Wood Machinist
OFO No: 682303
Other names for Wood Machinist:
- Automatic Profile Sander Operator
- Carving Machine Operator (Wood)
- CNC Machinist (Wood)
- Copy Lathe Operator
- Edge Bander Operator
- Furniture Machinist
- Jigmaker (Wood)
- Panel Saw Operator
- Tape Edge Machinist
- Wood Products Machine Operator
- Woodworking Machine Setter
- Woodworking Machine Set-up Operator
Youtube clip – A Day in the Life of a Wood Machinist
For training options in South Africa – scroll down
What is a Wood Machinist?
A Wood Machinist is a trained artisan who saws and prepares wood to sell.
Buyers of the wood could be:
- Builder suppliers like Penny Pinchers
- DIY stores like Builders Warehouse
- Furniture Makers
- Construction companies
Common wood pieces which are prepared could include:
- Doors and door frames
- Window frames
- Floorboards
- Wood for cabinet/cupboard makers
- Fence strips etc
What does a Wood Machinist do?
- selects the right wood for the job
- takes accurate measurements
- marks off where the wood is to be cut
- checks that the measurements are correct before going ahead
- saws the wood
- meets the clients requirements
- keeps records
Are you … ?
- technical?
- able to understand technical drawings?
- passionate about wood?
- able to operate electrical saws and other machinery?
- willing to clean and maintain your own machinery?
- accurate?
- responsible?
- good at measuring? (maths)
How do I become a Wood Machinist?
You could start your career as a Wood Machinist by working in a timber yard.
By working your way through the company you could learn the skills on-the-job to becoming a Wood Machinist. You would train alongside a qualified Wood Machinist. You would be an apprentice.
PATH 1
- Apprenticeship
- Trade Test
PATH 2
- Learnership – CNC Production Machining NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 3
- Learnership – Furniture Production: Wood Machining NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 4
- National Certificate: Engineering Studies: N1, N2 and N3
- These can be done at many TVET (FET) colleges
- Trade Test
PATH 5
- Artisan Internship
- Trade Test
PATH 6
- RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
- If you have already been working a long time as a Wood Machinist without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
- Trade Test
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Carpenter … or … Furniture Designer
Is becoming a Wood Machinist the right career choice for me?
