What Does a Band Saw Technician Do?

A Band Saw Technicians keeps the machines that saw, chop, chip and cut wood sharp and in working order. They maintain, diagnose, repair and sharpen these sawing machines.

Job -Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • repairing, setting and sharpening blades for band saws, handsaws, circular saws and other types of saws
  • maintaining wood sawing machines
  • using hand and power tools, welding equipment and filing tools
  • brazing new teeth on a blade
  • sharpening saw teeth using specialized grinders
  • determining proper repair and maintenance on blades, including re-tooth, carbide-tip, sharpen and dress saws
  • reading and interpreting blueprints, drawings and schematics
  • maintaining automatic machines, including tensioning belts, oiling and adjusting water line plumbing to ensure that the piece is correctly cooled
  • verifying tooth profile and alignment
  • troubleshooting sawing machinery
  • observing safety in accordance with government and company standards

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

In order to register as an apprentice, you must be at least 16 years of age or older in the province of Ontario and have completed Grade 12 or equivalent. To succeed in this trade, senior credits in English, Advanced Math or Science  would be helpful. This is an unrestricted trade, which means that you do not need to complete an apprenticeship to work in this trade, although it is highly recommended. You must be a registered apprentice to receive your Certificate of Apprenticeship.

It takes about 3-4 years to complete a Band Saw Technician apprenticeship (6000-8000 hours) and will include on-the-job experience and in-class sessions. The in-school component is comprised of 4 four week blocks for a total of 16 weeks.

What’s Your Future as a Band Saw Technician?

Band Saw Technicians generally work a 40-hour week, quite often in shifts. They may need to live and work in remote areas where sawmills and pulp mills are located. They usually work indoors, usually in a 'saw room' or shop, though they may work outdoors. Band Saw Technicians are exposed to high noise levels and fumes. Employers who hire Band Saw Technicians include:

  • Pulp and Paper Mills
  • Saw Mills

Wage Rate

  • An Apprentice earns less than a Journeyperson, but as your skills and expertise improve, your wage increases
  • Wages for fully qualified Band Saw Technicians vary from $14.00-$22.00 per hour

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as a Band Saw Technician For You?

Do you have good manual dexterity, an eye for detail, and enjoy working with your hands?

Yes      No

Are you safety conscious?

Yes      No

Can you work to precise measurements and calculations?

Yes      No

Can you work at a task until it is perfect?

Yes      No

Are you of good physical fitness, able to lift, stand, carry and manipulate heavy objects?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy working with tools?

Yes      No

Can you read and interpret blueprints and diagrams?

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as a Band Saw Technician may be for You!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Industrial Instrument Technician and Mechanic
  • Locksmith
  • Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Millwright
  • Bearings Mechanic
  • Small Engine Mechanic
For more information on this trade, check out Forintek: Canada's Wood Products Research Institute: www.forintek.ca