Summary for:

Patternmakers, Wood

Description:

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

Sample of reported job titles:

Sample of reported job titles: Pattern Maker, Wood Pattern Maker, Journeyman Patternmaker, Apprentice Pattern Maker, Mold Maker

Tasks | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Activites | Experience | Example | Education | Work Style | Work Values | Related Jobs | Wage | Employment | Expected Growth | Expected Need

Tasks:

  • Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications to determine sizes and shapes of patterns and required machine setups.
  • 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, and/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, and/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.

Knowledge:

Arm-Hand Steadiness ó The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Manual Dexterity ó The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Control Precision ó The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Near Vision ó The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Reaction Time ó The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Finger Dexterity ó The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Multilimb Coordination ó The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Depth Perception ó The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Information Ordering ó The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Selective Attention ó The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

Skills:

Getting Information ó Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Controlling Machines and Processes ó Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Handling and Moving Objects ó Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment ó Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material ó Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems ó Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Performing General Physical Activities ó Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Thinking Creatively ó Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge ó Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates ó Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Abilities:

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets ó How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls ó How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
Face-to-Face Discussions ó How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment ó How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate ó How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
Exposed to Contaminants ó How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable ó How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
Spend Time Standing ó How much does this job require standing?
Structured versus Unstructured Work ó To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
Time Pressure ó How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

Work Activities:

Title Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Overall Experience Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job Training Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.
Job Zone Examples These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include funeral directors, electricians, forest and conservation technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.
SVP Range (6.0 to < 7.0)
Education Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Work Experience:

Work Examples:

Education Requirements:

Work Style:

47-2042.00 Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles
51-7011.00 Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters In-Demand
51-9194.00 Etchers and Engravers
51-9195.04 Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers In-Demand
51-9195.07 Molding and Casting Workers In-Demand

Work Values:

Median wages (2008) $16.35 hourly, $34,010 annual
Employment (2006) 2,000 employees
Projected growth (2006-2016) Decline rapidly (-10% or lower) Decline rapidly (-10% or lower)
Projected need (2006-2016) 0 additional employees

Related Jobs:

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