Woodworkers design and make wood products, including furniture, cabinetry and decorative items. They work with a range of woods and use a variety of tools to complete their projects.
They set up all types of equipment, cut and shape wooden parts, verify dimensions, and apply fasteners and adhesives to make a finished product. They also sand and finish their work.
Education and Training
Woodworkers make furniture, cabinets and other products from wood and synthetic materials. Their work involves a variety of techniques, including machining and cutting.
Most wood workers learn their jobs on the job, picking up skills informally from experienced workers. Initially, they may be assigned simple machine operations and job tasks.
Skilled workers become more independent, able to complete more complex jobs with less supervision. They also learn to read blueprints, set up machines and plan work sequences.
They often learn to use computer-controlled machinery, which is growing in importance. This allows them to produce higher-quality, more efficient products.
Vocational and trade schools, community colleges and some four-year universities offer training in the field of woodworking. Programs cover both traditional and contemporary methods of making products.
On-the-Job Training
Woodworkers make the furniture, kitchen cabinets, and musical instruments that we use every day. They create products from lumber and synthetic wood materials using advanced equipment and highly skilled operators.
Machine woodworkers set up and operate a wide variety of machinery, including saws, milling machines, drill presses, lathes, shapers, routers, sanders, planers, and wood-fastening machines. After they cut and shape the wooden parts, they verify dimensions, apply fasteners and adhesives, and assemble them into finished units.
They also install hardware, fit specialty products for glass, metal trims, electrical components, and stone, and sand and apply finishes. Cabinetmakers, bench carpenters and furniture finishers also work with wood pieces to design them and build them.
Because woodworking is a technical trade, wood workers can improve their employment prospects by earning a certificate or degree from a vocational school or training program. However, the majority of wood workers learn their skills through on-the-job training from experienced employees. This can be a good option for people who prefer hands-on learning to formal education.
Certification
Obtaining certification can be beneficial for both new and experienced wood workers. It can prove that you have the skills needed to be successful in the woodworking industry, and it may help you land a job.
There are a few different types of certification available to wood workers. Some are earned through a formal college/university program, while others are obtained through private training providers.
Carpenters and woodworkers use a variety of tools on a daily basis, and they need to be able to safely operate these machines and understand how to use them correctly. They also need to be able to follow written instructions, such as blueprints, to ensure that they are working according to specifications.
In addition, carpenters and woodworkers need to be able to solve problems when they are on the job site. This can help them complete their jobs on time and with minimal errors. Having this skill set can help them to be more productive and earn a higher pay grade.
Skills
Woodworkers use a variety of hand and power tools to cut, shape, and assemble products. They also sand, stain, and seal finished products to protect them from moisture and the elements.
Some wood workers make products in large-scale manufacturing facilities, while others work in smaller shops that specialize in custom projects. They often review architectural drawings and shop drawings to determine the materials and equipment needed for a particular project.
In both cases, skills must be honed. Skilled woodworkers know how to read blueprints and set up machinery, and they have the ability to plan work sequences for efficient production.