Coopers build barrels and related products made of segments of wood, like wooden buckets. They shape the wood, fit hoops around them, and shape the barrel to hold the product, which contemporarily is usually premium alcoholic beverages.

Tasks

Tasks include -
(a) Operating woodworking machines, such as power saws, jointers, mortisers and shapers, and using hand tools to cut, shape and form parts and components;
(b) Studying plans, verifying dimensions of articles to be made, or preparing specifications and checking the quality and fit of pieces in order to ensure adherence to specifications;
(c) Trimming joints and fitting parts and subassemblies together to form complete units using glue and clamps, and reinforcing joints using nails, screws or other fasteners;
(d) Making, restyling and repairing various wooden articles, such as cabinets, furniture, vehicles, scale models, sports equipment and other parts or products;
(e) Decorating furniture and fixtures by inlaying wood, applying veneer and carving designs;
(f) Finishing surfaces of wooden articles or furniture.