What Does a Saw Operator Do?

The responsibilities of a saw operator vary depending on the industry in which he or she works. A saw operator in the forestry industry may be in charge of felling trees in a forest or operating large saws in a mill to cut raw logs into boards. The operator of a quarry may be responsible for cutting rocks into specific shapes or sizes. Because different types of saws are used in different industries, the operator’s responsibilities will change as well.

Of course, regardless of the materials being cut or the machine being used, any saw operator’s primary concern is safety. Every saw operator must be trained in how to use each machine properly, and all safety procedures must be followed at all times to ensure the operator’s and bystanders’ safety. Some companies will require the operator to complete some on-the-job training, while in other industries, certification or licensing may be required to work as a saw operator. This course will cover safety procedures as well as general cutting tool maintenance, methods for making precise cuts, and, in some cases, tree felling techniques.

Part of the saw operator’s job is to determine which materials are suitable for cutting and which should be avoided. Wood saw operators, for example, must be able to spot flaws that could result in poor cuts or saw blade damage, as well as signs of rot or other indications that the wood isn’t suitable for its intended use. Rock saw operators must be able to recognize when and where to cut rocks properly, as well as how to secure those rocks in the first place.

Occasionally, a saw operator will be trained to operate only one type of saw. A band saw, for example, is a specialized cutting tool that necessitates an operator who is familiar with both the materials and the saw in order to achieve the most precise cuts. A chainsaw operator will be taught how to cut logs in an outdoor setting, which means he or she will have to figure out how to cut trees safely as well as quickly and accurately. Scroll saws are used for fine detail work and require a steady hand as well as the ability to move materials quickly.