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Wood Patternmaker

What Do Wood Patternmaker Do?

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

List of Wood Patternmaker Job Duties

  • Maintain pattern records for reference.
  • Issue patterns to designated machine operators.
  • Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications to determine sizes and shapes of patterns and required machine setups.
  • Construct wooden models, templates, full scale mock-ups, jigs, or molds for shaping parts of products.
  • 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.
  • Compute dimensions, areas, volumes, and weights.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Wood Patternmaker?

Below is a list of the skills most Wood Patternmakers say are important on the job.

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.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Types of Wood Patternmaker Jobs

  • Patternmaker
  • Model Maker
  • Journeyman Patternmaker
  • Apprentice Pattern Maker
  • Pattern Worker

Is There Job Demand for Wood Patternmakers?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 1,800 jobs in the United States for Wood Patternmaker. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Wood Patternmaker. The BLS estimates 200 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Wood Patternmaker are North Carolina, Michigan, and Nebraska. Watch out if you plan on working in Pennsylvania, Nebraska, or Michigan. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for a Wood Patternmaker

The average yearly salary of a Wood Patternmaker ranges between $34,930 and $82,630.

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Wood Patternmakers who work in Ohio, Michigan, or North Carolina, make the highest salaries.

How much do Wood Patternmakers make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
California $56,990
Michigan $68,910
North Carolina $53,910
Ohio $73,670

What Tools do Wood Patternmakers Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Wood Patternmakers may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Computer aided design CAD software
  • Delcam PowerMILL
  • Mastercam

How do I Become a Wood Patternmaker?

What education or degrees do I need to become a Wood Patternmaker?

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Wood Patternmaker?

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Where do Wood Patternmakers Work?

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Wood Patternmakers work in the following industries:

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References:

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Sadie Colbert via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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