Job Description

Schedule: Monday & Tuesday: 6:00 AM - 3:30 PM; Wednesday & Thursday: 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM; Friday: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Overtime as needed.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Journeyman Pattern Maker to join our shop team at LaFrenz Pattern Company. This role emphasizes hands-on bench work and manual fabrication of wooden patterns for casting molds. The ideal candidate will interpret blueprints and sketches to construct, repair, and finish high-quality wooden patterns using traditional hand tools and basic power tools. Additional responsibilities include venting and rigging molds, polishing molds and patterns, and manual machining to support tooling production. Successful candidates will bring meticulous attention to detail, skilled hand-eye coordination, proven proficiency in woodworking and molding fundamentals, and a driven, proactive mindset to excel in a fast-paced shop environment.

Key Responsibilities

· Assemble patterns by fitting, fastening, and gluing wood parts with nails, dowels, bolts, screws, or fillets; build up undersized sections using plywood, cardboard, or putty as needed.

· Drill holes, fix dowels for detachable parts, and apply preservatives or finishes like shellac, wax, or paint to protect and enhance patterns.

· Trim, smooth, file, scrape, sand, and shape surfaces to achieve specified contours and finishes, compensating for casting defects or shrinkage.

· Repair broken or damaged patterns by filling holes with wax or putty and refinishing as required.

· Divide complex patterns into sections for easier mold removal and mark identifying information (e.g., colors, codes) on parts for assembly guidance.

· Vent molds by drilling or carving channels to allow gases to escape during casting, ensuring defect-free pours.

· Rig molds by installing gating systems, risers, and sprues to facilitate proper metal flow and solidification.

· Polish molds and patterns using abrasives, buffing wheels, or hand tools to achieve smooth, high-quality surface finishes for optimal mold release and casting accuracy.

· Perform manual machining tasks, such as filing, grinding, and fitting components on patterns, core boxes, and match plates to precise tolerances.

· Maintain inventory of tools, supplies, and lumber.

· Inspect completed patterns and molds using templates, straightedges, calipers, or protractors to verify dimensions and quality.

· Collaborate with team members to plan workflows, resolve issues, and ensure safe, efficient bench operations.

Required Qualifications and Skills

· Journeyman certification or equivalent work experience.

· Proven expertise in manual woodworking with hand tools; familiarity with power tools like lathes and band-saws (no CNC experience required).

· Applicant must supply their own hand tools.

· Experience with mold venting, rigging, polishing, and manual machining techniques in a foundry or tooling environment.

· Strong mathematical skills for calculations involving dimensions, tolerances, and shrinkage allowances; ability to read blueprints and sketches fluently.

· Manual dexterity, depth perception, and physical stamina for detailed, repetitive bench work.

· Knowledge of wood types, finishes, and safety practices in a shop environment.

· Ability to work independently or in a team, with a focus on quality and productivity.

Preferred Experience

· Background in foundry or metal casting support roles, preparing patterns, rigging and polishing molds.

· Experience with core boxes, match plates, molds, and fixturing.

Why Join Us?

As a family-owned and operated shop, LaFrenz Pattern Company values skilled craftsmanship and offers a supportive environment for journeymen to hone their trade through hands-on guidance from experienced team members. Competitive benefits include health insurance, paid time off, holiday pay.

To apply, please submit your resume to jordan@lafrenzpattern.com. We look forward to your application!

Equal Opportunity Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status.

Pay: $20.00 - $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

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