Wood Model Makers
Overview
Wood Model Makers are skilled craftspeople who create precise wooden prototypes and scale models of products before they go into full production. They read technical blueprints and work with designers to build detailed wooden versions using both traditional hand tools and modern measuring devices. This job combines artistic woodworking skills with technical precision, requiring knowledge of different wood types, finishing techniques, and the ability to work in collaborative environments with design teams. Many professionals in this field have backgrounds in woodworking, industrial design, or manufacturing technology.
Did you know?
Wood model makers must develop advanced woodworking techniques and precision craftsmanship skills that are increasingly rare and valuable in American manufacturing and design industries.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$65,460 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Judgment and Decision Making
Key Responsibilities
- Select wooden stock, determine layouts, and mark layouts of parts on stock, using precision equipment such as scribers, squares, and protractors.
- 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.
- Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications, and consult with designers to determine sizes and shapes of patterns and required machine setups.
- Build jigs that can be used as guides for assembling oversized or special types of box shooks.
- Fit, fasten, and assemble wood parts together to form patterns, models, or sections, using glue, nails, dowels, bolts, screws, and other fasteners.
- Construct wooden models, patterns, templates, full scale mock-ups, and molds for parts of products and production tools.
- Maintain pattern records for reference.
- Mark identifying information on patterns, parts, and templates to indicate assembly methods and details.
- Plan, lay out, and draw outlines of units, sectional patterns, or full-scale mock-ups of products.
- Issue patterns to designated machine operators.
- Fabricate work aids such as scrapers or templates.
- Finish patterns or models with protective or decorative coatings such as shellac, lacquer, or wax.
- Trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.
- Verify dimensions and contours of models during hand-forming processes, using templates and measuring devices.
Career Considerations
Specialized Skill Development
Wood model makers must develop advanced woodworking techniques and precision craftsmanship skills that are increasingly rare and valuable in American manufacturing and design industries.
Niche Market Opportunities
The occupation serves specialized markets including architectural firms, product development companies, and entertainment industries that require physical prototypes and scale models.
Technology Integration
Modern wood model makers must adapt to incorporate CAD software and CNC machinery while maintaining traditional handcraft skills to remain competitive in the evolving American job market.