Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
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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.
Sample of reported job titles: Boring Machine Operator, Cabinet Maker, Knot Saw Operator, Lathe Operator, Machine Operator, Molder Operator, Router Operator, Sander, Sander Operator
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Tasks | Technology Skills | Tools Used | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Work Activities | Detailed Work Activities | Work Context | Job Zone | Education | Credentials | Interests | Work Styles | Work Values | Related Occupations | Wages & Employment | Job Openings | Additional Information
Tasks
All 25 displayed- Set up, program, operate, or tend computerized or manual woodworking machines, such as drill presses, lathes, shapers, routers, sanders, planers, or wood-nailing machines.
- 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.
- Start machines, adjust controls, and make trial cuts to ensure that machinery is operating properly.
- Monitor operation of machines and make adjustments to correct problems and ensure conformance to specifications.
- Examine raw woodstock for defects and to ensure conformity to size and other specification standards.
- 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.
- Select knives, saws, blades, cutter heads, cams, bits, or belts, according to workpiece, machine functions, or product specifications.
- Remove and replace worn parts, bits, belts, sandpaper, or shaping tools.
- 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 and mark completed workpieces and stack them on pallets, in boxes, or on conveyors so that they can be moved to the next workstation.
- Inspect pulleys, drive belts, guards, or fences on machines to ensure that machines will operate safely.
- Clean or maintain products, machines, or work areas.
- Attach and adjust guides, stops, clamps, chucks, or feed mechanisms, using hand tools.
- Trim wood parts according to specifications, using planes, chisels, or wood files or sanders.
- Grease or oil woodworking machines.
- 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.
- Control hoists to remove parts or products from work stations.
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Technology Skills
All 19 displayed Show 43 tools used- Computer aided design CAD software
— Autodesk AutoCAD ; Computer aided design and drafting CADD software; Dassault Systemes CATIA; Vero Software Alphacam - Computer aided manufacturing CAM software — Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Data base user interface and query software — AS/400 Database
- Desktop publishing software — Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- Development environment software — Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Suite
- Document management software — Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Electronic mail software — Microsoft Outlook
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Graphics or photo imaging software — Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator ; Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Industrial control software — Computerized numerical control CNC software
- Inventory management software — Inventory control software
- Object or component oriented development software — Oracle Java
- Office suite software — Microsoft Office
- Operating system software — Apple macOS ; Microsoft operating system; Microsoft Windows
- Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint
- Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
- Time accounting software — Timekeeping software
- Video creation and editing software — YouTube
- Word processing software — Microsoft Word
Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.
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Knowledge
All 1 displayed- Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Skills
All 8 displayed- Operations Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
- Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
- Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
- Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
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Abilities
All 25 displayed- Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- 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.
- 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.
- Multilimb Coordination — 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 — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
- Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
- 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.
- 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.
- Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.
- Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
- Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
- Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
- Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
- Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
- Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Dynamic Strength — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
- Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
- Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
- Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
- Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- 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.
- Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
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Work Activities
All 11 displayed- 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.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- 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 materials.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Monitoring 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.
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
- Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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Detailed Work Activities
All 29 displayed- 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.
- Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
- Inspect lumber or raw woodstock.
- Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
- Determine production equipment settings.
- Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
- Select production input materials.
- Maneuver workpieces in equipment during production.
- Select production equipment according to product specifications.
- Load materials into production equipment.
- Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
- Remove accessories, tools, or other parts from equipment.
- Replace worn equipment components.
- Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
- Stack finished items for further processing or shipment.
- Inspect production equipment.
- Clean production equipment.
- Clean work areas.
- Maintain production or processing equipment.
- Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures.
- Trim excess material from workpieces.
- Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
- Program equipment to perform production tasks.
- Lubricate production equipment.
- Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
- Sharpen cutting or grinding tools.
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Work Context
All 29 displayed- Exposed to Contaminants — 99% responded “Every day.”
- Face-to-Face Discussions — 85% responded “Every day.”
- Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 87% responded “Every day.”
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 89% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
- Spend Time Standing — 88% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
- Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — 92% responded “Every day.”
- Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — 86% responded “Every day.”
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 55% responded “Extremely important.”
- Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 67% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 79% responded “Every day.”
- Work With Work Group or Team — 46% responded “Extremely important.”
- Time Pressure — 49% responded “Every day.”
- Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body — 47% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
- Freedom to Make Decisions — 40% responded “Some freedom.”
- Structured versus Unstructured Work — 36% responded “Some freedom.”
- Duration of Typical Work Week — 58% responded “40 hours.”
- Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 36% responded “Extremely important.”
- Contact With Others — 43% responded “Constant contact with others.”
- Frequency of Decision Making — 58% responded “Every day.”
- Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — 33% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
- Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 31% responded “Important results.”
- Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 36% responded “Very high responsibility.”
- Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings — 32% responded “Every day.”
- Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 37% responded “Very high responsibility.”
- Spend Time Walking and Running — 31% responded “Less than half the time.”
- Coordinate or Lead Others — 48% responded “Important.”
- Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — 27% responded “Very important.”
- Physical Proximity — 41% responded “Moderately close (at arm’s length).”
- Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — 31% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”
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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 orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers. |
| SVP Range | (4.0 to < 6.0) |
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Education
 Percentage of Respondents |
Education Level Required |
|---|---|
73   |
High school diploma or equivalent
 |
| 21 |
Less than high school diploma |
| 5 |
Post-secondary certificate
|
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Credentials
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Interests
All 3 displayedInterest code: RCI Want to discover your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move.
- 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.
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Work Styles
All 14 displayed- 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.
- Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- 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.
- Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
- 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.
- Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
- Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
- Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
- Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
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Work Values
All 3 displayed- 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.
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Related Occupations
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Wages & Employment Trends
| Median wages (2020) | $15.46 hourly, $32,160 annual |
| State wages | |
| Local wages | |
| Employment (2020) | 74,600 employees |
| Projected growth (2020-2030) |  Average (5% to 10%) |
| Projected job openings (2020-2030) | 8,700 |
| State trends | |
| Top industries (2020) |
Manufacturing
|
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 wage data 
and 2020-2030 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2020-2030). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.
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Job Openings on the Web
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Sources of Additional Information
All 6 displayedDisclaimer: 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.
- Architectural Woodwork Institute
- Association for Manufacturing Technology
- Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International
- National Tooling and Machining Association
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Woodworkers
- Woodworking Machinery Industry Association
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This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.