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Patternmakers, Wood

Also called: Mold Maker, Pattern Maker, Patternmaker, Wood Pattern Maker

What they do:

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

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Engineering and Technology

  • design
  • product and service development

Business

  • management
  • customer service

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down

Ideas and Logic

  • order or arrange things
  • group things in different ways

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Initiative
  • Cooperation
  • Integrity
  • Stress Tolerance

Computer aided design CAD software

  • 3D Systems Geomagic Design X
  • Autodesk AutoCAD

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

  • Delcam PowerMILL
  • Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $44,290

Education

High school diploma/GED or certificate after high school is usually needed.

Explore More

See other careers in the Manufacturing industry.