Woodworking machine operators use machines to change logs of wood into finished goods. Woodworkers operate machines that cut, shape, assemble, and finish raw wood to make products, such as doors, beds, and baseball bats. Highly skilled operators set up, operate, and tend woodworking machines to cut and shape components from wood products. Lower skilled operators may only press a switch on a woodworking machine and monitor the operation. These machines include power saws, planers, sanders, lathes, joiners, and routers.
Operators start by examining blueprints and receiving instructions from supervisors.
Then they determine the method of shaping the wood and the order for assembling parts. Before cutting, operators measure and mark the materials to be cut. Once the wood is cut, they check that it is the proper size. Operators may trim parts to improve the fit, using hand tools such as chisels or wood files. Finally, woodworkers assemble the pieces into finished products.