Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:58 AM 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 and align blades and knives

Sharpen and align blades and knives

Unit of competency
National Code
FWPCOT3233
State Code
AXL29
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
13/05/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/10/2016
Field of Education
030715 - Precision Metalworking
Original Release Date
05/10/2016
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to sharpen and align straight and angled blades and knives for a variety of machines that use either babbitting or set screw processes for positioning blades and knives in disc chippers, canters, chipping heads and/or reducers. Work is completed in a forest products factory setting.The unit applies to Sawdoctor, Saw Repairer. No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare blades and knives for sharpening
  • 1.1 Review work order and where required check with appropriate personnel.
  • 1.2 Select appropriate repair, maintenance and personal protective equipment and check for operational effectiveness.
  • 1.3 Plan sharpening and aligning process in line with work order.
2. Assess condition and set up blade and knife assemblies
  • 2.1 Follow organisational safety procedures and manufacturer’s recommendations throughout all repair and maintenance processes.
  • 2.2 Remove blade or knife for sharpening from designated machinery.
  • 2.3 Assess cutting performance of blade or knife to determine sharpening requirements.
  • 2.4 Assess condition of knife holder, jig and chuck and correct defects.
  • 2.5 Clean and secure knife holder to chuck in line with organisational procedures.
  • 2.6 Select jig type and setting for required blade or knife setup.
3. Set up equipment
  • 3.1 Clean blades or knives of excess build-up, inspect babbitts for defects and replace where unserviceable.
  • 3.2 Select angle for sharpening blade to suit its use in specified equipment.
  • 3.3 Set up grinder with suitable attachment for holding knife or blade and examine and dress grinding wheel.
  • 3.4 Select grinding wheel speed and feeds to suit blade or knife, grinding wheel material and configuration.
4. Operate grinder to sharpen blades and knives
  • 4.1 Feed grinding wheel across and into cutting edge to sharpen blade to geometric requirements without defects or burns.
  • 4.2 Monitor grinder for operational effectiveness and apply coolant as required.
  • 4.3 Inspect blade or knife after sharpening for accuracy and hone remaining burrs to obtain sharp cutting edge.
  • 4.4 Dispose of unserviceable and damaged blades and knives in line with environmental protection practices.
5. Align blades and knives
  • 5.1 Inspect babbitts to assess reconditioning requirements.
  • 5.2 Heat babbitt material to required pouring temperature.
  • 5.3 Set up blade or knife in pouring jig to required dimensions.
  • 5.4 Pour babbitt without to minimise material waste and avoid cavities and shrinkage.
  • 5.5 Cool assembly and remove excess material to allow correct positioning in machinery.
  • 5.6 Inspect set screws and replace bent or broken screws.
  • 5.7 Adjust set screws to position knife or blade at correct depth and lock into position to avoid knife or blade movement.
  • 5.8 Record and report processing problems and equipment faults to appropriate personnel.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D5942 FPICOT3233B Sharpen and align blades and knives Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBM46 FWPCOT3283 Sharpen and position blades or knives in chipper, canter and reducer Unit of competency