Patternmakers, Wood

Plan, lay out, and construct wooden unit or sectional patterns used in forming sand molds for castings.

Median Annual Wage: $37,980

Education: Post-secondary certificate (46%); High school diploma or equivalent (28%); Less than high school diploma (12%)

Projected Growth: Little or no change (-2% to 2%)

Related Job Titles: Pattern Maker; Mold Maker; Journeyman Patternmaker; Wood Pattern Maker; Apprentice Pattern Maker

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Patternmakers, Wood.

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  • Lay out patterns on wood stock and draw outlines of units, sectional patterns, or full-scale mock-ups of products, based on blueprint specifications and sketches, and using marking and measuring devices.
  • Verify dimensions of completed patterns, using templates, straightedges, calipers, or protractors.
  • Set up, operate, and adjust a variety of woodworking machines such as bandsaws and lathes to cut and shape sections, parts, and patterns, according to specifications.
  • Trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.
  • Fit, fasten, and assemble wood parts together to form patterns, models, or sections, using glue, nails, dowels, bolts, and screws.
  • Correct patterns to compensate for defects in castings.
  • Construct wooden models, templates, full scale mock-ups, jigs, or molds for shaping parts of products.
  • Compute dimensions, areas, volumes, and weights.
  • Mark identifying information such as colors or codes on patterns, parts, and templates to indicate assembly methods.
  • Finish completed products or models with shellac, lacquer, wax, or paint.
  • Glue fillets along interior angles of patterns.
  • Select lumber to be used for patterns.
  • Repair broken or damaged patterns.
  • Maintain pattern records for reference.
  • Inventory equipment and supplies, ordering parts and tools as necessary.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Patternmakers, Wood.

  • Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Patternmakers, Wood.

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