Description
Set up, operate, and tend band, circular, and cold saws to cut metal or plastic stock to specification, ensuring quality, efficiency, and safety.
- • Store and handle materials safely to prevent damage.
- • Coordinate with downstream operations to meet schedules.
- • Set up band, circular, or cold saws for job requirements.
- • Turn valves to start or adjust coolant or air blast at the cut.
- • Deburr and finish edges using grinders, files, or sanders.
- • Read work orders, blueprints, or schedules to determine materials, cut lengths, tolerances, and quantities.
- • Select, install, and align blades with proper pitch and material rating.
- • Set blade tension, guides, feed rates, and cutting speeds.
- • Set miter or table angles and stops for specified cuts.
- • Position, align, and clamp workpieces using vises, fences, or fixtures.
- • Start saws, monitor cuts, and record operational data.
- • Measure first-off and finished pieces with calipers, micrometers, gauges, or rulers.
- • Inspect cut surfaces for defects and sort nonconforming parts.
- • Mark or scribe reference and cut lines per templates or specifications.
- • Replace, tension, and track dull or damaged blades; perform basic sharpening or changeovers.
- • Clean, lubricate, and perform preventive maintenance on saws.
- • Empty chip bins, maintain coolant concentration, and clean work area.
- • Plan cut sequences and nesting to minimize waste and maximize throughput.
- • Load and unload stock manually or with hoists, cranes, or forklifts.
- • Label parts and drops with identifying data and job numbers.
- • Update cut lists or production systems and report counts or scrap.
- • Follow safety procedures, including PPE and lockout/tagout.
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Related Pathways
Advanced Manufacturing
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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
