Produce complex setting out for templets and moulds
This subtopic focuses on the advanced skills required to interpret architectural and workshop drawings to produce accurate full-size setting out for complex stone templets and moulds. It covers the application of standard drawing conventions, geometrical construction techniques, and the translation of reduced-scale information into precise, usable templates for banker masonry work. Mastery ensures that finished stone components fit correctly within the overall structure, minimising errors and waste on site.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Stonemasonry – Banker (Construction) is a specialist qualification that focuses on the advanced skills required to work as a banker mason. Banker masons are responsible for shaping and carving stone into architectural components such as columns, arches, tracery, and decorative features. This diploma covers complex techniques including template making, setting out, and using both hand tools and machinery to produce high-quality stonework. It is essential for those aiming to work on historic restoration projects or high-end new builds where precision and craftsmanship are paramount.
This qualification sits within the wider construction and built heritage sector, where stonemasonry remains a critical trade. Students will develop a deep understanding of stone types, their properties, and how to select the right material for specific applications. The course also emphasises health and safety, particularly when working with heavy materials and powered tools. By mastering these skills, students become capable of producing components that meet exacting specifications, contributing to the longevity and aesthetic quality of buildings.
Mastering banker masonry is not just about technical ability; it requires problem-solving, spatial awareness, and an eye for detail. This diploma prepares students for supervisory roles or self-employment, and it is highly regarded by employers in conservation, restoration, and mainstream construction. The knowledge gained here is directly applicable to real-world projects, making it a practical and valuable qualification for career progression.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Template making: Creating accurate templates from drawings or specifications to guide the cutting and shaping of stone.
- →Setting out: Transferring dimensions and profiles onto stone using measuring tools, squares, and marking gauges.
- →Stone carving techniques: Using chisels, mallets, and pneumatic tools to produce decorative features like mouldings, fluting, and foliage.
- →Stone selection: Identifying different types of stone (e.g., limestone, sandstone, granite) and understanding their workability, durability, and weathering characteristics.
- →Health and safety: Safe handling of stone, use of PPE, and operation of machinery such as disc cutters and stonemason's saws.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Know how to interpret information to produce complex templets and moulds, Be able to interpret information to produce complex templets and moulds, Know how to set out work full size using standard drawing conventions, Be able to set out work full size using standard drawing conventions
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for correctly interpreting drawing projections (plan, elevation, section) and applying them to the full-size setting out.
- Look for accurate transfer of dimensions from reduced-scale drawings to full-size set out, including allowances for joints, margins, and weathering.
- Expect the use of standard drawing conventions such as line types, dimensions, and annotations as per BS EN ISO 7519 or equivalent.
- Check that geometrical constructions (e.g., development of curved surfaces, true shapes) are mathematically sound and neatly executed.
- Require evidence that the set out has been verified against original information and any discrepancies have been reported.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Always begin by identifying the primary reference face and any key datums from the working drawing, and mark these clearly on your set out.
- 💡Produce your setting out in a logical sequence, using light construction lines first, and darken in final outlines only after all checks are complete.
- 💡Employ a story pole or direct measurement rods to transfer heights and levels without cumulative errors when working full size.
- 💡Photograph your set out at various stages to include in your portfolio as evidence of your methodical approach and self-checking process.
- 💡Always show your working out when setting out – include measurements, angles, and reference points. Examiners award marks for methodical approaches, not just the final shape.
- 💡Practice using a variety of chisels and mallets to achieve different finishes. Being able to describe the tool used for a specific effect (e.g., claw chisel for texturing) demonstrates deeper knowledge.
- 💡In written answers, link your techniques to the properties of the stone. For example, explain why a particular stone is chosen for a carved detail based on its grain and hardness.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Misreading or omitting critical dimensions when scaling from drawings, particularly with angled or curved elements.
- Failing to account for material thickness, especially when developing mitres or compound angles.
- Confusing 'face' and 'bed' planes, leading to incorrect orientation of the stone in the setting out.
- Neglecting to include allowances for mortar joints or movement gaps, causing the finished piece to be oversized or undersized.
- Using worn or inappropriate drawing instruments, resulting in inaccuracies in squareness and straight lines.
- Misconception: Banker masons only work with hand tools. Correction: While hand tools are essential, modern banker masons also use power tools like angle grinders, pneumatic hammers, and stone saws for efficiency and precision.
- Misconception: Any stone can be used for any architectural feature. Correction: Different stones have varying compressive strengths, porosity, and frost resistance. For example, soft limestone is suitable for intricate carving but not for load-bearing elements exposed to weather.
- Misconception: Template making is optional if you have experience. Correction: Templates are crucial for ensuring consistency and accuracy, especially when producing multiple identical components. Even experienced masons rely on templates to avoid costly errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for NOCN Produce complex setting out for templets and moulds
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •NOCN Level 2 Diploma in Stonemasonry or equivalent experience in basic stoneworking.
- •Understanding of construction health and safety regulations (e.g., COSHH, manual handling).
- •Basic mathematics skills for measuring, calculating angles, and interpreting scale drawings.
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Know how to interpret information to produce complex templets and moulds, Be able to interpret information to produce complex templets and moulds, Know how to set out work full size using standard drawing conventions, Be able to set out work full size using standard drawing conventions
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