Pressing Buck
A Pressing Buck is a specialized piece of equipment used in professional tailoring and garment manufacturing. It's a padded form or shape that helps tailors press and shape specific parts of garments, especially around curved areas like sleeves, collars, or shoulders. Think of it as a three-dimensional ironing board that matches the shape of the human body. Tailors use pressing bucks to create crisp, professional finishes on clothing items, ensuring they maintain their proper shape and fit. Similar terms you might see include tailor's ham, pressing ham, or pressing form.
Examples in Resumes
Expertly used Pressing Buck and Tailor's Buck to shape suit jackets and formal wear
Trained junior staff in proper use of Pressing Buck techniques for high-end garment finishing
Maintained and updated Pressing Buck equipment for busy tailoring department
Typical job title: "Tailors"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Tailors
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you train others in proper pressing buck techniques?
Expected Answer: A senior tailor should explain their method of demonstrating proper temperature settings, pressure application, and movement techniques, as well as how they ensure trainees don't damage delicate fabrics.
Q: What considerations do you make when pressing different fabric types?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of various fabric properties, appropriate heat settings, and when to use steam versus dry heat, including specific examples with delicate materials like silk or wool.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you maintain pressing equipment to ensure consistent results?
Expected Answer: Should explain regular cleaning procedures, checking for wear and tear, proper storage, and how to identify when equipment needs repair or replacement.
Q: What's your process for pressing a suit jacket?
Expected Answer: Should describe the order of operations, including collar, shoulders, sleeves, and body, demonstrating knowledge of proper pressing buck usage for each section.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What safety precautions do you take when using pressing equipment?
Expected Answer: Should mention temperature checking, proper hand positioning, steam safety, and basic equipment operation guidelines.
Q: How do you determine which pressing buck shape to use for different garment parts?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic understanding of different buck shapes and their purposes, such as sleeve bucks versus collar bucks.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic pressing equipment operation
- Understanding of common fabric types
- Simple alterations
- Basic safety procedures
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced pressing techniques
- Multiple fabric type expertise
- Equipment maintenance
- Quality control procedures
Senior (5+ years)
- Training and supervision
- Complex garment pressing
- Specialty fabric handling
- Workshop management
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unfamiliarity with basic pressing equipment
- No knowledge of fabric heat sensitivity
- Lack of safety awareness
- Unable to identify different pressing buck shapes and their uses
Related Terms
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