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Cabinetmakers make, repair or install furniture (both
free-standing and fixed) using solid timber, flat-panel or timber-based
products and a wide range of laminates and other materials.
Cabinetmakers produce and repair wooden fixtures and
furniture. They work from designs and
specifications to measure, cut, join and carve wood and other timber
materials. This is done using a wide variety of tools and equipment.
Cabinetmakers may use imported timbers or native Western Australian timbers,
such as Jarrah and Marri. Cabinetmakers may produce mass market furniture
and fixtures, create commissioned one-off pieces, or restore antiques.
ANZSCO description: Fabricates or
repairs wooden furniture, and fits and assembles prepared wooden parts to
make furniture.
Alternative names: Furniture Maker
Specialisations:
Cabinetmakers may specialise in particular areas, such as
kitchens and bathrooms, commercial and residential fitouts, fittings,
bedroom suites, office furniture, dining suites, occasional furniture, shop
fittings and reproduction of antique furniture.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
A cabinetmaker needs:
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to be skilled in practical and manual activities
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to be good at basic mathematical calculations
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excellent hand-eye coordination
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to have a keen eye for detail and accurate in
their work
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no serious breathing problems or allergies to
dust
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creative ability.
Duties and Tasks
Cabinetmakers may perform the following tasks:
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communicate with clients to determine specific job
requirements
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match furnishing styles and materials to clients needs
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deliver and monitor service to clients
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estimate job costs
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measure and draw site layout for manufactured
furniture
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read and interpret work documents in order to prepare
accurate cutting lists for jobs
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program and control Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines
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understand and select timber and timber products for
furniture production
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fabricate custom furniture
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prepare and assemble cabinets for installation
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select and install hardware to furnishings, such as
handles and hinges
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perform on-site repairs and adjustments of cabinets
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clean and maintain work areas, including machinery and
tools, to ensure a safe working environment.
Working conditions 
Cabinetmakers work in large factories or small workshops that are frequently
noisy and dusty. They may use glues, and paints and varnishes, which can
release harsh fumes. They are almost always standing, and often have to
undertake heavy lifting. If they are self-employed or work for a small
business that does commission or restoration work, cabinetmakers will often
deal with the public.
Tools and technologies
Cabinetmakers use hand and power tools, but may also use complex
computerised equipment that are part or wholly automated. They also use very
precise measuring equipment. Due to the nature of their working conditions,
they often need to wear protective shoes, earmuffs, goggles and masks.
Education and training/entrance requirements
To become a cabinetmaker, you usually need to complete an apprenticeship.
The cabinet maker apprenticeship takes 42 months to complete and is
available as a school-based apprenticeship.
Employment Opportunities
Most cabinetmakers are employed by firms that manufacture
kitchens, bathrooms, furniture and prefabricated wooden components. These
firms are often small businesses that make custom-made items or undertake
repairs and restoration, or larger companies that manufacture and install
fixed or free-standing furniture for commercial and residential projects.
Depending on personal qualities and knowledge of the trade, opportunities
are available for promotion to the position of supervisor or manager. With
experience, start-up funds and business training, competent cabinetmakers
may also establish their own business.
Did You Know?
Thomas Chippendale was a famous Cabinetmaker.
Thomas Chippendale (1718 - 1779) was the only child of John Chippendale
(1690–1768), joiner, and his first wife Mary (née Drake) (1693–1729).
He received an elementary education at Prince Henry's Grammar School.
The Chippendale family had long been the wood working trades and so he
probably received his basic training from his father, though it is
believed that he also was trained by Richard Wood in York, before he
moved to London.
Dundas Chair
"These [Dundas Chairs] are examples of "palace
furniture" on a domestic scale as they were made for Sir Lawrence Dundas
in 1765, who lived next door to The Ritz in Arlington Street, London.
These cost Dh146 each [$AU38), twice as much as any other chair by
Chippendale."
Christie's sold another pair from the same set in 1997 for Dh12.3
million (over $AU3 Million).
The most famous cabinet-maker in the world had humble
beginnings. He was born to a carpenter father in Yorkshire, England, in
1718, but went on to become a furniture designer for British
aristocracy. One of the greatest reasons for his success was that he did
not limit himself to furniture-making and advised his clients on soft
furnishings and even the colour a room should be painted in. The reason
furniture created by him has lasted three centuries is that he always
used solid woods, not veneers, to make his furniture because of the deep
carving and details he used. Most of his creations are in mahogany, his
favourite wood.
So well known did he become in his lifetime that a book written by him,
and illustrated with examples of his work, titled the Gentleman and
Cabinet-Maker's Director, served as a kind of catalogue for the wealthy.
The book was reprinted several times and is considered by many to be the
most important collection of furniture designs ever published in
England.
Three centuries later, Chippendale's furniture is highly sought after
and original pieces that were created for a few hundred dirhams [100
Dirhams = $AU26] now sell for millions.
(Source:
Emirates 24/7)
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