It's Summer Time
So what's up for the summer? I enjoy the summer breaks to spend with my family, but it goes by fast. I'll still be at the school some working on outlines and lessons for fall and I've also have to get trained for the new PPG waterborne paint that we will be using with the new school year. However, I will be spending some of the summer with my boys.
Collision Hub Sponsors Baseball Team
We'll probably pick up on Mustang and work on it some this summer and spend a lot of time at the baseball park. They are playing in a new league this year. We attended the first practice to learn that the team had no name and no sponsor. Well, not to worry, I contacted our friends at collisionhub.com and they hooked us up. They will be the team sponsor.....not sure about a name! I would like to give Kristen at Collision Hub a Big Thank You for helping us out.
Full Enrollment
If you're interested in the collision repair program at Butler, you may want to enroll fast. There is only one (1) spot open. So out program will be maxed out very soon.
Waiting List
You may ask out our waiting list. If for some reason one of the students drop out or miss the payment deadline, you will be the next in line. After one more enrollment in the collision repair, we'll start a waiting list. In welding and automotive technology, they are already completely full and have started a waiting list.
Enjoy Your Summer
I would like to congratulate all of the new students that will start in the fall. Enjoy your summer as we are going to hit it full throttle when school starts. Also, be sure to check into the student connect class that I will be teaching for the technical students. This class will be the first part of August, which will allow you to have this class out of the way before you ever start school.
Check back, I will keep you updated with what I'm up to this summer. You will hear from other authors of this blog as well.
This site is designed to offer information to the Auto Body Repair Industry and help determine if a career as a professional Collision Repair Technician may be a fit for you.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Do you know how your car saves your life? Part 2
Alright guys, I’m sad to see no one came out swinging with some guesses, but there will be more mini quizzes to come.
So my question to all of you was, do you know the difference between “Collision Energy Management” and “Collision Transfer Management”? These terms seem very similar, but in reality, describe to very different effects.
Collision Energy Management describes how a vehicle absorbs energy in the event of a collision. Through the design of different steel, collapse zones, kick up areas, crush holes, and built in kink spots. This allows for the blunt force of the collision to dissipate before reaching the occupant compartment.
Collision Transfer Management describes the ability of the vehicle to transfer the energy throughout the vehicle, and around the occupant compartment. This is possible by constructing unisides out of dual phase steel and boron steel. The energy from a frontal impact is absorbed and transferred through the frame rails up the A-pillars, down through the rocker panels, and around the occupant compartment. It is not uncommon to see kinks in the sail panel of vehicles in a heavy front hit. Also I have seen kinks in the A-pillars in a heavy rear end hit.
Every one knows the common “well my tail light worked before the accident” bit, especially when the collision was in the front of the vehicle. But in this day and age, with all the new forms of energy management and transfer, a tail light burning out is very feasible. The energy from a frontal impact will transfer throughout the vehicle and possible affect the tail lights and bulbs.
I have included two links of videos. I would like everyone to watch them and comment back on your thoughts. They demonstrate two very different vehicles constructions. It will make you think twice about how your car should and could save your life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB0araA0T_k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBzbpiuiA30
So my question to all of you was, do you know the difference between “Collision Energy Management” and “Collision Transfer Management”? These terms seem very similar, but in reality, describe to very different effects.
Collision Energy Management describes how a vehicle absorbs energy in the event of a collision. Through the design of different steel, collapse zones, kick up areas, crush holes, and built in kink spots. This allows for the blunt force of the collision to dissipate before reaching the occupant compartment.
Collision Transfer Management describes the ability of the vehicle to transfer the energy throughout the vehicle, and around the occupant compartment. This is possible by constructing unisides out of dual phase steel and boron steel. The energy from a frontal impact is absorbed and transferred through the frame rails up the A-pillars, down through the rocker panels, and around the occupant compartment. It is not uncommon to see kinks in the sail panel of vehicles in a heavy front hit. Also I have seen kinks in the A-pillars in a heavy rear end hit.
Every one knows the common “well my tail light worked before the accident” bit, especially when the collision was in the front of the vehicle. But in this day and age, with all the new forms of energy management and transfer, a tail light burning out is very feasible. The energy from a frontal impact will transfer throughout the vehicle and possible affect the tail lights and bulbs.
I have included two links of videos. I would like everyone to watch them and comment back on your thoughts. They demonstrate two very different vehicles constructions. It will make you think twice about how your car should and could save your life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB0araA0T_k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBzbpiuiA30
Sunday, May 16, 2010
What I have learned this year
By: Jason Gulick
We started out by learning about shop safety, welding, estimates, frame measurements, spray adjustments, how to use a paint gun, spray techniques, SMC (Sheet Molded Compound), and a few other sub-categories. The first thing we learned about was shop safety. ALWAYS wear your safety glasses, gloves, and boots while in the shop. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. You must know where the fire extinguishers are at all times in case of a fire. When you are welding, sanding down filler or primer, or painting in the booth, you should also be wearing a respirator. The particles can really damage your lungs and it is not like cigarettes, 5 years later your lungs WON'T get better, so you gotta take care of your body because that's what is making your income. When welding you should wear the welding gloves, because I personally have seen little flaming balls of metal roll right down peoples sleeve and make them jump higher than I thought was even possible.
