Wood Machinist
Summary
Wood machinists set up, operate and maintain woodworking machines, which they use to cut, plane, shape and sand wood to a required shape and size.
Crafted wood parts are then assembled to make a variety of furniture items and building components, such as tables, desks, chairs, beds, cabinets, boxes, window frames, veranda posts, balusters and flag poles.
Duties & Tasks
Wood machinists may perform the following tasks:
- set up, operate and maintain sawing, drilling, planing and joining machines
- program and control Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines
- estimate job costs
- read and interpret work documents in order to prepare accurate cutting lists for jobs
- prepare and apply decorative finishes to furniture
- understand and use various timber and timber products to produce furniture
- assemble furniture
- select and install hardware to furnishing (such as handles and hinges)
- prepare surfaces for finishing
- clean and maintain work areas including machinery and tools to ensure safe working environments.
Specialisations
Cooper
A cooper makes, assembles and repairs wooden casks, barrels, vats, buckets and tubs for holding wet or dry goods.
Working Conditions
Wood machinists usually work in large workshops in regional centres, in businesses ranging from sawmills and furniture makers to large processing and manufacturing plants. The work can sometimes be physically demanding. However, working conditions have improved with the introduction of new technology and specialist equipment.
Personal Requirements
- enjoy practical and manual work
- good eyesight (may be corrected)
- good hand-eye coordination
- able to cope with the physical demands of the job
- able to carry out mathematical calculations
- not allergic to dust
- alert and safety conscious.
