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NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Woodworking Machine Operators may:

Examine blueprints, drawings, samples, or written specifications to determine the size, type, and setting of machine tools, stops, jigs, and guides to be used

Select, install, and adjust the saw blades, cutterheads, boring bits, or sanding belts in the machines

Start the machine and make a trial cut or run

Verify the cuts, angles, and dimensions of the wood stock to ensure that it conforms to specifications

Place wood stock on the machine table against the guide and move a lever or depress a pedal to bore, shape, smooth, or cut the stock

Stack the wooden part or product on a hand truck or place it on a conveyor

Assemble fabricated parts to make such items as doors, sashes, or window frames

Clean machines using an airhose and rags

Tools, equipment, and work aids used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Woodworking Machine Operators may special in these areas:

669.380-014 WOOD MACHINISTS set up and operate a variety of woodworking machines to cut, bore, shape, sand, and form wooden parts of such products as doors, windows, furniture, and fixtures.

664.382-014 WOOD-TURNING-LATHE OPERATORS run machines that shape wood into rounded forms by spinning it rapidly against a cutting edge held by the operator.

665.682-030 ROUTER OPERATORS set up and operate single- or multiple- spindle routing machines to trim or shape wood or make joints and decorative cuts, such as designs in furniture.

665.682-034 SHAPER-OPERATORS set up and operate single- or double- spindle shaping machines to cut grooves and other pattern shapes on the surface and edge of the wood product, also called wood stock.

666.382-010 BORING-MACHINE OPERATORS set up and operate single- or double-spindle boring machines to make holes in wooden parts so that two sections of wood can be connected and tightly fitted.

665.682-042 JOINTER OPERATORS set up and operate jointer machines to reduce flat furniture woodstock to specifications and otherwise shape the edges of wood so that it might be joined tightly.

761.682-014 MACHINE SANDERS run bench-mounted sanding machines equipped with sanding belts or sanding heads to smooth surfaces and edges of hand-held wooden parts, boards, or furniture parts.

663.585-010 AUTOMATIC CLIPPERS tend drop-knife clipping machines to cut veneer sheets to specified sizes and to cut out defective sections.

Some other woodworking machine specializations are:

665.682-018 MOLDER OPERATORS,

665.682-022 PLANER OPERATORS,

669.682-058 NAILING-MACHINE OPERATORS and

761.684-034 PORTABLE MACHINE SANDERS.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Most Woodworking Machine Operators work in large manufacturing factories that produce wood products such as doors, windows, furniture, and fixtures. Their activities are usually directed by the production or shop supervisor. Machine Operators are usually responsible for training new workers. They may perform a wide range of tasks in small shops. They may specialize and operate a single type of machine in large shops. They usually work in clean, well lighted factories that may be air-conditioned. Machine Operators are exposed to noise from high-speed machines. Operators must wear safety goggles, steel-toed shoes, and facial masks in certain work areas.

They normally work a 40-hour week. Some might work in factories that have more than one shift. Operators might have to work overtime to meet production deadlines.

Woodworking Machine Operators in large furniture factories may be required to join unions and pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities which involve the use of machines, processes, or methods

• Activities of a routine, definite, organized nature

You Should Be Able To:

• Visualize how flat drawings or pictures would look as solid objects

• See details in objects or drawings

• Recognize slight differences in shapes and shadings

• Work easily and skillfully with your hands

• Coordinate the use of eyes/hands/fingers rapidly and accurately

• Rate information using standards that can be measured or checked

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Perform a variety of duties that may change often

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

A certain drill press is supposed to drill a hole 30% of the way through a piece of material. If the piece of wood you are using is 6 inches thick, how deep should the hole be?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Despite everyone's best efforts, however, accidents do sometimes occur. If you are involved in any accident while at work, report it to your supervisor immediately.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining any malfunction that may have occurred with the machinery.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide on a way to complete your job even if the machinery starts to malfunction.

Graduation from high school is not required, but it is preferred by most employers.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: This occupation does not require a High School Diploma. On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY , 3400 WOODS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

053 WOODWORKING & FURNITURE MAKING

Approved vocational education programs in Woodworking and Furniture making prepare students to lay out and shape wood stock; assemble wooden articles; mark, bind, saw, carve, and sand wooden products; repair wooden articles; and use a variety of hand and power tools.

The following courses may be required for completion of this program:

FURNITURE MAKING

MILLWORK & CABINET BUILDING

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript

                Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Secondary vocational education programs in woodworking and furniture making may offer a co-op portion which includes practical experience. Courses in carpentry, blueprint reading, and machining in high school and private vocational or trade school help students gain some experience. Many students begin to learn woodworking by making bird houses or other simple wood projects in their spare time.

                School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Woodworking Machine Operator employer

internships

volunteer work with a Woodworking Machine Operator employer

community service work with an agency

The most common method of entry for this occupation is direct application to employers. School counselors and local offices of Michigan Works! may offer assistance. Job openings may be listed in newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

               You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of a Woodworking Machine Operator may vary depending upon their specialty and skill level, as well as the value of the part being worked on.

Nationally, median earnings of Woodworking Machine Operators were $379 per week in 1998.

In the Grand Rapids area, hourly earnings (late 1998) of Woodworking Machine Operators employed in the furniture and fixture industry were:

Some skilled trades Woodworking Machine Operators employed in the automobile industry in early 1999 had hourly union rates ranging from $23.37 to $24.09. Automotive industry workers also receive a cost-of-living allowance.

Woodworking Machine Operators employed in the automobile industry also receive supplemental income such as lump sum annual bonuses and profit sharing payments.

Depending on the employer, most Woodworking Machine Operators receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and sick pay. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by employers.

A career ladder may be: trainee; Woodworking Machine Operator; supervisor. Advancement may depend on experience, additional education and training, and job performance.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were about 108,000 Woodworking Machine Operators employed in 1996. Employment is expected to increase more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2006. About 5.2% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Woodworking Machine Operators looked like this:

The demand for wood products used in residential building, home remodeling and renovation, and home furnishings is expected to increase. However, much of the softwood and hardwood plywood will be imported. Technological advances, robots and computerized numerical control machinery, will prevent employment from rising as fast as the demand for wood products, particularly in the mills and manufacturing plants where many of the processes can be automated. Together, these factors should limit employment growth for Woodworking Machine Operators.

Approximately 4,075 Woodworking Machine Operators were employed in Michigan.

The employment of Woodworking Machine Operators (non-skilled worker) is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. Employment of Woodworking Machinists (skilled tradesworker) is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. An average of 170 annual openings is expected with 80 due to growth and 90 to replacement of workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Although demand for furniture products has steadily increased over the last few years, furniture producers increased the average number of hours worked by current employees, rather than hiring additional workers. Some additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development