Crosscut saw operator

Crosscut saw operators use a manual crosscut saw. Crosscut sawing is used for ‘felling’ and ‘bucking’ trees, or taking off the limbs to obtain logs. Crosscut sawyers may also work with smaller crosscut saws in a workshop to make manual cuts.

The following job titles also refer to crosscut saw operator:

crosscut saw specialist
cross-cut saw specialist
crosscut sawyer
crosscut saw worker
cross-cut sawyer
cross-cut saw technician
crosscut saw technician
cross-cut saw operator

No formal educational credential is generally required to work as a crosscut saw operator.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Crosscut saw operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to crosscut saw operator.

debarker operator
sawmill operator
table saw operator
tree surgeon
chipper operator

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of crosscut saw operator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of crosscut saw operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

wood production supervisor
wood assembly supervisor
bridge inspector
carpenter supervisor
forestry technician

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of crosscut saw operator.

• Sawing techniques: Various sawing techniques for using manual as well as electric saws.
• Quality standards: The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.
• Wood cuts: Different ways of cutting wood, across the grain or parallel with it, and radial or tangential to the core. The behaviour of cuts of wood under different circumstances and the optimal cut for a given purpose. Influence of special attributes of the wood, like knots or defects.
• Types of wood: Types of wood, such as birch, pine, poplar, mahogany, maple and tulipwood.
• Logging: The process of felling, cutting trees and transforming them into timber, including mechanical felling and processing.

These skills are necessary for the role of crosscut saw operator.

• Operate crosscut saw: Operate a crosscut saw to make manual cuts.
• Handle saw securely: Store, carry, and protect the saw, thereby using cases, sheaths, and blade guards.
• Identify hazards in the workplace: Perform safety audits and inspections on workplaces and workplace equipment. Ensure that they meet safety regulations and identify hazards and risks.
• Sharpen edged tools: Identify dull edges to sharp tools, or any defect in the edge. Use appropriate equipment to safely and effectively sharpen the tool. Maintain and protect sharpened tools. Report irreparable faults to the appropriate person.
• Keep sawing equipment in good condition: Make sure sawing equipment is always in good and safe working condition. Inspect the equipment for defects. Replace defective or worn-out elements in accordance with guidelines. Store elements safely when not in use. Notify the responsible party in case of large or dangerous defects.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of crosscut saw operator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Types of crosscut saws: Be acquainted with the use of different kinds of crosscut saws, which consist mainly of felling and bucking saws.
• Woodworking tools: The various tools used to process wood, such as planers, chisels and lathes.
• Distinguish types of saws: Distinguish modern (made of exotic alloys) and older (carbon steel) types of saws, and understand their differences and their possible (dis)advantages.
• First aid: The emergency treatment given to a sick or injured person in the case of circulatory and/or respiratory failure, unconsciousness, wounds, bleeding, shock or poisoning.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of crosscut saw operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Monitor logging operations: Ensure that logging operation follow the contractually agreed terms and specified procedures. Strive to solve any problems that arise during the operation. Improve on existing methods and ensure compliance with safety, company, and government regulations.
• Identify trees to fell: Identify trees to fell and position machine to fell trees in the required direction, in both clear-fell and thinning.
• De-limb trees: De-limb trees ensuring that the quality is within specified limits.
• Plan logging operations: Plan logging operations, such as the felling or bucking of trees or yarding, grading, sorting, loading or transporting logs.
• Manage logs transfer: Select logs from storage and coordinate their transportation. Keep up with schedules and production requirements.
• Inspect trees: Carry out tree inspections and surveys.
• Clean equipment: Perform cleaning routines after equipment use.
• Fell trees: Fell trees safely and effectively to specification.
• Select tree felling methods: Select the appropriate felling method for the tree size and condition. Adhere to the given specification.
• Climb trees: Ascend and descend from trees in a safely manner.

8172 – Wood processing plant operators

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References

1. Crosscut saw operator – ESCO