Model Makers, Wood

What the job really is

Construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. Includes wood jig builders and loft workers.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-7031
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications, and consult with designers 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, screws, and other fasteners.
• Verify dimensions and contours of models during hand-forming processes, using templates and measuring devices.
• Trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.
• Plan, lay out, and draw outlines of units, sectional patterns, or full-scale mock-ups of products.
• Construct wooden models, patterns, templates, full scale mock-ups, and molds for parts of products and production tools.
• Select wooden stock, determine layouts, and mark layouts of parts on stock, using precision equipment such as scribers, squares, and protractors.
• Mark identifying information on patterns, parts, and templates to indicate assembly methods and details.
• Set up, operate, and adjust a variety of woodworking machines such as bandsaws and planers to cut and shape sections, parts, and patterns, according to specifications.
• Maintain pattern records for reference.
• Build jigs that can be used as guides for assembling oversized or special types of box shooks.
• Issue patterns to designated machine operators.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Adjustable hand reamers, Bandsaws, Belt sanders, Bench circular saws, Benchtop disk sanders, Benchtop drill presses, Carving knives, Cleaning brushes

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters
• Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
• Patternmakers, Wood
• Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
• Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
• Carpenters
• Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Model Makers, Wood — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.