Wood machinist
Wood machinists cut and shape timber for products like cabinets, staircases, mouldings and frames for doors and windows.
Typical Salary
£23,000 – £31,000
per year
Working Hours
40–43
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
As a wood machinist, you could:
- follow detailed technical drawings to plan jobs
- work out the amount and type of timber needed
- measure and mark out cutting lines
- cut and shape timber, using tools like saws, planes and routers
- operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment
- carry out quality control checks
In some jobs, you'll also assemble products, using the pieces you've created.
Skills needed
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with your hands
- concentration skills
- the ability to analyse quality or performance
- knowledge of maths
- the ability to work on your own
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
Career progression
With experience, you could become a workshop supervisor or manager.
You could apply to do a Craft Carpentry and Joinery Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship to specialise in creating architectural pieces for heritage restoration projects.
You might also use your skills to move into:
- furniture making
- shopfitting
- kitchen and bathroom installation