Patternmakers, Wood

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

Sample of reported job titles:
Mold Maker, Pattern Engineer, Pattern Maker, Patternmaker, Wood Pattern Maker, Wood Patternmaker, Wood Shop Moldmaker, Woodshop Worker

Occupation-Specific Information

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, 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.

Technology Skills

  • Computer aided design CAD software:3D Systems Geomagic Design X
    ,
    Autodesk AutoCAD
    ,
    Computer aided design CAD software
  • Computer aided manufacturing CAM software:Delcam PowerMILL
    ,
    Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software
  • Electronic mail software:Microsoft Outlook
  • Office suite software:Microsoft Office
  • Spreadsheet software:Microsoft Excel

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: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.
  • Thinking Creatively:Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  • Controlling Machines and Processes:Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems:Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Getting Information:Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products.
  • Assemble wood products.
  • Build production molds.
  • Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
  • Construct patterns, templates, or other work aids.

Work Context

  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment:70% responded"Every day"
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets:70% responded"Every day"
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate:70% responded"Extremely important"
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls:67% responded"Continually or almost continually"
  • Face-to-Face Discussions:65% responded"Every day"

Worker Requirements

Skills

  • Complex Problem Solving:Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Monitoring:Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Operation and Control:Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Operations Monitoring:Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Reading Comprehension:Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Knowledge

  • Mathematics:Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Design:Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Engineering and Technology:Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  • Mechanical:Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Building and Construction:Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
  • 57%
    High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
  • 26%
    Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
  • 16%
    Some College Courses

Worker Characteristics

Abilities

  • Manual Dexterity:The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness:The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Control Precision:The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Near Vision:The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Reaction Time:The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

Interests

  • Realistic:Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
  • Investigative:Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
  • Artistic:Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Work Values

  • Support:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
  • Relationships:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
  • Independence:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail:Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
  • Dependability:Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
  • Initiative:Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
  • Cooperation:Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
  • Integrity:Job requires being honest and ethical.
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