A carpenter is different to a Cabinetmaker, although the both work with wood. “Carpentry is more putting up walls, a pagola, verandah, or deck, but it generally incorporates building on a house scale.” However, cabinetmakers create stand-alone furniture. “You build chairs tables, couches, sideboards, buffets.” Rolf says, “but also built in wardrobes, kitchens, cases for museums, and shop fitouts. The place where I work, we also do showcases, which incorporates a little bit of glass and metal.”
His interested started from a young age, he shares. When he was very young he started practicing sawing – with the coffee table! “Apparently, I started when I was two – playing with a hammer and a saw. I had a worktable with a box and hammer. It evolved into making fine furniture.”
Today, as a fine furniture maker, his daily routine is a bit different. “I work at 6am and finish at 3pm. We can dictate our own hours. I might be given a task from a project manager of the floormen, or given a number of people to work on a project, or work under another cabinetmaker. So we basically build a piece of furniture ready for the spray booth or for the customer.”
“There’s often many people in the product line – one person might make chair legs, other chair rails. In a big workshop, that’s the case. Get a few people on the one piece, - it’s a good way to resolve craftsmanship issues and be a team.”
“My workshop is very large. It’s one of the biggest in the ACT – we have 45 employees.”
Rolf competed in the WorldSkills National Competition last year, and also in 2008.
“Worldskills is a rare opportunity – there’s no other competition based on real time for a tradesmen in the world. It’s a rare opportunity to put yourself up against other people in our industry. You can prove to yourself and others what skill you’re at.”
He took part in the 2008 National Competition, in Sydney, where he competed in Cabinetmaking. He received Gold. “I was well prepared and know what to expect. I was a competitor at the previous one. A big part of the competition is going in and knowing you can do it. Which is quite useful in knowing you can do it. Having confidence and trusting yourself.”
Competitors in cabinetmaking needed to make a hold table in a short period of time. They had received a diagram of the model a few months in advance, but details such as measurements we’re included. There’s a lot still left to chance. Despite this, Rolf practised making the table before WorldSkills. “I made a prototype of the hold table before the event. I may not have been as efficient on the day if I hadn’t done the prototype. I also brought all the tools I c
ould.”
“Worldskills makes you feel you can do anything. I just wish it had most publicity. I thought the crowd would be bigger. On the Sunday – watching the last section of the competition is thrilling.”
While he’s won Gold at the National Competition, he’s not training as part of the Skillaroos for Calgary, Canada. “I’m out of the international age bracket.” He says, somewhat mournfully.
“I’d like to work in my own business one day. I’d also like to get into teaching.” Rolf says, “I want people to learn the hidden skills – I don’t want to bottle up any techniques, but want them to be passed down the generations.” Rolf would also love to go overseas and study the industry there. “I’d like to see the way they worked and see how other people produce and sell their furniture.”
“A piece I build could last generations – a thousand years, if it’s in the right family.”
What’s the best part of the job?
It’s great fun, you go into great detail. You’ll see people pick up a well-balanced chair, sit on it and feel comfortable.
What’s the hardest part of the job?
Mathematical challenges, lifting heavy things, finding a solution to architects’ drawings. I made a prototype of a piece, and had to work my way though a design to resolve it. Took about 100 hours. And the timber has to be built in a way to allow it to move without it breaking. You need to work with architects. It’s teamwork is an aspect you need to get used to.
What personal qualities are needed for the job?
They need to be motivated, interested in the craft. Go to a workplace, where everyone is interested in cabinetmaking – it must be more than just a job, or you’ll be bored. Be energetic, accept the cold and early mornings. It’s a social workplace.
Advice for people entering the industry?
Look around for a good workplace, probably do some work experience. Look around for the best place - maybe look in some craft magazines of the phone book for reputable cabinet makers in the area.
If it interests you in your free time, it’s a good job. It’s only in work hours, then it’s not good enough.
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