How to become A Woodworker

Despite the market glut of plastic goods over the last few decades, products made of wood continue to hold their own. Today’s Woodworkers make use of hand and machine tools to create awe-inspiring furniture, fixtures, musical instruments and artefacts.

• Certified Custom Woodworker
• Master Custom Woodworker

What do Woodworkers do?

A Woodworker would typically need to:

• Build or custom-make various products such as cabinets, furniture, musical instruments and artefacts using wood and synthetic wood material
• Study detailed architectural drawings, schematics, shop drawings and blueprints
• Use power tools to complete most of the tasks on a high-production assembly line; execute customised work by hand
• Set up machines and tools; operate woodworking machines such as saws, lathes, milling machines, drill presses, sanders and wood-fasteners
• Lift pieces of wood onto the machine, either manually or with a hoist
• Cut, shape and verify dimensions of wooden parts with a template, calliper and rule
• Be on the lookout for unusual sounds and excessive vibration while the machine is in operation
• Use automated machinery such as CNC machines to eliminate errors in all phases of the job
• Ensure that products meet industry standards and project specifications; make adjustments if necessary
• Make use of handtools to trim the piece or assemble the product; add fasteners and adhesives to connect the parts and form an assembled unit
• Instal hardware, such as pulls and drawer slides; fit speciality products for glass, metal trims, electrical components and stone
• Select and use appropriate cutting, milling, boring and sanding tools to complete the job
• Sand, stain, and coat the wood product with a sealant or topcoat such as lacquer or varnish if required.
• Conduct regular maintenance of the machines and tools; clean and oil them and replace worn blades

The work environment may vary based on the industry in which the Woodworker is employed. Employees of furniture and cabinet manufacturing industries usually work indoors in relatively cleaner surroundings, while those in logging and sawmills experience noise and dust regularly. 

Regardless, all Woodworkers must adhere to strict safety regulations and wear appropriate protective equipment such as hearing protection, safety glasses and respirators or masks.

Although most Woodworkers work full-time during regular business hours, self-employed and freelancing professionals may have flexible work schedules. Nevertheless, you may need to put in extra hours during the holiday season to meet customer expectations.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Woodworkers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media and inquiring at staffing agencies. Self-employment and freelancing are viable options.

Woodworkers are generally employed by:

• Furniture & Related Product Manufacturing Firms
• Wood Product Manufacturers
• Speciality Trade Contractors

• Incidence of highest rates of injuries and illnesses
• Awkward bending, reaching and twisting while handling heavy and bulky materials may lead to physical ailments such as backaches, muscle strain, sprains and hernias
• High likelihood of cuts and lacerations due to regular interaction with saws and other such potentially dangerous equipment
• Frequent exposure to harmful dust, chemicals or gases leads to ailments of the eye and lungs
• Increased probability of hearing issues due to recurrent exposure to loud noises

The academic requirements may vary across regions, but it is universally acknowledged that woodworking experience is essential to gain entry into and expertise in this profession.

An ideal academic program should include a period of supervised experience, such as an internship. You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Apprenticing under a self-employed master Woodworker will help you begin with basic tasks such as feeding wood through a machine and catching it at the end before learning to complete more complex tasks independently. Typically, it takes dedicated apprentices around three or more years to become skilled at reading blueprints, setting up machines and planning work sequences.

Check with your prospective employer or the local union whether they offer training through apprenticeships. Usually, manufacturing firms provide excellent opportunities for such coaching. Fluency in English and mathematics would help you secure acceptance to a desirable traineeship.

Even before applying for an apprenticeship, you can take woodshop in school, read about the profession and job shadow/interview expert Woodworkers to prove your commitment to prospective employers.

Typically, employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent combined with expertise in computer applications, mathematics and geometry.

Go a step further and complete courses in woodworking from accredited technical/vocational/trade schools and community colleges. You may be able to acquire diplomas in furniture making, carpentry & joinery, wood machining or construction.

Applicants who pursue training in fine arts, wood technology & engineering, furniture manufacturing, furniture & production design or production management from recognised universities will stand a better chance of selection for production, engineering and administration positions.

Take the time to confirm that the course description includes the subjects you are interested in.

Certification demonstrates a  Woodworker’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Varying levels of certification from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market, increase your chances of advancement and allow you to become a Certified Custom Woodworker or Master Custom Woodworker.

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining certification, available online and at different levels from community institutions and CNC machine manufacturers, will give you an edge over your peers, considering the growing popularity of CNC machines in production.

Performance, experience, training and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Woodworkers. 

There are limited opportunities for growth in this profession. However, it allows for easy transitions between different areas of a specific woodworking facility, provided the Woodworker amasses the requisite range of skills. If employed by a sawmill, you may be promoted as quality control supervisor, finishing end superintendent, yard supervisor/foreman, floor supervisor, quality process coordinator, and maintenance superintendent.

Secondary manufacturing plants can promote their Woodworkers to capital project safety coordinator, team lead, shop foreman, turning room supervisor and production supervisor/manager.

Candidates with a diploma in woodworking, CNC certification and adequate experience will have the best job prospects. 

Entry-level Woodworkers learn on the job from experienced colleagues. Since promotions do not happen quickly, it is up to you to prove yourself worthy of one. 

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Woodworker build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

Attend seminars and workshops or undertake higher education to enhance your professional expertise and build a network of valuable contacts.

It’s In Your Hands

It isn't tough to get your foot in the door with this vocation, but it will be a lot easier if you can build the door yourself. Woodworkers who invest early in their education and training might get a leg up on the competition and boost their earning potential. Those who enter the field with little or no expertise will most likely need to work their way up from the bottom, learning from skilled woodworkers.

More Than One Path

The woodworking industry is vast and has room for a variety of niche careers. Woodworkers may choose from a wide range of career paths.

Carpentry Woodworkers create a building’s basic structure and additions such as the roof, flooring, stairs, windows and doors.

Cabinet makers and bench carpenters, held responsible for the interior decor, typically design, cut, shape and assemble customised cabinets; they are likely to oversee a project from start to finish.

Furniture makers use their experience and aesthetic skills to create exquisite pieces from rough wood based on concepts developed by interior designers.

Furniture Finishers shape, finish and refinish damaged and worn furniture. They get to determine the best way to preserve and repair antiques. In addition, they undertake the staining, sealing and top coating at the end of the manufacturing process.

Setters, Operators & Tenders of Woodworking Machines cut wood with different saws and use drill presses, lathes and sanders to smooth and shape wood.

Safety First

Success as a Woodworker goes hand in hand with strict adherence to safety. Anything less could result in severe injuries and put you out of business for good if you are lucky. Those in the habit of breaking established regulations or not focusing on the job at hand might consider changing careers.

The Current Scenario

The occupation is likely to suffer because of large-scale outsourcing of work and the rising use of new technologies in manufacturing organisations. Despite that low note, Woodworkers with the requisite expertise will continue to be in demand.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Woodworkers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Woodworker has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The ancient Egyptians and Chinese were the first cultures to practise woodworking, developing many of the techniques still used by modern-day woodworkers.

Despite increasing automation, accomplished Woodworkers ensure their timeless craft never goes out of style, whether it's designing high-end cabinets for a major manufacturer or building made-to-order furniture for select clients.

“The art of furniture making involves making joints that fit together so nicely, that really, you don’t need glue.”

Steve Hay