SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Patternmakers, Wood

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Mold Maker
  • Pattern Engineer
  • Pattern Maker
  • Patternmaker
  • Wood Pattern Maker
  • Wood Patternmaker
  • Wood Shop Moldmaker
  • Woodshop Worker
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What is a patternmakers, wood?

Patternmakers, Wood are skilled artisans who create patterns and models out of wood for use in the manufacturing process, particularly in the foundry and metalworking industries. They translate engineering designs into precise, three-dimensional wooden patterns that are used to create molds for casting metal parts. These professionals typically work from blueprints and technical drawings, selecting appropriate types of wood and other materials to ensure durability and accuracy in the patterns they produce. Patternmakers must possess a keen understanding of woodworking techniques, tools, and machinery, as well as the ability to measure and shape wood with great precision. Their work is fundamental to the production process, as a well-made pattern contributes to the quality of the final metal product, leading to cost-effective and efficient manufacturing. As technology evolves, patternmakers may also incorporate computer-aided design (CAD) software into their planning and design processes, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.

What the work actually is

  • 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.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Complex Problem Solving Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Monitoring Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Operation and Control Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Operations Monitoring Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Abilities

  • Manual Dexterity The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Control Precision The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Reaction Time The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

Knowledge

  • Mathematics Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Design Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Engineering and Technology Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  • Mechanical Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • 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.

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How people get into it

Education of new hires

High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Some college, no degree

A normal week

  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
  • Thinking Creatively
  • Controlling Machines and Processes
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Getting Information

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Computer aided design CAD software 3D Systems Geomagic Design X · Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Computer aided manufacturing CAM software Delcam PowerMILL · Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software
  • Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel
  • Electronic mail software Microsoft Outlook
  • Office suite software Microsoft Office software

Tools

  • Wood chisels Roughing gouges · Woodworking chisels
  • Power saws Bandsaws · Table saws
  • Micrometers Digital micrometers
  • Screwdrivers Multipurpose screwdrivers
  • Tape measures Measuring tapes

Who it suits

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

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Questions people ask

How much does a patternmakers, wood earn in South Africa?

Patternmakers, Wood salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What is a patternmakers, wood?

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 and 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.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.