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Carpenters & Joiners Advice

 
Carpenters - Joiners
 
What They Do
 
Despite the development of plastics and other high-tech materials, the demand for wood products continues to be strong. Helping to meet this demand are Carpenters and Joiners. These workers often work in small or medium-sized shops, but some work in large companies producing high-volume products. These workers use power and hand tools to cut, shape and attach wood to make durable, attractive wood cabinets and other products. They may work with similar products such as solid surface countertops that behave much like wood and employ the same or similar tools. Some of the tools Carpenters and Joiners use include portable power saws, routers, drills and screwdrivers. They also frequently use large, stationary tools such as table saws, radial arm saws, drill presses, routers, joiners and lathes. Larger tools are often Computer Numerically Controlled and require programming by the operative.  
 
Before or after a wooden product is assembled, some woodworkers finish by sanding, taping off sections if necessary and staining or painting the product. Sometimes, the wood is sealed after the stain or paint dries. While equipment has had a great impact on workers in the largest, most efficient firms, precision or custom woodworkers who generally work in smaller firms have continued to employ the same production techniques they have used for many years. Carpenters and Joiners and those in other woodworking occupations work on a customized basis, often building one-of-a-kind items.
 
These highly skilled precision woodworkers usually perform a complete cycle of tasks cutting, shaping and preparing surfaces, assembling prepared parts of complex wood components into a finished wood product. For this reason, these workers normally need substantial training and an ability to work from detailed instructions and specifications including reading technical drawings. In addition, they are often required to exercise independent judgment when undertaking an assignment.
 
Tasks
 
  • Study blueprints, drawings, written specifications of articles to be constructed or repaired and plan sequence of performing such operations.
  • Mark dimensions of parts on paper or lumber stock, following blueprints and match lumber for colour, grain, and texture.
  • Set up and operate machines, including power saws, jointers, mortisers, tenoners, moulders, and shapers, to cut and shape wood stock.
  • Trim component parts of joints to ensure snug fit using hand tools such as planes, chisels, or wood files.
  • Bore holes for insertion of screws or dowel by hand or using boring machine.
  • Glue, fit and clamp parts and sub-assemblies together to form complete unit.
  • Drive nails or other fasteners to joints of articles and prepare articles for finishing.
  • Sand and scrape surfaces and joints of articles and prepare articles for finishing.
  • Dip, brush, or spray assembled articles with protective or decorative materials such as stain, varnish, or lacquer.
  • Install hardware such as hinges, catches and drawer pulls using hand tools.

 

Important Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Building and Construction

Knowledge of materials, methods, the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Design 

Knowledge of design techniques, tools and principals 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.

Production and Processing 

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Equipment Selection 

Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Mathematics 

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Written Comprehension 

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

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.      

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.      

Visualization

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.         

Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

CNC Programming

Many machines are now controlled by computers (Computer Numerically Controlled) and are used for multiple unit production. It is necessary for the operator to programme the machine in order to produce the item to the design and tolerances required.


Work Environment

Most cabinet shops are adequately lit and ventilated, although not all shops are heated or air-conditioned. The locations where the finished products are installed are usually clean, although they may not be heated or air-conditioned. Working conditions include machine and tool noise, the presence of wood dust and possible finishing vapours. Carpenters and Joiners must often wear protective equipment for ears, eyes, skin, and lung hazards. Workers must also follow operating safety instructions and use safety shields or guards when operating equipment to prevent accidents.

In a modern working environment the ability to effectively communicate as part of a team is essential.

 

Likely industry Background

This can be varied but it will usually require a minimum of 2 years hands on experience in areas such as:

·         Furniture manufacturing

·         Shop fitting joinery

·         Office interior joinery

However we will consider people from the metal work sector that have transferable skills and are experienced CNC operators.

View current posts available for this kind of work.