Model Makers, Wood - MehtA+ Tutoring

Career Overview

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

Also Known As

Craftsman
Model Maker
Sample Builder
Sample Maker

Alternate Job Titles

Aircraft Model Maker
Architectural Wood Model Maker
Builder
Building Craftsman
Craftsman
Jig Builder
Jig Maker
Last Model Maker
Loft Worker
Lofter
Model Builder
Model Maker
Product Craftsman
Product Development Carpenter
Production Craftsman

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

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.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

Production and Processing
Design
Building and Construction

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

Near Vision
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Control Precision
Oral Comprehension
Information Ordering
Problem Sensitivity
Visualization
Written Comprehension

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Cautiousness
Perseverance
Achievement Orientation

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

Support
Independence
Achievement
Working Conditions
Relationships

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)

Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years

On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months

Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Word

Tools & Equipment

Adjustable hand reamers
Bandsaws
Belt sanders
Bench circular saws
Benchtop disk sanders
Benchtop drill presses
Carving knives
Cleaning brushes
Computer numerically controlled CNC lathes
Computer numerically controlled CNC milling machines
Cordless angle grinders
Cordless power drills
Engraving tools
Heavy duty bench clamps
Metal rulers

Work Environment

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
Time Pressure

Salary & Job Market

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$24,710
Median	$51,850
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$95,850

Workers Employed Nationally: 360