Chipper operators tend machines that chip wood into small pieces for use in particle board, for further processing into pulp, or for use in its own right. Wood is fed into the chipper and shredded or crushed using a variety of mechanisms.

Tasks

Tasks include -
(a) Examining logs and rough lumber to determine size, condition, quality and other characteristics to decide best lumber cuts to carry out, or operating automated equipment to convey logs through laser scanners which determine the most productive and profitable cutting patterns;
(b) Operating and monitoring log in-feed and conveyor systems;
(c) Operating and monitoring head saws, resaws and multiblade saws to saw logs, cants, flitches, slabs or wings and remove rough edges from sawn timber into dressed lumber of various sizes, and saw or split shingles and shakes;
(d) Operating and monitoring plywood core-laying machines and hot-plate plywood presses and machines which cut veneer;
(e) Cleaning and lubricating sawmill equipment.