Patternmakers for wood plan layout, and construct wooden unit or sectional patterns used in forming sand molds for castings.

  • 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.
  • Finish completed products or models with shellac, lacquer, wax, or paint.
  • Glue fillets along interior angles of patterns.
  • Select lumber to be used for patterns.
  • Repair broken or damaged patterns.
  • Maintain pattern records for reference.
  • Inventory equipment and supplies, ordering parts and tools as necessary.
  • Estimate costs for patternmaking jobs.
  • Divide patterns into sections according to shapes of castings to facilitate removal of patterns from molds.
  • Issue patterns to designated machine operators.
  • Collect and store patterns and lumber.
Work Context

Work Context information for this career will be available soon.

Work Activities
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • 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.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
  • Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
  • Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
  • Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
  • Operate woodworking equipment.
  • Shape surfaces or edges of wood workpieces.
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Knowledge

Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Mechanical
  • Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Design
  • Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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Skills

Operation and Control
  • Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Analysis
  • Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Abilities

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.
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.
Reaction Time
  • The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software
  • 3D Systems Geomagic Design X Hot Technology
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Hot Technology
  • Computer aided design CAD software Hot Technology
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Office suite software
  • Microsoft Office Hot Technology
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