Call some shops in the area and see if they need an R&I guy. Some shops don’t use R&I guys but some do. R&I (remove and install) techs help the PDR techs prep the cars, remove headlights, tail light, hoods, deck lids, headliners etc and put them back together when the techs are done with the dents. Then start practicing when you have time. You’ll be around techs and can ask questions and see if they’ll be willing to teach you. Either that or see if a PDR tech that works solo would be willing to hire you to help him. As an apprentice or assistant.
I would recommend signing up for dent trainer or talk world pdr, buy a light, a hammer and knockdown, and a couple of hand tools, and then try to grab a hood or door out of the trash at your current work.
You already understand how metal moves so you have a decent start.
Feel free to send me a dm if you want some specifics or any additional details. It doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.
I’m kind of in a similar situation. I’ve almost completed my apprenticeship in panel beating and I love it, but I can see PDR as more sustainable. With more hybird and electric cars coming through the shop, PDR is the way to go. I’ve written down a list of some basic tools I will need to get started, and I plan to take a bonnet home from work to practice on. Watch heaps of videos from different people, join Facebook groups and talk to guys currently on the job about how they got started and any questions you might have. Best way to learn is trial and error I’ve always found. Classes are a great starting point to drill the basics into your head, but they are also fairly pricy. So at the end of the day, it’s up to you how committed you get in learning.
Means a ton hearing from someone on the same page as me. If you can please send me thy list of tools I was somewhat working on my own list of tools Id like to get but would love to see what you got on yours
Find someone local with a lot of experience and see if they would take on an apprentice. Honestly I think the schools are a waste of money.
Really good idea I can honestly probably make a couple of bucks too if I find the right man to bring jobs too
Call some shops in the area and see if they need an R&I guy. Some shops don’t use R&I guys but some do. R&I (remove and install) techs help the PDR techs prep the cars, remove headlights, tail light, hoods, deck lids, headliners etc and put them back together when the techs are done with the dents. Then start practicing when you have time. You’ll be around techs and can ask questions and see if they’ll be willing to teach you. Either that or see if a PDR tech that works solo would be willing to hire you to help him. As an apprentice or assistant.
I would recommend signing up for dent trainer or talk world pdr, buy a light, a hammer and knockdown, and a couple of hand tools, and then try to grab a hood or door out of the trash at your current work. You already understand how metal moves so you have a decent start. Feel free to send me a dm if you want some specifics or any additional details. It doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.
I’m kind of in a similar situation. I’ve almost completed my apprenticeship in panel beating and I love it, but I can see PDR as more sustainable. With more hybird and electric cars coming through the shop, PDR is the way to go. I’ve written down a list of some basic tools I will need to get started, and I plan to take a bonnet home from work to practice on. Watch heaps of videos from different people, join Facebook groups and talk to guys currently on the job about how they got started and any questions you might have. Best way to learn is trial and error I’ve always found. Classes are a great starting point to drill the basics into your head, but they are also fairly pricy. So at the end of the day, it’s up to you how committed you get in learning.
Means a ton hearing from someone on the same page as me. If you can please send me thy list of tools I was somewhat working on my own list of tools Id like to get but would love to see what you got on yours