Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Foundry Moldmaker
What foundry moldmakers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a foundry moldmaker?
Check sand properties. From there, the day usually includes pack sand molds, make cores, and set cores. Full time, often shifts.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a foundry moldmaker working full time.
- Check sand properties.
- Ram a mold.
- Strip the pattern.
- Set cores.
- Close and clamp.
- Make cores.
- Clean up.
Where foundry moldmakers work
Moldmakers work in dusty foundries.
Hours and schedule
Full time, often shifts.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Pack sand molds
- Make cores
- Set cores
- Close molds
- Repair molds
- Check sand quality
- Clean patterns
Tools you’ll use every day
- Rammers
- Flasks
- Core boxes
- Sand testers
- Hoists
- Trowels
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Hands-on craft
- No degree needed
- Teamwork
- Industrial pay
What’s hard
- Steep decline
- Dust and silica
- Heavy work
- Heat
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like hands-on work
- I don’t mind dust
- I like teamwork
- I’m careful
- I can lift
- I don’t need a degree
Not sure? Take the free Foundry Moldmaker fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear respirators for silica
- Lift safely
- Use hoists
- Follow foundry safety rules