Industry Spotlight Canada

Sawfiler

What does a Sawfiler do?

Sawfilers repair, set and sharpen blades for band saws, chain saws, handsaws, circular saws and other types of saws.

- They sharpen saws
- They shape saw teeth for different cutting purposes
- They straighten bent saws
- They adjust circular and band saw tension.

What kind of person makes a good Sawfiler?

Sawfiler might be the job for you if you:

- Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
- Are physically strong and have stamina
- Are good at math, reading and writing
- Can keep up with new developments in technology

How do I become a Sawfiler?

1. Find a company willing to take you as an apprentice
2. Register with AAIT (Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training)
3. Apprentice for 4 years, which includes 1680 hours of on the job training and 4 weeks of technical training at school each year.
4. Take the interprovincial Red Seal exam to become a registered Sawfiler.
5. Now you can work almost anywhere in Canada!

Where does a Sawfiler work?

Sawfilers are employed in the lumber and wood product industries, in sawmills and pulp mills.

How much does a Sawfiler make?

On average, Sawfilers in Alberta make $18.00 an hour.

Apprentice Sawfilers earn 50% of a journeyman’s wage rate in the first year, 60% in the second, 70% in the third and 85% in the fourth year.

Sawfiler Case Studies

These don't exist yet!