Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to hand sharpen knives and blades for a variety of machines. The work is performed in a forest products factory setting.
The unit applies to Sawmill Worker, Production Worker, Machine Operator, Technician.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions. |
1. Prepare for sharpening | 1.1 Review work order is reviewed and clarify with appropriate personnel. 1.2 Remove knives and blades to be sharpened from designated machinery. 1.3 Select sharpening equipment appropriate to work requirements and check for operational effectiveness. 1.4 Plan sharpening process is in line with site procedures and environmental requirements. 1.5 Establish and maintain communication with others to ensure work site is safe. |
2. Assess condition and set up knives and assemblies | 2.1 Assess cutting performance of knife for sharpening requirements. 2.2 Clean knife holders to enterprise standards. 2.3 Assess condition of knife holder and correct defects. 2.4 Select jig setting for knife assembly. 2.5 Separate and reassemble knife assembly in line with manufacturer’s recommendations. |
3. Sharpen knives and blades | 3.1 Clean excess build-up from knives or blades and inspect for defects, replacing those unable to be repaired by sharpening. 3.2 Select geometry for knives or blades from manufacturer's instructions. 3.3 Select manual sharpening equipment and suitable attachment for holding the knife or blade. 3.4 Feed sharpening equipment across blade, into cutting edge, to obtain clean cutting edge that conforms with geometric requirements without defects and burns. 3.5 Inspect blade or knife after sharpening for accuracy, and hone remaining burrs to obtain a sharp cutting edge. 3.6 Record and report sharpening and equipment faults to the appropriate personnel. |
Evidence of Performance
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit.
follow organisational policies and procedures relevant to hand sharpening knives and blades
safely and effectively hand sharpen knives and blades, using powered and manual sharpening equipment
follow requirements of work order
remove and replace knives and blades from equipment
record and report workplace activity.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices for hand sharpening knives and blades
geometry of knife blades including the pitch and angle that a knife or blade is sharpened at, allowing for the device that the knife or blade is in and the material it will be cutting
defects of knife blades including: cutting edges with:
burrs
burns
chips
splits
dents
characteristics of metal, knives and blades including at least one of the following:
saw blades
planer blades
thicknesser blades
spindle moulder knives
another production equipment type with knives or blades.
sharpening methods and geometry including:
pitch
depth of cut
speed the knife or blade is sharpened at to obtain a sharp edge
manual sharpening equipment, procedures for their safe use and maintenance including:
power driven sharpening equipment with procedures for safe use and lock-out
files (round, triangular, square and flat)
honing tools
saw sets
environmental protection requirements, including the safe disposal of waste material, the cleaning of plant, tools and equipment
organisational and site standards, requirements, policies and procedures for hand sharpening knives and blades
environmental risks and hazards associated with hand sharpening knives and blades
procedures for recording and reporting workplace records and information.
established communication channels and protocols
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
knives and blades to be hand sharpened
sharpening equipment
work order, workplace requirements and site standards for hand sharpening knives and blades.
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessor requirements
Assessors must:
hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and
be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and
be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those core and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria. | |
Numeracy skills to: | identify the pitch and angle that a knife or blade is sharpened at. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Harvesting and Haulage
Sawmilling and Processing
Timber Manufactured Products
Wood Panel Products