Patternmakers, Wood

Core Tasks

1. Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications to determine sizes and shapes of patterns and required machine setups.
2. Fit, fasten, and assemble wood parts together to form patterns, models, or sections, using glue, nails, dowels, bolts, and screws.
3. 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.
4. Trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.
5. Divide patterns into sections according to shapes of castings to facilitate removal of patterns from molds.
6. Verify dimensions of completed patterns, using templates, straightedges, calipers, or protractors.
7. Correct patterns to compensate for defects in castings.
8. 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.
9. Finish completed products or models with shellac, lacquer, wax, or paint.
10. Estimate costs for patternmaking jobs.
11. Mark identifying information such as colors or codes on patterns, parts, and templates to indicate assembly methods.
12. Repair broken or damaged patterns.
13. Maintain pattern records for reference.
14. Glue fillets along interior angles of patterns.
15. Construct wooden models, templates, full scale mock-ups, jigs, or molds for shaping parts of products.
16. Compute dimensions, areas, volumes, and weights.
17. Select lumber to be used for patterns.
18. Collect and store patterns and lumber.
19. Inventory equipment and supplies, ordering parts and tools as necessary.

Technology & Tools

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