Wood machinist

Wood machinists set up and operate machines for cutting and shaping wood. They work from drawings and written instructions. Machinists use different woodcutting machines, planes and saws, to achieve the required results.

Also known as:

• Timber Machinist

Work activities

Wood machinists set up and operate woodworking machinery to cut timber into various shapes and sizes. They make sure that pieces are properly finished and of suitable quality. When making furniture, banisters, floorboards, door frames or skirting boards, the wood machinist starts by cutting the wood to the correct length, size and thickness. They may cut, plane, bore, mould and profile to produce joints. Hand or moulding machines are used for wood carving and routers for complex finishes. The machinery is set and controlled by the wood machinists, who also need to be able to maintain it.

In addition to these duties, wood machinists are responsible for selecting the correct types of wood for every job and this means active involvement in handling, treating and storing the timber. Wood machinists usually wear protective clothing such as goggles, ear defenders and boots. They spend much of their time standing, bending and moving.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you will need:

• To be able to interpret plans, diagrams and instructions.
• Good eyesight.
• Maths skills, as machinists have to measure very accurately and set precision equipment.
• Good hand skills.
• Good concentration and the ability to pay attention to detail.
• Computer skills and experience of using computer aided design (CAD) software.
• To be fit and fairly strong, as you will be on your feet for most of the day, moving heavy pieces of wood at times.
• Some knowledge of different woods.

The working environment is often noisy and can be dangerous, so you need to be careful when using equipment and machinery. Working conditions can be dusty, so the job may not be suited to you if you have allergies or conditions such as asthma.

The following future skills shortages have been identified within the industry:

• Job related technical skills, including cabinet making, polishing, upholstery, and wood carving/machining.
• Management and leadership skills.
• Teamworking skills.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Wood machinists earn in the range of £16,000, rising to £28,000 for more specialist positions.

Wood machinists usually work around 41 to 43 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with occasional overtime.

Employers include sawmills and construction companies. Opportunities for wood machinists occur in sawmills in towns and cities throughout the UK.

What’s happening in this work area?

It has been widely predicted that management and technical skills will become more important to the industry in the future as more of the most basic tasks become automated.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Apprenticeships can be found on the Find an Apprenticeship website.

Entry routes and training

An intermediate apprenticeship is a great place to start. The relevant programme is titled “wood product manufacturing operative”.

Training will be with an employer, with day- or block-release to a college/ training provider.

Progression is often to supervisory positions within a company.

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through an apprenticeship, you will need to be 16. You will usually need GCSEs (including English and maths) although you may be able to complete these while undertaking the programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Practical skills gained in the building and construction industries are an advantage. Previous practical experience, e.g., in woodwork or timber yard work, is useful.

Related careers

• Carpenter/joiner
• Furniture maker
• Furniture polisher
• Shopfitter
• Timber yard operative