Now, moving on to my second favorite subject we studied, welding. We learned quite a bit about welding as far as MIG, (Metal Inert Gas) in the automotive industry. ALWAYS wear a welding helmet, and never look into the flame while you or someone else is welding. It can cause serious pain to the eyes commonly known as, "welders burn". You should wear gloves and a respirator as well. I believe I accomplished a smooth technique throughout the class period. We practiced over and over again until we felt we had a the basic knowledge to move on in the industry. We also learned how to maintain and operate a MIG welder.
Estimates were my least favorite study this year. We gained the knowledge to go out and right an estimate for a customer needing body repairs to their vehicle. Some sub-categories are deducting for overlap and knowing how much labor costs are going to be. Knowing how to add onto the estimate for clearcoat and supplies is another must know. the only reason you would really need the knowledge to do an estimate is if you were trying to start your own business and work from the ground up.
We have not got to far into the frame adjustments yet, but i'm sure we will have more studies on it. We also got a pretty good knowledge of how to maintain and operate a spray gun. Pretty simple to maintain and adjust. Just use lacquer thinner and the utensils to clean the line after you use it. As far as adjusting there are 3 knobs to turn for adjustment and the tip needs adjusted according to what you are spraying. This is my personal favorite subject of the class this year. I have a great desire to become a customer painter, fabricator, and airbrusher. I've been searching for my spray technique that helps me apply the best results possible.
Needless to say, I have learned quite a bit about this industry so far and really looking forward to continuing my training at Butler CC. I look forward to next year and what its going to bring after the summer.
We started out by learning about shop safety, welding, estimates, frame measurements, spray adjustments, how to use a paint gun, spray techniques, SMC (Sheet Molded Compound), and a few other sub-categories. The first thing we learned about was shop safety. ALWAYS wear your safety glasses, gloves, and boots while in the shop. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. You must know where the fire extinguishers are at all times in case of a fire. When you are welding, sanding down filler or primer, or painting in the booth, you should also be wearing a respirator. The particles can really damage your lungs and it is not like cigarettes, 5 years later your lungs WON'T get better, so you gotta take care of your body because that's what is making your income. When welding you should wear the welding gloves, because I personally have seen little flaming balls of metal roll right down peoples sleeve and make them jump higher than I thought was even possible.
Now, moving on to my second favorite subject we studied, welding. We learned quite a bit about welding as far as MIG, (Metal Inert Gas) in the automotive industry. ALWAYS wear a welding helmet, and never look into the flame while you or someone else is welding. It can cause serious pain to the eyes commonly known as, "welders burn". You should wear gloves and a respirator as well. I believe I accomplished a smooth technique throughout the class period. We practiced over and over again until we felt we had a the basic knowledge to move on in the industry. We also learned how to maintain and operate a MIG welder.
Estimates were my least favorite study this year. We gained the knowledge to go out and right an estimate for a customer needing body repairs to their vehicle. Some sub-categories are deducting for overlap and knowing how much labor costs are going to be. Knowing how to add onto the estimate for clearcoat and supplies is another must know. the only reason you would really need the knowledge to do an estimate is if you were trying to start your own business and work from the ground up.
We have not got to far into the frame adjustments yet, but i'm sure we will have more studies on it. We also got a pretty good knowledge of how to maintain and operate a spray gun. Pretty simple to maintain and adjust. Just use lacquer thinner and the utensils to clean the line after you use it. As far as adjusting there are 3 knobs to turn for adjustment and the tip needs adjusted according to what you are spraying. This is my personal favorite subject of the class this year. I have a great desire to become a customer painter, fabricator, and airbrusher. I've been searching for my spray technique that helps me apply the best results possible.
Needless to say, I have learned quite a bit about this industry so far and really looking forward to continuing my training at Butler CC. I look forward to next year and what its going to bring after the summer.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Do you know how your car saves your life?
Alright everyone out there in blogger land. Regardless if you’re a flat rate technician, backyard body man, or enthusiastic motorist, how well do you know cars? When we look at the industry, new designs as well as new materials are coming out faster then we can pronounce most of the vehicles names. New designs equal new terminology.
My question to you is, do you know the difference between “Collision Energy Management” and “Collision Transfer Management”?
All of you out in blogger land are on your honor. I do not want you searching the wide web in exploration of these definitions. I don’t care if it’s one sentence, or 3 pages. Phrase it however you want to get your point across. Please comment back and let me know what you think each of these definitions mean in the collision and refinishing industry.
I will be reading all your comments, and on May 17, I will be posting an extensive definition of each term, and how it affects each and every motorist.
Best of luck to all of you.
