Saw-Operator Career Description
There are two kinds of saw operators namely chainsaw operators, who work outdoors and are responsible for the felling and crosscutting of trees, and sawmill machine operators, who work in a sawmill where logs are cut into sawn products.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Chain-saw operator
Chain-saw operators are trained to use and maintain a power-driven chain saw to fell trees. Before a tree is felled, the direction in which it should fall must be determined. The undergrowth around the base of the tree is cleared away so that the operators have a safe working area. Then the operators make a V-shaped cut in the tree trunk on the side to which the tree should fall. Various other cuttings are also made to prevent the tree from tearing when it starts to fall and to make sure that the tree falls in the right direction.
Chain-saw operators work in the open air. Because they often work alone at a distance from their fellow workers, under dangerous conditions, it is essential that they are well trained.
Sawmill machine operator
Sawmills process wood to produce poles, beams and planks from round saw logs. Sawmill machine operators can be trained to operate and maintain different kinds of sawing machines, which could be a band saw a frame-saw or a circular saw or even a chipper canter. Machine operators control a machine and the logs being fed into it. The logs are processed through the different machines in the production line which break them down into balks, cants, slabs or planks, and which also determine the width and lengths of the
planks.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Physical fitness and good health are very important. The work of chainsaw operators requires a lot of physical effort and good judgment. Saw-operators must have a strong sense of responsibility and must be able to make decisions independently. Most plantation owners require that prospective chain-saw operators must be at least 20 years of age.
Where can I work?
Employment possibilities exist at most plantations or sawmills. Saw machine operators usually work for companies, both large and small.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Possibilities for self-employment are limited.
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