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51-7041.00 · Task explorer

Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Set up, operate, or tend wood sawing machines. May operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment. Includes lead sawyers.

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Read the task inventory

This source lists 22 tasks, including 10 marked Core and 12 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 07/2013.

22 tasks shown

Core · Task 12251 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

Inspect and measure workpieces to mark for cuts and to verify the accuracy of cuts, using rulers, squares, or caliper rules.

Core · Task 12250 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

Adjust saw blades, using wrenches and rulers, or by turning handwheels or pressing pedals, levers, or panel buttons.

Core · Task 12256 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

Mount and bolt sawing blades or attachments to machine shafts.

Core · Task 12253 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

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.

Core · Task 12254 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

Inspect stock for imperfections or to estimate grades or qualities of stock or workpieces.

Core · Task 12257 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

Monitor sawing machines, adjusting speed and tension and clearing jams to ensure proper operation.

Core · Task 12261 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

Sharpen blades, or replace defective or worn blades or bands, using hand tools.

Core · Task 12259 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

Guide workpieces against saws, saw over workpieces by hand, or operate automatic feeding devices to guide cuts.

Core · Task 12264 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

Clear machine jams, using hand tools.

Core · Task 12263 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

Lubricate or clean machines, using wrenches, grease guns, or solvents.

Supplemental · Task 12260 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

Adjust bolts, clamps, stops, guides, or table angles or heights, using hand tools.

Supplemental · Task 12252 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

Examine logs or lumber to plan the best cuts.

Supplemental · Task 12269 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

Trim lumber to straighten rough edges or remove defects, using circular saws.

Supplemental · Task 12262 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

Count, sort, or stack finished workpieces.

Supplemental · Task 12270 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

Position and clamp stock on tables, conveyors, or carriages, using hoists, guides, stops, dogs, wedges, or wrenches.

Supplemental · Task 12266 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

Measure and mark stock for cuts.

Supplemental · Task 12255 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

Operate panelboards of saw or conveyor systems to move stock through processes or to cut stock to specified dimensions.

Supplemental · Task 12267 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

Examine blueprints, drawings, work orders, or patterns to determine equipment set-up or selection details, procedures to be used, or dimensions of final products.

Supplemental · Task 12258 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

Select saw blades, types or grades of stock, or cutting procedures to be used, according to work orders or supervisors' instructions.

Supplemental · Task 12271 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

Cut grooves, bevels, or miters, saw curved or irregular designs, and sever or shape metals, according to specifications or work orders.

Supplemental · Task 12272 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

Unclamp and remove finished workpieces from tables.

Supplemental · Task 12265 · 07/2013 · Incumbent

Dispose of waste material after completing work assignments.

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  1. Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
  2. For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
  3. Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.