I’m looking forward to seeing what you think.
My question to you is, do you know the difference between “Collision Energy Management” and “Collision Transfer Management”?
All of you out in blogger land are on your honor. I do not want you searching the wide web in exploration of these definitions. I don’t care if it’s one sentence, or 3 pages. Phrase it however you want to get your point across. Please comment back and let me know what you think each of these definitions mean in the collision and refinishing industry.
I will be reading all your comments, and on May 17, I will be posting an extensive definition of each term, and how it affects each and every motorist.
Best of luck to all of you.
I’m looking forward to seeing what you think.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
3M Dynamic Mixing System Review - Mixed Emotions
by Nicholas Brown
Donnie did a great job at explaining the product, and the benefits of this new system. This system is a new design to my knowledge, and it's helping push the boundaries of what is possible to speed the process in the automotive collision world. Linking this new product and gun with the WURTH SIS inventory system aids in the ability to recoup much lost inventory revenue that insurance will not pay for without an individual invoice. But, I have found in a real world application, there are some consistency issues with the product. After going through over a dozen tubes, there are a few things that caused me to raise my eyebrow.
I had the same results as Donnie, in the respect that the product was extremely friendly to use. I am a SMART product veteran, and once a technician gets hooked on a line of product, it's hard to steer him/her in any other direction. You know the limitations and abilities of the product, and when time is money in the shop, why waste your time experimenting with something new.
I found that the product had a good weight and consistency. It fell right in the middle of a heavy weight and mid weight filler. I also found it applicable to use it as a final skim coat before blocking and sending it to primer and prep. The product lays out extremely smooth and blocks even easier. The ability of the gun to apply the proper harder to the filler gives this product a big advantage. It allows for timing issues to be consistent, especially when you are a flat rate technician, and every minute counts.
I had the same results as Donnie, in the respect that the product was extremely friendly to use. I am a SMART product veteran, and once a technician gets hooked on a line of product, it's hard to steer him/her in any other direction. You know the limitations and abilities of the product, and when time is money in the shop, why waste your time experimenting with something new.
I found that the product had a good weight and consistency. It fell right in the middle of a heavy weight and mid weight filler. I also found it applicable to use it as a final skim coat before blocking and sending it to primer and prep. The product lays out extremely smooth and blocks even easier. The ability of the gun to apply the proper harder to the filler gives this product a big advantage. It allows for timing issues to be consistent, especially when you are a flat rate technician, and every minute counts.
One of the biggest issues I had was the hardener not being properly mixed. I followed the directions, dispensing the product until I was able to see a consistent mix of hardener and filler. Even during the use of the later tubes, I dispensed twice as much just to make sure I was allowing for the tube to reach proper working conditions. Regardless of how much I dispensed, I found that 50% of the time it would mix properly, and the other 50% I found myself grinding the product of the panel. This caused for a lot of lost time.
I found the best process for this product is to expel the product until it mixes consistently, and then expel the desired amount onto a non-porous mixing board. Continue by folding it on the board in until you have a consistent mixture of hardener and filler. The next step would be to apply it to the desired location on the vehicle. This process defeats the purpose of a pinhole free product, because you are folding air pockets into the product. But with anything, there is give and take.
Overall, I feel that this product and system is a big step in the right direction for this industry. But there is still some fine tuning that can be implemented. Such as the construction of the tip can be changed from a clip on, to a twist on, and the bulkiness of the gun could be downsized. Other than that, two thumbs up to 3M for pushing the limits, and starting to become extremely creative. I am looking forward to their new innovative ideas coming down the pike.
Friday, May 7, 2010
The Champions in the Collision Repair Industry
Hard to believe it, but another school year has passed at Butler. The students in the 2nd year class have completed the collision repair program and now are prepared to continue their training journey. I tell the students from the beginning that there will still be a lot to learn after completing the training here at Butler. We have built a solid foundation to help the students take the next step on their career pathways. We sprinkle work ethics, accountability, integrity, and pride into the daily training in this program, but now it’s your (the students) turn to use what you’ve learned to enter into the world of work. Remember to always do your absolute best in everything that you do and you will do fine.
You all have done a great job and several of you went above and beyond my expectations. That is what it’s all about. Helping students succeed and achieve their goals in life. I don’t believe my job as a teacher is to teach you what I know and set the bar there. My job is to teach what I know and use that as a bar for you to jump over and continue your rise to success. I hope you all achieve every goal that you set when you enrolled into the class. Good luck in your careers and remember that you are “The Champions in the Collision Repair Industry.”
You all have done a great job and several of you went above and beyond my expectations. That is what it’s all about. Helping students succeed and achieve their goals in life. I don’t believe my job as a teacher is to teach you what I know and set the bar there. My job is to teach what I know and use that as a bar for you to jump over and continue your rise to success. I hope you all achieve every goal that you set when you enrolled into the class. Good luck in your careers and remember that you are “The Champions in the Collision Repair Industry.”
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