Patternmakers, Wood

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-7032
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications to determine sizes and shapes of patterns and required machine setups.
• Fit, fasten, and assemble wood parts together to form patterns, models, or sections, using glue, nails, dowels, bolts, and screws.
• 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.
• Trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.
• Divide patterns into sections according to shapes of castings to facilitate removal of patterns from molds.
• Verify dimensions of completed patterns, using templates, straightedges, calipers, or protractors.
• Correct patterns to compensate for defects in castings.
• 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.
• Finish completed products or models with shellac, lacquer, wax, or paint.
• Estimate costs for patternmaking jobs.
• Mark identifying information such as colors or codes on patterns, parts, and templates to indicate assembly methods.
• Repair broken or damaged patterns.

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, 3D Systems Geomagic Design X, Adjustable hand wrenches, Automatic lathes, Bandsaws, Benchtop drill presses, Carpenters' hammers, Cleaning scrapers, Computer aided design CAD software

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
• Model Makers, Wood
• Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
• Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
• Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
• Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
• Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters
• Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Patternmakers, Wood — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.