51-7042.00 - Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing

Updated 2010

Summary Report for:
51-7042.00 - Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing

Set up, operate, or tend woodworking machines, such as drill presses, lathes, shapers, routers, sanders, planers, and wood nailing machines. May operate CNC equipment.

Sample of reported job titles: Machine Operator, Sander Operator, Computer Numerical Control Operator (CNC Operator), Machinist, Knot Saw Operator, Lathe Operator, Molder Operator, Boring Machine Operator, Cabinet Maker, Custom Shop Worker

View report: Summary Details Custom

Tasks

Start machines, adjust controls, and make trial cuts to ensure that machinery is operating properly.
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.
Adjust machine tables or cutting devices and set controls on machines to produce specified cuts or operations.
Monitor operation of machines and make adjustments to correct problems and ensure conformance to specifications.
Set up, program, operate, or tend computerized or manual woodworking machines, such as drill presses, lathes, shapers, routers, sanders, planers, or wood-nailing machines.
Select knives, saws, blades, cutter heads, cams, bits, or belts, according to workpiece, machine functions, or product specifications.
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.
Install and adjust blades, cutterheads, boring-bits, or sanding-belts, using hand tools and rules.
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.

Tools & Technology

Tools used in this occupation:

Boring machines — Computerized numerical control CNC boring machines; Line boring machines; Screw pocket machines

Calipers — Dial calipers; Digital calipers; Vernier calipers

Lathes — Hand lathes; Turning lathes

Planes — Shapers; Spindle shapers

Planing machines — Planers

Technology used in this occupation:

Industrial control software — Computerized numerical control CNC software

Inventory management software — Inventory control software

Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel

Time accounting software — Timekeeping software

Word processing software — Microsoft Word

Knowledge

Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Skills

Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Active Listening — 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.

Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Abilities

Reaction Time — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Manual Dexterity — 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 — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Auditory Attention — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

Problem Sensitivity — 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.

Rate Control — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

Trunk Strength — 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.

Work Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Performing General Physical Activities — 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.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Work Context

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 Standing — How much does this job require standing?

Exposed to Contaminants — How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

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?

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

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?

Face-to-Face Discussions — How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

Freedom to Make Decisions — How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

Job Zone

Title	Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education	These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Related 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.
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.
Job Zone Examples	These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include sheet metal workers, forest fire fighters, customer service representatives, physical therapist aides, salespersons (retail), and tellers.
SVP Range	(4.0 to < 6.0)

There are 2 recognized apprenticeable specialties associated with this occupation:
Machine Setter (Woodworking); Wood-Turning-Lathe Operator

To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities, please consult the U.S. Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information website.

For general information about apprenticeships, training, and partnerships with business, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship website.

Education

Percentage of Respondents	Education Level Required
71	High school diploma or equivalent
9	Less than high school diploma
8	Associate's degree

Interests

Interest code: RCI

Realistic — 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 — 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 — 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.

Work Styles

Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.

Self Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Independence — 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.

Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Work Values

Support — 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 — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Related Occupations

51-4011.00	Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic Green
51-4022.00	Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4031.00	Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4032.00	Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4033.00	Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4062.00	Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
51-4081.00	Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-5111.00	Prepress Technicians and Workers
51-5112.00	Printing Press Operators
51-7041.00	Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood

Wages & Employment Trends

National

Median wages (2011)	$13.02 hourly, $27,090 annual
Employment (2010)	61,000 employees
Projected growth (2010-2020)	Faster than average (20% to 28%)
Projected job openings (2010-2020)	17,400
Top industries (2010)	Manufacturing

State & National

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2011 wage data and 2010-2020 employment projections . "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2010-2020). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Sources of Additional Information

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

Woodworkers . Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition.

Summary Report for: 51-7042.00 - Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing