Sliding Table Saw Operator
Reports To: Shop Foreman
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Summary
The Sliding Table Saw Operator is responsible for accurately and safely cutting sheet goods and other materials used in the fabrication of commercial cabinets, casework, countertops, fixtures, and related products. This position requires the ability to read shop drawings and cut lists, identify materials, calculate dimensions, and produce accurate parts while maintaining an efficient flow of material to downstream production departments.
The operator is responsible for the proper setup, operation, basic maintenance, and cleanliness of the sliding table saw and surrounding work area.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Safely operate a sliding table/panel saw to cut plywood, particleboard, MDF, melamine, laminate panels, and other materials used in cabinet and casework production.
- Read and interpret shop drawings, cut lists, dimensions, and production paperwork.
- Accurately measure, lay out, and cut materials according to specified dimensions.
- Verify material type, color, thickness, grain direction, and quantity before cutting.
- Set saw fence, stops, blade height, and other machine adjustments as required for each operation.
- Calculate finished part sizes and make necessary allowances when required.
- Maintain consistent accuracy and square cuts throughout production.
- Label, organize, stack, and stage cut parts for the next production operation.
- Inspect material before cutting and identify damaged, defective, or incorrect material.
- Minimize material waste by following cut lists and utilizing sheet goods efficiently.
- Perform routine blade changes and basic machine adjustments as trained and authorized.
- Keep the saw, tables, floors, dust collection area, and surrounding workspace clean and organized.
- Perform basic daily inspections of the saw and immediately report mechanical or safety concerns.
- Follow all company safety procedures, machine guarding requirements, and personal protective equipment requirements.
- Coordinate with supervisors and other production employees to maintain production schedules and priorities.
- Assist with material handling, inventory, and other shop duties when necessary.
Qualifications
- Previous experience operating a sliding table saw, panel saw, or similar woodworking equipment preferred.
- Cabinet, millwork, furniture, casework, or woodworking experience preferred.
- Ability to accurately read a tape measure to at least 1/16 inch.
- Ability to read and understand shop drawings, cut lists, and written work instructions.
- Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, fractions, and calculating dimensions.
- Ability to distinguish between different sheet goods, laminates, wood species, colors, and material thicknesses.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate work.
- Ability to work independently while following production priorities.
- Dependable attendance and ability to maintain a consistent production pace.
Physical Requirements
This position requires regular physical activity in a manufacturing environment. Employees must be able to:
- Stand and walk for the majority of the workday.
- Frequently bend, reach, push, pull, and lift materials.
- Regularly handle large sheets of plywood, particleboard, MDF, and similar materials.
- Lift and carry up to 50 pounds individually and assist with heavier or oversized materials.
- Safely maneuver 4' x 8' and other large sheet goods with assistance or material-handling equipment as required.
- Work around machinery, sawdust, noise, and other normal conditions of a cabinet manufacturing facility.
Safety Responsibilities
Safety is an essential responsibility of this position. The Sliding Table Saw Operator must:
- Operate machinery only after receiving appropriate training.
- Never bypass or disable machine guards, safety devices, or emergency stops.
- Use required eye, hearing, and other personal protective equipment.
- Keep hands and body clear of blades and other moving components.
- Follow established procedures for blade changes, adjustments, cleaning, and maintenance.
- Immediately stop operation and report any unsafe equipment or working condition.
- Maintain a clean work area to reduce trip, fire, and material-handling hazards.
Performance Expectations
Successful performance in this position includes:
- Accuracy: Parts are cut to the dimensions and specifications shown on production documents.
- Quality: Cuts are square, clean, and free from unnecessary damage or defects.
- Productivity: Materials are processed efficiently and in accordance with production schedules.
- Material Utilization: Scrap and unnecessary material waste are kept to a minimum.
- Organization: Parts are properly identified, stacked, and routed to the correct production area.
- Safety: Equipment is operated responsibly and all company safety procedures are followed.
- Reliability: Employee maintains dependable attendance, arrives ready to work, and completes assigned responsibilities.
Work Environment
This position is performed in a cabinet and casework manufacturing facility and involves exposure to operating machinery, sawdust, wood products, adhesives, noise, and moving materials. Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn as required.
Other Duties
This job description is intended to describe the primary responsibilities of the position and is not an exhaustive list of all duties. Employees may be assigned other production-related responsibilities based on workload and company needs.
Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
