← Occupation guides

51-4061.00 · Task explorer

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Includes template makers.

Use the skill profile to plan your next practice →

Read the task inventory

This source lists 16 tasks, including 13 marked Core and 3 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2025.

16 tasks shown

Core · Task 12022 · 08/2025 · Incumbent

Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.

Core · Task 12023 · 08/2025 · Incumbent

Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.

Core · Task 20924 · 08/2025 · Incumbent

Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.

Core · Task 12024 · 08/2025 · Incumbent

Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.

Core · Task 12025 · 08/2025 · Incumbent

Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.

Core · Task 12030 · 08/2025 · Incumbent

Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.

Core · Task 12027 · 08/2025 · Incumbent

Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.

Core · Task 12028 · 08/2025 · Incumbent

Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.

Core · Task 12034 · 08/2025 · Incumbent

Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.

Core · Task 12029 · 08/2025 · Incumbent

Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.

Core · Task 12031 · 08/2025 · Incumbent

Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.

Core · Task 12026 · 08/2025 · Incumbent

Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.

Core · Task 12032 · 08/2025 · Incumbent

Consult and confer with engineering personnel to discuss developmental problems and to recommend product modifications.

Supplemental · Task 20925 · 08/2025 · Incumbent

Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.

Supplemental · Task 12033 · 08/2025 · Incumbent

Assemble mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models or prototypes, using hand tools, power tools, and fabricating machines.

Supplemental · Task 12035 · 08/2025 · Incumbent

Wire and solder electrical and electronic connections and components.

Make the shortlist useful

  1. Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
  2. For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
  3. Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

Keep your worksheet

Download before leaving this page. Unsaved writing remains only in the page and is cleared on refresh. Notes and learning actions are not sent to a server. This guide describes an occupation and supports study planning; it does not provide clinical, legal or equipment-operating procedures.

Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.