The Craft of Cabinet Making
Introduction
Cabinet makers produce all types of furniture. Some work in factories making contemporary
furniture products on a large scale. In other firms, they work on the manufacture of reproduction
furniture. Traditional cabinet makers are based in workshops. They may make one-off pieces and
carry out repair and restoration work on furniture.
Aspects of Work
Central Aspects
Learning and developing new craft-related skills, knowledge and
competence
Working with wood
Secondary Aspects
Practical skills and theoretical knowledge
Being accurate with numbers in counting, measuring and
arithmetic
Being aware of how colours and shapes are used in design
Work requiring accuracy and attention to detail
Being well organised and careful with practical tasks
Working in a workshop or factory
Other Aspects
Operating machines
Being physically active and on your feet
Being interested in three-dimensional design
Lifting or carrying heavy items
Taking responsibility for own learning, including the allocation of
study time.
Work
Work activities
Cabinet makers produce all types of furniture using a variety of materials including plastics and
metals, but the prime material used is wood.
Most cabinet makers specialise in a certain range of furniture. In the factories of large
manufacturers, they produce modern styles for the mass market. In other organisations, they may
work on reproduction pieces or help in the restoration/repair of antiques. Some are employed in
craft workshops making original designs and commissioned pieces.
In craft workshops, cabinet makers are able to develop traditional skills, although even small
workshops may be partly automated. In larger organisations, while hand tools are still used for
some tasks, power equipment and sophisticated machinery is also used. These machines have
to be very carefully set by the cabinet makers. In some organisations, processes are fully
computerised, and cabinet makers programme the machines.
Some cabinet makers work to their own original designs, but it is more usual to work to a set of
plans. They decide which type of wood is suitable. For some products, compounds such as
chipboard, or even materials such as plastic, perspex and glass replace timber.
Cabinet makers mark, cut and shape the materials before assembling the piece. This process
involves techniques such as dovetailing, hingeing and jointing. Veneers often have to be cut and
fixed onto the basic article.
The cabinet maker may then add the final touches such as marquetry, inlays, staining, marbling,
polishing or upholstery. In large manufacturers, however, these tasks would be done by other
specialist staff, leaving the cabinet makers free to concentrate on the earlier processes.
Tools and equipment used by cabinet makers include planes, saws, chisels, sanders, routers and
polishers.
Personal Qualities and Skills
Personal qualities and skills
You will need a good awareness of space and size, good hand skills and a sense of design. You
should be creative, yet able to work from plans and drawings with minimum supervision.
Patience and high levels of concentration are necessary, combined with the ability to carry out
tasks accurately and precisely. It is important that you take pride in your work and make sure that
each operation is properly finished. For example, you will need to check that doors are properly
aligned, castors glide freely and drawers move smoothly.
A reasonable level of mathematics is required for measuring and calculating, and for dealing with
automated and hi-tech equipment. You should be skilled at using hand tools, power tools and
machinery. An interest in computers may also be helpful.
You will also need to be aware of health and safety standards when using certain tools and
machinery.
Physical fitness is necessary, as the work involves a great deal of standing and occasional heavy
lifting. Conditions are often dusty and not always suitable for those with chest complaints or
asthma.
Pay and Opportunities
Pay and opportunities
A qualified and experienced cabinet maker earns in the range of €34,500 - €44,500 a year.
A cabinet maker works a basic 39-hour week.
During your apprenticeship you will be paid an apprentice rate. The actual rates paid may vary,
depending on the occupation and employer. Generally, the rates will increase in a number of
steps during the apprenticeship. You should seek details of rates of pay for apprentices from your
prospective employer.
All apprentices are paid a training allowance by FÁS while attending off-the-job training phases 2,
4 and 6.
Opportunities arise from time-to-time for promotion to supervisor level. Many persons use an
apprenticeship as a first step in proceeding to such occupations as instructors, teachers, training
advisers, managers and owners of businesses.
Where apprentices and crafts persons have the necessary ability, initiative and basic
qualifications, opportunities are available for advancement. These include advanced
technological and management courses which are available in Institutes of Technology, schools
of management, professional institutes, etc.
People anxious to advance themselves in their careers are advised to discover for themselves
what opportunities are available.
Note: Wage and salary figures quoted under pay and opportunities are approximate and are for
guideline purposes only. These may vary, depending on experience or economic and local
circumstances. Any variances are outside the control of FÁS.
Entry Routes and Training
The craft is designated for apprenticeship training and as such is governed by the statutory
apprenticeship rules that have been made by FÁS.