Panel beater

A panel beater is a term used in some Commonwealth countries to describe a person who repairs vehicle bodies back to their factory state after having been damaged (e.g., after being involved in a collision).^[1] In the USA the same job is done by an auto body mechanic. They do this using many skills such as planishing as well as various other metalworking techniques, welding, use of putty fillers, and many more. Accident repair may require the panel beater to either repair or replace, and in many cases both, various parts of a vehicle. These parts may be made from various metals including various steels and alloys, many different plastics, fibreglass and others.

The common panel beater will work on everyday vehicles, cars, vans, 4WDs for example. Specialised areas include repairs to motorcycles, trucks and even aircraft. Some panel beaters also work exclusively on vehicle restorations, and do not repair smash work at all. Others may specialise in body customisation such as is seen on hot rods etc.

Training to become a panel beater is done by completing a trade apprenticeship.^[2] For the most part these apprenticeships are around four years long, but can be completed earlier. These usually consist of three years on the job training mixed with schooling at a trade school or TAFE. The fourth year is usually on the job training alone.

Special equipment examples:

• Various hammers and dollies used to planishing.
• Body files and flippers.
• Assembly tools such as socket sets, screwdrivers and spanners.
• Other hand tools like pliers, tin snips, vise grips, punches, chisels, etc.
• Hydraulic pushing/pulling devices.
• Vehicle measuring and aligning devices, or jigs e.g.
• Vehicle lift hoists.
• Personal safety equipment such as boots, overalls, safety glasses, welding helmets, gloves, respirators and hearing protection.
• Welding equipment - MIG or TIG.

Special equipment for restoration, advanced panel repair or panel fabrication from scratch include:

• English wheel
• Power hammer
• Pear shaped mallets and Sandbags
• Benders/Folders
• Rollers/Rolls
• Beaders/Swaging machines
• Station bucks^[3]
• Templates
• Oxy-acetylene welding equipment
• Lead loading equipment

References