Saw Doctor

Tasks & duties

Saw doctors may do some or all of the following:

• examine the saws for faults
• weld cracked or broken saws and replace any broken saw teeth
• hammer out any lumps and twists
• measure and set the angles of the saw teeth
• sharpen the saws by hand or machine
• make the saws the right tension
• remove the saws from machines and replace them correctly
• may use computers to set machinery
• maintain sawmill plant and machinery
• complete relevant paper work
• ensure the workshop complies with safety standards

Skills & knowledge

Saw doctors need to have:

• mechanical and technical skills
• knowledge of saw repair, sharpening and maintenance
• knowledge of saw speeds, wood and metal properties
• welding skills
• communication skills
• drawing skills
• an understanding of safe working practices
• basic computer skills

Entry requirements

To become a saw doctor you begin as a trainee or apprentice, and complete a National Certificate in Solid Wood Processing (Saw Doctoring) while working and attending block courses at the Waiariki Institute of Technology. Apprenticeships usually take four years to complete. To become an apprentice you must be at least 16 years old.

Secondary education

School Certificate or NCEA equivalent in workshop technology, maths and science is usually needed to become a saw doctor trainee or apprentice.

Useful experience

Useful experience for saw doctors includes general engineering work, timber machining and sawmilling.

Related courses

Mechanical Engineering
Metal Fitting, Turning and Machining
Solid Wood Processing

For more information, please refer to Career Services.