Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:15 PM AWST
22/07/2026 3:15 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Sharpen band saw blades
Sharpen band saw blades
Unit of competency
National Code
FWPSAW3232
FWPSAW3232
State Code
OBM26
OBM26
TGA Status
Current
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Approved
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
29/05/2020
Field of Education
030715 - Precision Metalworking
Original Release Date
29/05/2020
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assess the condition of narrow and wide band saw blades, set up the sharpening machine and sharpen saw blades with a grinder. The unit applies to individuals who sharpen band saws in a saw technician workshop or sawmill.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for sharpening
- 1.1 Review work order to determine job requirements and, where required, seek clarification from appropriate personnel
- 1.2 Review environmental protection procedures and workplace health and safety requirements, including the use of personal protective equipment, equipment lock-out and safe manual handling techniques
- 1.3 Identify, assess and take actions to mitigate risks and hazards associated with sharpening operations
- 1.4 Identify and implement workplace procedures for minimising waste material and maximising energy efficiency
2. Assess band saw blade condition
- 2.1 Assess condition of blade teeth and cutting performance of blade to determine the need to replace or sharpen
- 2.2 Measure the kerf of the teeth before sharpening to ensure compliance with workplace standards
- 2.3 Assess condition of prior repairs, blade teeth, set and tension
3. Set up sharpening machine
- 3.1 Select sharpening machine and perform pre-operational check to determine operational effectiveness of the machine
- 3.2 Change or dress grinding wheel as required
- 3.3 Adjust sharpening machine settings to suit required blade geometry, taking into account material to be sawn, speed and direction of sawing process and cutting angle for sawing
- 3.4 Prepare grinding coolant system according to manufacturer instructions
4. Sharpen band saw blade
- 4.1 Set saw blade in the sharpening machine to manufacturer recommendations
- 4.2 Align saw blade tooth with the machine feed mechanism
- 4.3 Conduct tests to ensure teeth and machine feed mechanism are aligned
- 4.4 Establish depth of machine cut and in-feed from blade condition
- 4.5 Monitor machine sharpening process to ensure correct grinding conditions and geometry
- 4.6 Finalise process and check the blade for sharpness, correct cutting angle and profile
- 4.7 Identify damaged and exhausted saw blades and dispose of these according to environmental protection practices
- 4.8 Package band saw for protection during return to service
- 4.9 Identify routine processing and equipment faults, and resolve or report to appropriate personnel
No information
No information
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXK01 | FWPSAW3207 | Sharpen band saws | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BFA0 | FWP31019 | Certificate III in Saw Technology | Qualification |
| BHL2 | FWP31021 | Certificate III in Saw Technology | Qualification |
| BAM5 | FWP30316 | Certificate III in Sawmilling and Processing | Qualification |