Saw filers fit all types of saws, including circular saws, band saws, gang saws and chain saws. They operate, repair and adjust saw sharpening equipment and are also competent to bench all circular and gang saws, including tensioning, welding cracks, welding on teeth and included any other work that is usually performed by a saw filer in the lumber manufacturing industry.
Three trades make up the saw trades: saw fitting, circular saw filer and benchperson. The saw filer apprentice program provides the knowledge and skills required to become both a provincially and inter-provincially certified trades person. Visit the Industry Training Authority for a detailed description of the saw filer trade and admission criteria
Thompson Rivers University, Williams Lake Campus, is the only training institution in BC that offers technical training for these trades.
Industry requirements
- To begin an apprenticeship to become a circular saw filer, learners must complete hours of work-based training, working in a saw filing room and assisting saw filers in their work.
- Apprentices must also secure an employer who is approved to provide onthe-job training in saw filing and is wiling to register the apprentice and keep a record of their performance.
- English 10, Math 10 and Science 10 or equivalent (Grade 12 preferred).
- Optional endorsement: A benchperson is a qualified saw filer who is able to bench band saws, including the lining up of head rigs, grinding of band wheels and any other work usually performed by a benchperson in the lumber manufacturing industry.
Saw filer levels
Saw filer Level 1 requirements
- Requires an additional 1680 hours of work-based training.
- 180 hours (six weeks) of in-school training, plus a minimum score of 70 percent on the Level 1 examination.
- Once Level 1 is successfully completed, the saw filer may move on to Level 2.
Saw filer Level 2 requirements
- 1,680 hours of work-based training.
- 120 hours (four weeks) of in-school training, plus a minimum score of 70 percent on the certificate of qualification examination.
- When Level 2 is successfully completed, the apprentice is granted a certificate of qualification, a certificate of apprenticeship, and becomes a journeyperson.
Benchperson Level 3 requirements
A saw filer journeyperson may choose to obtain an additional endorsement as a benchperson by completing Level 3.
- Requires an additional 1,680 hours of work-based training.
- 120 hours (four weeks) of in-school training, plus a mark of 70 percent on the Benchperson Endorsement Examination.
