce desired components.
Push or hold workpieces against, under, or through cutting, boring, or shaping mechanisms.
Remove and replace worn parts, bits, belts, sandpaper, or shaping tools.
Select knives, saws, blades, cutter heads, cams, bits, or belts, according to workpiece, machine functions, or product specifications.
Inspect and mark completed workpieces and stack them on pallets, in boxes, or on conveyors so that they can be moved to the next workstation.
Secure woodstock against a guide or in a holding device, place woodstock on a conveyor, or dump woodstock in a hopper to feed woodstock into machines.
Inspect pulleys, drive belts, guards, or fences on machines to ensure that machines will operate safely.
Attach and adjust guides, stops, clamps, chucks, or feed mechanisms, using hand tools.
Clean or maintain products, machines, or work areas.
Trim wood parts according to specifications, using planes, chisels, or wood files or sanders.
Unclamp workpieces and remove them from machines.
Start machines and move levers to engage hydraulic lifts that press woodstocks into desired forms and disengage lifts after appropriate drying times.
Operate gluing machines to glue pieces of wood together, or to press and affix wood veneer to wood surfaces.
Set up, program, or control computer-aided design (CAD) or computer numerical control (CNC) machines.
Grease or oil woodworking machines.
Control hoists to remove parts or products from work stations.
Sharpen knives, bits, or other cutting or shaping tools.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Mechanical
66%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics
59%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Production and Processing
59%
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Public Safety and Security
51%
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Building and Construction
48%
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Education and Training
47%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Design
46%
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
English Language
46%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Administration and Management
40%
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Transportation
39%
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Top 10 Skills
Operations Monitoring
73%
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control
70%
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Quality Control Analysis
65%
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Monitoring
63%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking
60%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Equipment Maintenance
60%
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Speaking
60%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Troubleshooting
60%
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Active Listening
58%
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Equipment Selection
58%
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Top 10 Abilities
Near Vision
73%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Reaction Time
73%
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Control Precision
70%
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Manual Dexterity
70%
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Oral Comprehension
68%
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Multilimb Coordination
65%
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Problem Sensitivity
65%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Static Strength
65%
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Trunk Strength
65%
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
Arm-Hand Steadiness
63%
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Top 10 Work Activities
Controlling Machines and Processes
80%
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Handling and Moving Objects
78%
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
76%
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Getting Information
73%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Performing General Physical Activities
71%
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
69%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
65%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
64%
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
61%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
61%
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Detailed Work Activities
Operate woodworking equipment.
Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
Conduct test runs of production equipment.
Monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed.
Inspect lumber or raw woodstock.
Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
Determine production equipment settings.
Select production input materials.
Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
Maneuver workpieces in equipment during production.
Select production equipment according to product specifications.
Remove accessories, tools, or other parts from equipment.
Replace worn equipment components.
Load materials into production equipment.
Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
Stack finished items for further processing or shipment.
Inspect production equipment.
Clean work areas.
Clean production equipment.
Maintain production or processing equipment.
Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures.
Trim excess material from workpieces.
Lubricate production equipment.
Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
Program equipment to perform production tasks.
Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
Sharpen cutting or grinding tools.
Work Context
Exposed to Contaminants
How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
Spend Time Standing
How much does this job require standing?
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
Frequency of Decision Making
How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
Education
Interests
Realistic
100%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
67%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Investigative
53%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Artistic
24%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Enterprising
19%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Social
15%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
88%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability
85%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Adaptability/Flexibility
75%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Independence
74%
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Integrity
73%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Cooperation
71%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Persistence
71%
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Analytical Thinking
70%
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Self Control
70%
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Innovation
69%
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Work Values
Support
81%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
48%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Relationships
43%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Working Conditions
43%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Achievement
34%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition
34%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
