Description
Set up, operate, and tend band saws to cut materials such as metal, wood, plastic, or rubber to specified dimensions and shapes according to work orders and blueprints.
- • Review work orders, blueprints, and samples to determine blade type, speed, feed, and setup.
- • Select, install, and align band saw blades, guides, and fences using hand tools and gauges.
- • Set blade tension and tracking; adjust guide bearings and table tilt for required cuts.
- • Set machine controls and enter parameters; position cutting guides, clamps, and stops.
- • Start and operate band saws using buttons, switches, or pedals.
- • Feed and guide stock through the band saw or along conveyors, maintaining alignment with cutting lines.
- • Position stock against fences or stops and mark cutting lines as needed.
- • Adjust speed, feed, and pressure to maintain cut quality and throughput.
- • Monitor operation to detect blade wear, vibration, overheating, or supply needs such as coolant.
- • Examine, measure, and weigh materials or parts to verify dimensions and tolerances using rulers, calipers, micrometers, or scales.
- • Remove defective pieces and readjust setup to meet specifications.
- • Start test cuts to verify setup and make necessary corrections.
- • Change or replace band saw blades and guide blocks as needed.
- • Clean and lubricate band saws, tables, guides, and conveyors; refill coolant reservoirs.
- • Sharpen or coordinate sharpening of band saw blades as required.
- • Maintain production and quality records, including quantities, materials, and dimensions.
- • Stack, sort, and stage cut material for packaging, further processing, or shipping.
- • Move stock, scrap, and finished parts using carts, hand trucks, or forklifts.
- • Implement lockout/tagout and ensure guards and safety devices are in place.
- • Tighten pulleys and adjust drive belts to maintain blade speed and tracking.
- • Direct helpers or coordinate with team members on cutting priorities.
- • Cut stock manually for rough sizing or salvage using handsaws, utility knives, or chisels.
- • Maintain a clean, organized work area and dispose of scrap per procedures.
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Advanced Manufacturing
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Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
