Producing components using woodworking machines
Overview
This standard identifies the competencies you need to produce engineering woodworking components using machine tools, in accordance with approved procedures. You will be required to select the appropriate equipment to use, based on the type of operations to be performed, the size of the components and the materials used. The production of the components will involve the use of both fixed and portable conventional machines, which are designed specifically for wood and composite materials.
The size and complexity of the components produced will vary, and this will require you to set up the necessary machines and their associated tooling, and to make any necessary adjustments during machining, in order that the parts produced meet the required specification. The components produced will be used to produce any of the following: frames, cases, storage units, jigs and fixtures, formers, transportation units, furniture and structures.
Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the machining activities undertaken, and to report any problems with the activities, materials or equipment used that you cannot personally resolve, or are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You will be expected to work with minimum supervision, taking personal responsibility for your own actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you carry out.
Your underpinning knowledge will provide a good understanding of your work, and will provide an informed approach to applying woodwork machining procedures. You will understand the equipment being used, and its application, and will know about the tooling, machine-setting arrangements and safety devices, in adequate depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the activities, correcting faults and ensuring the work output is to the required specification.
You will understand the safety precautions required when carrying out the machining activities. You will be required to demonstrate safe working practices throughout, and will understand the responsibility you owe to yourself and others in the workplace.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- work safely at all times, complying with health and safety and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
- confirm that the machine is set up and ready for the machining activities to be carried out
- operate the machine tool controls safely and correctly in line with operational procedures
- produce components to the required quality and within the specified dimensional accuracy
carry out component quality sampling checks at suitable intervals
complete relevant data and documentation
deal promptly and effectively with problems within your control and report those that cannot be solved
- shut down the equipment to a safe condition on conclusion of the machining activities
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the specific safety precautions to be taken whilst carrying out the wood machining activities (such as any specific legislation, regulations or codes of practice relating to the activities, equipment or materials)
- the health and safety requirements of the work area in which you are carrying out the machining activities, and the responsibility they place on you
- the use of machine guards and emergency stop mechanisms
- how to set up and use dust extraction equipment, and the importance of ensuring the equipment is operating correctly
- the personal protective equipment and clothing (PPE) to be worn during the machining activities
- the hazards associated with machining wood and composite materials, and how they can be minimised
- the importance of ensuring that all machine and portable tools are used correctly and within their permitted operating range
- the need to ensure that all plugs, sockets and cables on portable machines are in a safe, tested and usable condition
- how to obtain the necessary job instructions, drawings and specifications that are used during the machining activities, and how to interpret the information
- the various machines that are used in wood machining, and the range of operations they are capable of performing (such as sawing, planing, rebating, profiling)
- how to check that the cutting tools are in a usable and safe condition, and the procedure for changing these when required
- how different types of machines use different methods to feed the material to the cutting/dressing tool or surface
- the various methods used to hold the components that are being shaped, formed or dressed
- how different materials require changes to the machining methods (such as roughing and finishing cuts, changes in feed or speeds)
- how to conduct any necessary checks to ensure the accuracy and quality of the components produced, and the type of equipment that is used to carry out these checks
- recognising defects in the components, which may be material defects or those produced through machining
- why it is important to keep the tools and equipment clean and free from damage, to practice good housekeeping of tools and equipment, and to maintain a clean and unobstructed working area
- the extent of your own responsibility and whom you should report to if you have problems that you cannot resolve
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
You will be able to apply the appropriate behaviours required in the workplace to meet the job profile and overall company objectives, such as:
- strong work ethic
- positive attitude
- team player
- dependability
responsibility
honesty
- integrity
- motivation
- commitment