The back tender works under the machine tender and looks after the dryers, calender and reel: making turn-ups, pulling reel samples, running quick tests and rethreading after breaks. On many crews the back tender is first to see a shade or gloss problem, because every reel sample passes through their hands. The job is the usual step between third hand and machine tender.
Back tender says the reel sample looks dirty, so the lab is running a dirt count before we ship.
Also heard as
- backtender
Related terms
Dry end
Back section of a paper machine, from the dryers through calender and reel, where the sheet is finished.
Reel sample
Strip of paper torn across the full width of a finished reel for lab testing before the reel is released.
Turn-up
Transfer of the running sheet from a full reel spool onto a new empty one at the paper machine reel.
Tail
Narrow strip cut from the edge of the sheet and threaded through the machine first after a break.