Page 392 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

370 WOOD- AND LUMBER-MANUFACTURING APPLICATIONS

The wood-product-manufacturing subsector includes establishments that make wood
products from logs and bolts that are sawed and shaped, and establishments that pur-
chase sawed lumber and make wood products. With the exception of sawmills and
wood preservation establishments, the establishments are grouped into industries
mainly based on the specific products manufactured.
Although the term woodworker often evokes images of a craftsman who builds
ornate furniture using hand tools, the modern wood industry is highly technical.
Some woodworkers still build by hand, but more often hand tools have been replaced
by power tools, and much of the work has been automated. Work is usually done on
an assembly line, meaning that most individuals learn to perform a single part of a
complex process. Different types of woodworkers are employed in every stage of the
building process, from sawmill to finished product. Their activities vary greatly.
Many woodworkers use computerized numerical control (CNC) machines to operate
factory tools. Using these machines, woodworkers can create complex designs with
fewer human steps. This technology has raised worker productivity by allowing one
operator to simultaneously tend a greater number of machines. The integration of
computers with equipment has improved production speed and capability, simplified
setup and maintenance requirements, and increased the demand for workers with com-
puter skills.
Production woodworkers set up, operate, and tend all types of woodworking
machines. In sawmills, sawing machine operators and tenders set up, operate, or tend
wood-sawing machines that cut logs into planks, timbers, or boards. In manufacturing
plants, woodworkers first determine the best method of shaping and assembling parts,
working from blueprints, supervisors’ instructions, or shop drawings that woodworkers
themselves produce. Before cutting, they often must measure and mark the materials.
They verify dimensions and may trim parts using hand tools such as planes, chisels, wood
files, or sanders to ensure a tight fit.
Woodworking machine operators and tenders set up, operate, or tend specific wood-
working machines, such as drill presses, lathes, shapers, routers, sanders, planers, and
wood-nailing machines. New operators may simply press a switch on a woodworking
machine and monitor the automatic operation, but more highly skilled operators set up
the equipment, cut and shape wooden parts, and verify dimensions using a template,
caliper, or rule.
After wood parts are made, woodworkers add fasteners and adhesives and connect
the pieces to form a complete unit. The product is then finish-sanded; stained, and, if
necessary, coated with a sealer, such as lacquer or varnish. Woodworkers may perform
this work in teams or be assisted by helpers.
Precision or custom woodworkers, such as cabinetmakers and bench carpenters,
model makers and pattern makers, and furniture finishers, often build one-of-a-kind
items. These highly skilled precision woodworkers usually perform a complete cycle
of tasks—cutting, shaping, and preparing surfaces and assembling complex wood
components into a finished wood product. Precision workers normally need substan-
tial training and an ability to work from detailed instructions and specifications. In
addition, they often are required to exercise independent judgment when undertaking