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Timber Machinist

Timber machinists set up and operate specialised woodworking machinery to transform basic wood products into finished products such as finger-jointed skirting board, planed timber for furniture and joinery, or surfaced lumber for export.

 

Tasks & duties

Timber machinists may do some or all of the following:

  • check saws, knives and other equipment for safety, sharpness and correct functioning
  • design and produce templates and knives
  • grind and hone knives to a specified profile
  • run planers, moulders, surfacers and other machinery to produce a smooth surface on wood
  • control lathes and slicing machinery to produce veneer panels
  • set up machinery, including heads for production runs
  • check to ensure timber is manufactured to the correct size and the specified quality
  • pack manufactured timber
  • record production details and report machine or production faults
  • adjust, clean and maintain machine parts
  • supervise trainee timber machinists

 

Skills & knowledge

Timber machinists need to have:

  • knowledge of the sawmilling process
  • knowledge of timber characteristics, sizes and quality
  • practical skills to operate machinery to safely plane timber
  • knowledge of safety procedures in the wood processing plant
  • problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • the ability to operate computer-controlled machines

 

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to become a timber machinist. However, a first aid certificate is useful.

 

Secondary education

There are no specific secondary school educational requirements, but School Certificate or NCEA equivalent maths, science, technology and English is useful.

 

Training on the job

Timber machinists can do a National Certificate in Timber Machining - Level 4. This qualification can be completed while you are working and by attending a series of block courses at a polytechnic. It can be completed through a traineeship or Modern Apprenticeship. Trainees must sign a training agreement with their employer and register with a training organisation. Modern apprenticeships are for people aged 16 to 21 years old.

People who have gained skills on the job can gain qualifications by applying for Recognition of Current Competency (RCC).

 

Useful experience

Useful experience includes work in a sawmill or timber yard. Forestry or mechanical engineering experience is also useful.

 

Related courses

Forestry Studies
Solid Wood Processing
Wood Machining and Turning

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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