Occupation · SOC 51-7032
Patternmakers, Wood
Plan, lay out, and construct wooden unit or sectional patterns used in forming sand molds for castings.
Median wage
$52,520
$40,730–$83,330
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
180
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
55 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlMonitoringQuality Control AnalysisActive ListeningMathematics
Knowledge areas
MathematicsDesignEngineering and TechnologyMechanicalBuilding and Construction
Technology & tools
Computer aided design CAD softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail software
Representative tasks
Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications 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, and screws.Lay out patterns on wood stock and draw outlines of units, sectional patterns, or full-scale mock-ups of products, based on blueprint specifications and sketches, and using marking and measuring devices.Trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.Divide patterns into sections according to shapes of castings to facilitate removal of patterns from molds.Verify dimensions of completed patterns, using templates, straightedges, calipers, or protractors.Correct patterns to compensate for defects in castings.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.Finish completed products or models with shellac, lacquer, wax, or paint.Estimate costs for patternmaking jobs.Mark identifying information such as colors or codes on patterns, parts, and templates to indicate assembly methods.Repair broken or damaged patterns.Maintain pattern records for reference.Glue fillets along interior angles of patterns.Construct wooden models, templates, full scale mock-ups, jigs, or molds for shaping parts of products.Compute dimensions, areas, volumes, and weights.Select lumber to be used for patterns.Collect and store patterns and lumber.Inventory equipment and supplies, ordering parts and tools as necessary.Issue patterns to designated machine operators.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Blueprint and written specifications — read and interpret under direct supervision to identify basic pattern dimensions and shape requirements on a shop floor.Marking and measuring devices — apply to lay out simple pattern outlines on wood stock following established templates and supervisor guidance.Hand tools such as files, sandpaper, and scrapers — use under direction to trim and smooth flat pattern surfaces to approximate specified shapes in a production woodworking shop.Glue, nails, and screws — apply to fasten pre-cut wood parts together into basic pattern assemblies following step-by-step instructions from a journeyman patternmaker.Pattern dimensions — verify using calipers and straightedges under supervision to confirm rough compliance with blueprint specifications.Bandsaw and lathe controls — operate at basic settings under direct oversight to cut simple wood sections according to marked outlines.Pattern sections — recognize how shapes are divided to allow mold removal, following demonstrated examples provided by an experienced patternmaker.Mathematics including fractions and basic geometry — apply to convert blueprint measurements into layout marks on wood stock in a vocational or apprenticeship setting.Safety protocols and machine guards — follow consistently when operating woodworking equipment in a supervised production environment.CAD drawings and sketches — read at a basic level to identify key dimensions and reference points before beginning pattern layout tasks.
developing
Blueprints and engineering drawings — interpret independently to determine full pattern sizes, shapes, and required machine setups for routine casting orders.Wood stock layout — execute using marking gauges, squares, and measuring tapes to draw accurate outlines of sectional or full-scale pattern units with minimal oversight.Hand tools including planes, chisels, and rasps — select and apply routinely to shape, shave, and smooth pattern surfaces to within specified dimensional tolerances.Bandsaw and lathe settings — adjust and operate with reduced supervision to cut and turn pattern sections accurately according to production specifications.Pattern assemblies — fit, fasten, and align using dowels, bolts, and glue to build complete multi-part patterns that meet foundry dimensional requirements.Calipers, protractors, and templates — use systematically to verify dimensions of completed patterns and document any deviations from specification.Pattern sectioning — plan and execute division of patterns into foundry-compatible sections based on casting geometry and standard shop practice.Shrinkage allowances and draft angles — calculate using standard formulas to compensate for known casting defects in routine pattern corrections.CAD software — navigate to retrieve and review part drawings and cross-check dimensions against physical patterns during fabrication.Quality control checks — perform at defined production milestones using established inspection criteria to ensure pattern accuracy before foundry delivery.
proficient
Complex blueprint packages and 3-D sketches — analyze autonomously to plan full fabrication sequences for intricate or multi-section wood patterns in a production foundry-support environment.Full-scale mock-ups and prototype patterns — construct independently from raw stock using the complete range of hand tools, ensuring dimensional fidelity to tight engineering tolerances.Non-routine casting defects — diagnose and correct by modifying pattern geometry, adjusting draft or taper, and compensating for metal shrinkage across varied alloy specifications.Woodworking machine suite including bandsaws, lathes, and shapers — set up, operate, and fine-tune across a full range of production scenarios to achieve precise pattern contours.Pattern-to-mold fit — evaluate through trial assembly and iterative adjustment to ensure clean, repeatable mold release across complex parting-line configurations.Visualization and spatial reasoning — apply to mentally decompose intricate casting geometries into manufacturable pattern sections before committing to material.CAD and CAM software — use to extract machining paths or verify pattern geometry against digital models, bridging traditional hand craftsmanship with digital manufacturing tools.Measurement instruments including optical comparators and digital calipers — select and apply to conduct thorough dimensional audits of finished patterns against master specifications.Younger or less experienced patternmakers — mentor on hand-tool techniques, machine operation, and blueprint reading within the shop environment.Pattern records, revision logs, and material lists — maintain accurately to support foundry scheduling, traceability, and repeat-order efficiency.
advanced
Shop-wide pattern fabrication standards — establish and document to ensure consistent quality, safety, and efficiency across all patternmaking personnel and projects.Complex customer specifications and foundry engineering requirements — translate into feasible pattern design strategies, advising engineers on draft, shrinkage, and parting-line decisions at the project inception stage.CAD/CAM integration workflows — lead implementation of within the pattern shop to reduce layout time and improve dimensional repeatability across the production team.Apprentice and journeyman patternmakers — develop through structured on-the-job training plans, competency assessments, and coaching on advanced hand-tool and machine techniques.Pattern library and revision control systems — design and oversee to maximize asset reuse, reduce redundant fabrication, and support foundry lead-time commitments.Cross-functional problem-solving — lead between patternmaking, foundry, and engineering teams to resolve persistent casting defects by tracing root causes to pattern design or material selection.Capital equipment decisions for woodworking machinery — inform by evaluating production throughput, tolerance capability, and ROI, presenting recommendations to shop management.Quality management processes including inspection protocols and non-conformance procedures — author and enforce across the pattern shop to meet customer and regulatory expectations.Production scheduling and capacity planning — oversee for the patternmaking department, balancing complex custom orders against repeat foundry patterns to meet delivery commitments.Organizational knowledge transfer — lead by codifying best practices in patternmaking techniques, machine setups, and blueprint interpretation into training materials used across the enterprise.
Also known as
29 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Patternmaker, WoodMaster Chief Constructionman (Navy CU)Wood PatternmakerPattern EngineerWood Experimental MechanicStructural (Air Force 3E3X1)Patternmaker Apprentice, WoodConstruction Engineering Technician (Army 120A)Builder (Navy BU)Structural Craftsman (Air Force 3E371)Structural Journeyman (Air Force 3E351)PatternmakerWood Shop MoldmakerWood Pattern MakerStructural Apprentice (Air Force 3E331)Forms BuilderConstructionman (Navy CN)Mold Forms BuilderStructural Helper (Air Force 3E311)Mold MakerConstructionman (Navy 002688)Production PatternmakerCarpentry and Masonry Specialist (Army 12W)Woodshop WorkerWood Die MakerPattern MakerHeavy Repair Superintendent (Air Force 3E290)Pattern WorkerBuilder (Navy 002594)