What Do Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters 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. They also verify dimensions or check the quality or fit of pieces to ensure adherence to specifications.

Other tasks include:

• Produce or assemble components of articles, such as store fixtures, office equipment, cabinets, or high-grade furniture.
• Measure and mark dimensions of parts on paper or lumber stock prior to cutting, following blueprints, to ensure a tight fit and quality product.
• Set up or operate machines, including power saws, jointers, mortisers, tenoners, molders, or shapers, to cut, mold, or shape woodstock or wood substitutes.
• Establish the specifications of articles to be constructed or repaired or plan the methods or operations for shaping or assembling parts, based on blueprints, drawings, diagrams, or oral or written instructions.
• Attach parts or subassemblies together to form completed units, using glue, dowels, nails, screws, or clamps.
• Estimate the amounts, types, or costs of needed materials.

We asked Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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59% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 37% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters establish the specifications of articles to be constructed or repaired or plan the methods or operations for shaping or assembling parts, based on blueprints, drawings, diagrams, or oral or written instructions. They trim, sand, or scrape surfaces or joints to prepare articles for finishing.

A typical day for a Cabinetmaker and Bench Carpenter will also include:

• Attach parts or subassemblies together to form completed units, using glue, dowels, nails, screws, or clamps.
• Match materials for color, grain, or texture, giving attention to knots or other features of the wood.
• Cut timber to the right size and shape and trim parts of joints to ensure a snug fit, using hand tools, such as planes, chisels, or wood files.
• Set up or operate machines, including power saws, jointers, mortisers, tenoners, molders, or shapers, to cut, mold, or shape woodstock or wood substitutes.
• Estimate the amounts, types, or costs of needed materials.

We asked some Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	36% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	48% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	91% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	41% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	46% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	35% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters also program computers to operate machinery. They may also design furniture, using computer-aided drawing programs.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Draw up detailed specifications and discuss projects with customers. They might also Install hardware, such as hinges, handles, catches, or drawer pulls, using hand tools.

In addition, they Perform final touch-ups with sandpaper or steel wool.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Bore holes for insertion of screws or dowels, by hand or using boring machines.

To some Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters, it is also their responsibility to Repair or alter wooden furniture, cabinetry, fixtures, paneling, or other pieces.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Cabinetmaker and Bench Carpenter, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/production/woodworkers.htm

http://www.woodworkcareer.org/

http://www.wmia.org/

http://www.ntma.org/