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Pack |
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Gold
Star/Quality Unit
PineWood Derby
Tips|
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Design Tips
1. Draw... then trace. Let your son draw a side and top view of his car on paper and then trace it onto the wood block.
2. Use the full 7 inch length of the car and the full width of the car. Believe it or not the car will run faster.
3. Use the groove closest to the end of the block of woodfor the rear axle.
4. Leave a lot of wood in the back of the car.More roomto put in the weights.
5. Don't make the front of the car pointed. It will be hard to set up against the starting gate.
6. Use your imagination. Be creative. Shape has the least to do with winning.Short track means little wind resistance.
Wheels & Axles
1.Smooth the wheels and axles.Remove any burrs and bumps, but be carefulNOT tocreate any flat spots.
2. Polish the axles.
3. Raise a frontwheel slightly. Have only three wheels touching the track. There is less friction with 3 wheels rolling than 4.
4. The head of the axle should be tapered about 15 degrees so it rubs against the wheel less.
5. Wax the wheels with furniture polish. Make sure the polish does not contain a solvent of any sort.
6. Use graphite only. No oil.
7. Break in the wheels by spinning them with lots of graphite.
8. Put the axle in at a downward (5-10 degrees) angle. This provides two benefits. The first is the only the inside edge of the wheel is in contact with the track. This seems to make the car go straighter with less wobble. The second benefit is that the wheel rides to the outside of the axle and doesn't come in contact with the body. This tip is for experts only.
9. Axles must be in straight front to back. That is square to the body. True the axles, don't trust the slots! If you have one, use a drill press to ensure all axles are straight. One of the front and two of the back should be measured to be the same height.
10. After pressing in the axles, test the car for crooked wheels...roll it on the floor. If the wheels are on straight, the car should roll 8-10 feet in a fairly straight line. Should the car turn left or right, you need to tinker with the axle placement without removing them from the car body, until it rolls straight.
11. Do not put the axles in at the top of the groove. Put them in at the middle. This lifts the car of the track a bit more and reduces the chance of rubbing on the center strip.
12. Glue the axles in place. Nothing is worse than having the wheel fall off as you cross the finish line.
13. Once you match a wheel and axle together with graphite, keep them together. They wear into each other as a matched set.
Car Weight
1. Get the weight as close to the 5 ounce limit as possible.
2. Weight placement is a tricky issue. Generally speaking, placing the weight farther back in the car seems to help push the car down the track quicker. Keep the center of gravity low and generally towards the rear of the car.
3. You can use any solid weight. Their are several different types sold at hobby shops and craft stores. What kind you use is really up to you and the kind you can use with your car. Movable weight and mercury are not allowed.
4. Keep the weight low on the car and in the center (Left/Right of the car). Put the weight just in front or behind the rear wheels for less wheel chatter.
Finishing Your Car
1. Sand in the direction of the grain when smoothing and against the grain when shaping.
2. Use a sandable primer or wood sealer. White is for light colors and grey for dark colors.
3. Water based paints dry quicker (1 hour) than oil based paints (24 Hours).
4.Kids LOVE decals. The more.....the better.
5. Finally... apply a gloss finish. You have spent all this time sanding, painting and applying decals, now make it shine!
Race Day Preparations
1. Have extra axles and wheels on hand. You never know when your car may be the one dropped by your son as he shows off his handiwork.
2. Have a derby tool kit handy. It should include superglue, sandpaper, a drill, extra screws for your weights, extra weights, a small screwdriver. You may not use it, but it will make you the most popular person at the event.
3. Transport your car in a shoebox. Dropped cars are unfortunately a too common experience.
4. Add LOTS of graphite right before check in.
5. Explain to your son that running the car along the floor prior to the race will cause it to lose!
Links to Other Pinewood Derby Sites: