Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters

About the job

Cut, shape, and assemble wooden articles or set up and operate a variety of woodworking machines, such as power saws, jointers, and mortisers to surface, cut, or shape lumber or to fabricate parts for wood products.

What you'll do

• Apply Masonite, formica, or vinyl surfacing materials.
• Bore holes for insertion of screws or dowels, by hand or using boring machines.
• Design furniture, using computer-aided drawing programs.
• Dip, brush, or spray assembled articles with protective or decorative finishes, such as stain, varnish, paint, or lacquer.
• Discuss projects with customers, and draw up detailed specifications.
• Estimate the amounts, types, or costs of needed materials.
• Install hardware, such as hinges, handles, catches, or drawer pulls, using hand tools.
• Perform final touch-ups with sandpaper or steel wool.
• Program computers to operate machinery.
• Repair or alter wooden furniture, cabinetry, fixtures, paneling, or other pieces.

Things you need to know

• Design – Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Mechanical – Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Production and Processing – Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Mathematics – Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Building and Construction – Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Abilities you'll need to have

• Operation Monitoring – Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Quality Control Analysis – Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
• Monitoring – Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Troubleshooting – Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
• Operation and Control – Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
• Equipment Selection – Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• Equipment Maintenance – Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.