Description
Design, hand-carve, and finish decorative and functional wooden pieces, reliefs, and architectural details from drawings or client specifications, using hand and power carving tools; create templates, rough out blanks on woodworking machines, join components, and apply protective finishes.
- • Read and interpret sketches, blueprints, and client briefs to determine sizes, motifs, wood species, and carving approach.
- • Select, prepare, and orient wood blanks; lay out patterns with scribers, squares, and compasses.
- • Rough-cut and shape stock using bandsaws, planers, and grinders prior to carving.
- • Hand-carve forms, details, and textures using chisels, gouges, knives, mallets, and rotary tools.
- • Verify dimensions, symmetry, and contours during carving using templates, calipers, and measuring devices.
- • Fit, glue, and fasten carved components to furniture, frames, or architectural substrates.
- • Plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand surfaces to achieve specified profiles and finishes.
- • Create and maintain templates, patterns, and story sticks for repeat work.
- • Mark identifying information, grain direction, and assembly references on parts and patterns.
- • Plan and draw full-scale layouts or cartoons of panels, ornaments, and lettering.
- • Sharpen and maintain carving tools; fabricate custom scrapers, jigs, or fixtures as needed.
- • Apply stains, dyes, gilding, and protective coatings such as shellac, lacquer, oil, or wax.
- • Document designs, measurements, and finish formulas for future reference and repeat orders.
- • Collaborate with designers, conservators, or clients on commissions, replicas, and restorations.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
