Patternmakers, Wood
Patternmakers (wood) plan, layout, and construct wooden unit or sectional patterns used in forming sand moulds for castings.
Patternmaking jobs’ duties include studying blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements, assembling wood products, drawing guidelines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references, shaping surfaces or edges of woodwork pieces and trimming excess materials from workpieces.
One of the best ways to start a career in patternmaking is to pursue an internship. An internship with an established designer or design company will provide an aspirant with invaluable training and knowledge in the field. Along with a high school diploma, one should have the ability to read and interpret blueprints and design models, be proficient with computer drafting software including CAD, possess excellent fine motor skills and have experience with measuring, snipping, milling, and cutting tools.
Wood patterns are also called wooden moulds and are made in pattern workshops in wood material. One who is skilled at patternmaking makes wood patterns that are used for the sand casting process. The metal foundries mainly use wood patterns to make samples.
If one is interested in patternmaking and desires to succeed in this career, then a few skills are a must to be acquired. Patternmaking requires accuracy in taking measurements, math skills, knowledge of relevant software, product awareness, efficiency in stitching and problem-solving.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- NSQF Level 4 Pattern Maker
- Certificate Pattern Making and Cutting
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.
- 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, 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.
Progression Routes
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