Workplace RelationsCABINETMAKING
Cabinetmakers make or repair furniture using solid timber, flat-panel or timber-based products.
What does it mean to be a cabinetmaker?
A cabinetmaker may perform the following tasks:
- Prepare drawings from specifications or work out job requirements by looking at drawings and specifications
- 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
- Make jigs, templates or prototypes for the production of furniture
- Supervise apprentices and assist with on-the-job training.
Cabinetmakers may specialise in particular areas such as reproduction of antique furniture, kitchen fittings, bedroom suites, office furniture, dining suites, shop fittings and occasional furniture.
If you are performing these tasks in your job, don't write off your skills - consider getting them recognised!
What personal qualities do you need to be a cabinetmaker?
- Enjoy practical and manual activities
- Able to follow written instructions
- Able to work to a high level of accuracy
- Able to make mathematical calculations
- Good communication skills
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Free from allergies to dust.
Qualification
The Certificate III in Furniture Making (Cabinetmaking) requires 28 units of competency - 17 units are compulsory and 11 units may be selected from the list of elective units.
Click here to view the self assessment questionnaire for a Certificate III in Furniture Making (Cabinetmaking).