Cabinet Maker
The Work
Cabinet makers are skilled craftsmen/women who make individually designed
and produced pieces of furniture such as chairs, tables, chests of
drawers, fitted furniture and cabinets for storage or display. They
may also restore antiques or repair damaged furniture.
The process begins with obtaining or creating a design drawing of the furniture, from which the quantity and type of materials required and the method of construction are decided. The cabinet maker will then purchase the material from suppliers such as timber yards.
Using electric and hand tools, the cabinet maker cuts, shapes and planes the wood before fixing the parts together, adding other fixed or moveable joints such as brackets and hinges, and any handles or locks. The assembled piece of furniture will then be finished by polishing. This may be done by the cabinet maker or by a French polisher.
Some cabinet makers deal directly with customers, discussing designs and negotiating prices.
Hours and Conditions
The hours of work vary. In a factory, cabinet makers work a basic
39 hour week, but overtime and shift work is often required. Self-employed
cabinet makers determine their own hours, and occasionally have to
work long hours and at weekends to meet deadlines.
Cabinet makers work in workshops, either in teams or on their own. The workshops are usually light but may be cramped, and most of the work is done standing at a workbench or bending over the piece of furniture. Occasionally work is carried out in a client's home. Protective clothing such as overalls, masks, gloves and ear protectors are worn when using tools and powered machinery, and there is usually dust from sanding and adhesive fumes. Some heavy lifting may be involved.
There is regular travel to suppliers to collect wood and other materials, and to deliver finished items to clients.
Skills and Interests
To be a cabinet maker you should:
Training
When in employment you may be able to work towards NVQs / SVQs including:
Opportunities
Cabinet makers are often self-employed but may work for cabinet making firms, or are associated with furniture restorers or antique dealers. Large furniture manufacturers may employ cabinet makers to construct prototypes. Some cabinet makers choose to specialise, perhaps in restoring antique furniture, but most design and make a range of furniture. There are some opportunities to move into teaching.
Salary
The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.
The earnings of self-employed cabinet makers varies considerably.
An experienced cabinet maker could earn in excess of £16,000
a year for customised work.
Income may be increased with overtime payments and bonuses.
Further Information
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The Furniture, Furnishings and Interiors National Training Organisation (FFINTO)
Tel: 0115 922 1200
www.ffinto.org
