A panel beater specializes in auto body repair, including collision work and restoration. They must master welding, metalworking, painting, and other repair methods, as well as possess some basic auto mechanic traits. They may work with automobiles, motorcycles, exotic vehicles, and even aircraft, and must be knowledgeable about alloys and working with tools such as an English wheel. They must also master working with materials such as fiberglass and composites. Specialist tools and safety equipment are required, and a long apprenticeship allows time to acquire them.
A panel beater is a person who specializes in auto body repair. Restoring automobile body panels back to their original shape after a collision is a task for the panel beater. Many jobs, such as repairing damaged chrome trim and aluminum railings, are difficult even for an experienced scout. Collision work is a panel beater’s primary duty, although many workers in this occupation choose to forego the collision repair aspect of the job and focus solely on restoration.
Typically required to work as an apprentice for several years, a panel beater is trained in many trades to better perform his job. Welding, metalworking, and painting techniques are just a few of the many repair methods a panel beater must master. A good body repair technician must also possess some basic auto mechanic traits. Often, body panels must be removed from the vehicle to be worked on.
A panel beater’s skills aren’t just limited to automobiles. Many people specialize in motorcycles, exotic vehicles, and even aircraft. It is very important for a body repair technician to have knowledge of alloys as most aircraft are clad exclusively with aluminum. Working with an English wheel, a metalworking tool that forms smooth curves in sheet metal, is a skill that must be mastered by anyone wishing to become a bodywork repairman.
Oxyacetylene torch cutting, brazing, and soldering are also very useful skills for a technician. A skilled auto technician uses both his hands and his eyes. Being able to sense when a body panel is correct is a skill that must be learned through repeated trial and error. Working with a body hammer and dolly, a good panel beater is able to stretch and shrink metal body panels and make dent detection virtually impossible.
Steel and aluminum are not the only materials a specialist bodywork technician must master. Fiberglass and composites like carbon fiber and plastic are also used to create body panels. To work with putty, it is necessary to master different adhesives and fiberglass to obtain certification. Toxic waste disposal and treatment methods are also areas of certification testing.
One of the biggest expenses for a panel beater is tools. Specialist hammers, cutters and grinders are required, along with many other specialist tools of the trade. Safety equipment such as eye protection and coveralls, as well as gloves and boots are also required. One benefit of the long apprenticeship is that it gives a promising panel the time to buy all the equipment needed for the job.
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