• Verify dimensions and contours of models during hand-forming processes, using templates and measuring devices.
• Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications, and consult with designers to determine sizes and shapes of patterns and required machine setups.
• 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.
• Fit, fasten and assemble wood parts together to form patterns, models, or sections, using glue, nails, dowels, bolts, screws, and other fasteners.

Typical day

On a daily basis, Wood Model Makers fit, fasten, and assemble wood parts together to form patterns, models, or sections, using glue, nails, dowels, bolts, screws, and other fasteners. They trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.

A typical day for a Wood Model Maker will also include:

• Construct wooden models, patterns, templates, full-scale mock-ups, and molds for parts of products and production tools.
• 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.
• Verify dimensions and contours of models during hand-forming processes, using templates and measuring devices.
• Select wooden stock, determine layouts, and mark layouts of parts on stock, using precision equipment such as scribers, squares, and protractors.
• Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications, and consult with designers to determine sizes and shapes of patterns and required machine setups.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Wood Model Makers also maintain pattern records for reference. They may also mark identifying information on patterns, parts, and templates to indicate assembly methods and details.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Wood Model Makers fabricate work aids such as scrapers or templates. They might also issue patterns to designated machine operators.

In addition, they plan, layout, and draw outlines of units, sectional patterns, or full-scale mock-ups of products.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them select wooden stock, determine layouts, and mark layouts of parts on stock, using precision equipment such as scribers, squares, and protractors.

To some Wood Model Makers, it is also their responsibility to build jigs that can be used as guides for assembling oversized or special types of box shooks.