Wood Machinist

Also known as:

Machinist, Timber
Timber Machinist

Introduction

Wood machinists set up and operate machines for cutting and shaping wood. They work from drawings and written instructions. Machinists use woodcutting machines such as planes and saws, some of them computerised, in order to achieve the required results.

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Work Activities

Wood machinists set up and operate machinery to cut timber to the right shape and size. They make sure that pieces are properly finished and of suitable quality, before they leave the timber mill for the construction site. There, the timber may be used for indoor or outdoor building work.

Wood machinists work from drawings and detailed written instructions. The power tools and machinery used are complex and may be computerised. Many wood machinists are trained in computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing methods.

However, machinists still have to fit sawblades, drills and other cutters to their machines.

Depending on the employer's special field the wood machinist makes a wide range of items including kitchen units, flat-pack and other furniture, banisters, floorboards, door frames, skirting boards, musical instruments, toys, and the parts for cars' interiors. The wood machinist starts by cutting the wood to the correct length, size and thickness. They then select and use various chisels, electric saws, planes, grinding equipment, spindles and mortises for cutting joints. Moulding machines are used for wood carving and routers for complex finishes.

The machinery is set and controlled by the wood machinists. They also need to be able to maintain it, do routine repairs and handle it safely. They also make their own patterns and jigs for each task.

As well as these duties, wood machinists select the correct types of wood for every job and handle, treat and store the timber. If they find a flaw inside the wood, such as a knot, they must work round it or discard the piece.

Wood machinists usually wear protective clothing such as goggles or masks, ear defenders and boots.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Although some of the tools are computerised, manual tools are also used, so wood machinists need a variety of different skills and techniques.

You will need to be able to interpret plans, diagrams and instructions. You have to picture the finished article from these, so a good awareness of space and size is essential.

Numeracy is important because machinists have to measure very accurately and set precision equipment. Some computer knowledge is usually required. You need good technical and hand skills, creativity, patience, good concentration and the ability to pay attention to detail.

You will need to be fit and fairly strong, as you will be on your feet for most of the day, moving heavy pieces of wood at times.

The environment is often noisy and can be dangerous, so you need to be conscious of health and safety regulations when using equipment and machinery. In some cases you are not allowed to operate the machines while you are alone in the room. Although extractor fans are used, working conditions can be dusty and dirty, so the job may not be suited to you if you have allergies or conditions such as asthma.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Wood machinists earn in the range of £250 - £300 a week, rising to around £360 - £420 a week.

Wood machinists usually work around a 39-hour week, Monday to Friday, with occasional overtime. There is often an early start - around 7:00 am.

Employers throughout the UK include sawmills and construction companies.

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Adult Opportunities

Age limits apply in this job - you must be 18 years old to operate a wood cutting machine.

Practical skills and abilities gained in the building and construction industries are an advantage.

Previous practical experience, eg, in woodwork or timber yard work, is useful.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

• 3% of people in occupations such as wood machinist work part-time.

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