Planer Set Up

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Planer Set Up is a skilled technical position responsible for the setup, changeover, adjustment, and optimization of planer mill equipment at Plain Dealing Lumber. This role ensures that the planer, trimmer, edger, and associated machinery are correctly configured for each production run — achieving target dimensions, surface quality, and throughput while minimizing downtime and waste. The Planer Set Up works closely with the Planer Supervisor and Lead Operator to execute production schedules, troubleshoot equipment performance issues, and maintain the mechanical integrity of planer mill machinery. This position requires a deep understanding of planer mill equipment, lumber dimensions, knife geometry, and production quality standards

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform all setup, changeover, and adjustment tasks on the planer, trimmer, edger, and associated equipment in preparation for each production run; verify all settings against the run sheet before production begins and sign off on setup completion.

• Set and verify knife head configurations, feed rolls, pressure bars, chip breakers, outfeed tables, and all other planer components to achieve the specified target dimensions and surface quality for each species and product being run.

• Monitor product quality throughout the run; inspect planed lumber for surface roughness, snipe, chatter, dimension variation, and wane; make in-run adjustments to maintain quality and minimize off-grade product.

• Perform knife changes and knife grinding preparation on schedule; ensure knives are sharp, correctly profiled, and properly seated before installation; track knife life and rotation schedules to maintain consistent surface quality.

• Execute and document trimmer setup including trim optimization settings, trim saw alignment, and fence adjustments to achieve maximum recovery and correct final lengths per the run sheet.

• Troubleshoot planer mill equipment malfunctions including feed issues, vibration, surface defects, dimension drift, and mechanical failures; diagnose root cause and make adjustments or coordinate with maintenance for repairs.

• Perform pre-shift equipment checks on the planer, trimmer, edger, and associated conveyor and handling systems; identify wear, damage, or abnormal conditions and report to the Planer Supervisor and Maintenance before production begins.

• Maintain accurate setup records, run sheets, and quality check logs for each production run; document knife changes, equipment adjustments, and quality issues to support continuous improvement.

• Communicate proactively with the Planer Supervisor and Lead Operator on run status, quality issues, equipment concerns, and changeover timing; provide accurate estimates of setup completion times to support production scheduling.

• Train and assist planer mill operators on correct setup procedures, quality inspection techniques, and equipment operation as directed by the Planer Supervisor; support knowledge transfer and team skill development.

• Follow all LOTO (lockout/tagout) procedures without exception before performing any setup, adjustment, knife change, or maintenance task on planer mill equipment; never bypass or override safety interlocks.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Planer Supervisor or Mill Manager.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Minimum 2–3 years of hands-on experience as a planer set up or planer mill operator in a lumber manufacturing environment required; direct experience performing planer setups and knife changes strongly preferred.

• Working knowledge of planer mill equipment including planer head configurations, feed roll systems, pressure bars, chip breakers, trimmer saws, edger fences, and outfeed handling systems.

• Ability to read and interpret run sheets, dimensional specifications, and quality standards; proficiency with measurement tools including tapes, calipers, and feeler gauges used in planer setup verification.

• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose equipment issues, make precise adjustments, and perform minor maintenance tasks; understanding of basic machine shop and mechanical principles as applied to planer mill equipment.

• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to dimensional accuracy; understanding that setup quality directly determines lumber grade, recovery, and customer satisfaction.

• Ability to work rotating shifts, overtime, and weekends as required by production schedules; willingness to be available for emergency changeovers or equipment issues outside of normal hours.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with Southern Yellow Pine (SYP), hardwood, or mixed species planer mill operations; familiarity with multiple planer configurations including single-head and double-surface planers.

• Formal mechanical training or vocational certification related to industrial machinery, machine tools, or wood products manufacturing a plus.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is performed in the planer mill production environment, which involves regular exposure to high noise levels, sawdust, wood chips, moving machinery, and vibration. The Planer Set Up must be able to stand and walk for the full shift, bend, kneel, and reach during equipment setups, and lift and carry tools, knives, and equipment components up to 60 lbs. The role requires frequent use of hand tools, measurement instruments, and mechanical adjustment equipment in close proximity to operating machinery. All required PPE — including safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed boots, cut-resistant gloves during knife handling, and high-visibility vest — must be worn correctly at all times. LOTO procedures must be followed without exception before any setup or adjustment task on energized equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Plain Dealing Lumber is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.