Cabinet makers make or repair furniture from solid timber, flat-panel or timber based products. Cabinet Makers may specialise in particular areas such as re-production of antique furniture, kitchen fittings, bedroom suites, office furniture, dining suites, shop fittings and occasional furniture.
What do Cabinet Makers do?
Cabinet makers may perform the following tasks:
- select and prepare timber and manufactured board
- mark out, cut and shape pieces using saws, chisels, planes, power tools and woodworking machines
- trim and glue joints and fit parts together to form sections of furniture
- place sections in clamps, apply pressure and reinforce joints with nails, dowels and screws
- assemble sections to form completed articles
- fit hinges, locks, catches, drawers and shelves
- install completed products
- repair damaged furniture and cabinets
- prepare drawings from specifications or work out job requirements by looking at drawings and specifications
- make jigs, templates or prototypes for the production of furniture
How do I become a Cabinet Maker?
To become a Cabinet Maker you usually have to complete an Apprenticeship in Furniture Making (Cabinet Making). Entry requirements may vary but employers generally require a minimum of Year 10. Training is usually both on and off the job. The off-the-job training is provided through Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s), including Group Training Companies. Details of the training may vary depending on the needs of the employer and are finalised as part of the training agreement.
Qualifying as a Cabinet Maker involves:
- Three to Four years commitment
- Attending paid work with a “host employer” for the duration of the apprenticeship
- Attending off-the-job training at an RTO
Ideal Personal Requirements to be a Cabinet Maker include:
- Enjoy practical and manual work and have good hand-eye coordination
- Able to follow written instructions and work to a high level of accuracy
- Good communication skills
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