Anyone got any tricks to building a successful pine wood derby car? Got the race in about a month.
Pine wood derby
- Thread starter NIEM36
- Start date
Man, when my kids went through that all I was told was to be sure and grind off the spur on the inside of the nail.
That and graphite the nail.
of course sand the car down to the finest sandpaper known to man!
:mj07:
Good luck! 4th was the best we ever got.
:toast:
That and graphite the nail.
of course sand the car down to the finest sandpaper known to man!
:mj07:
Good luck! 4th was the best we ever got.
:toast:
Me and 5 year old brought home first place out of about 20 contestants a year back. Would be lying if I said I knew what I was doing, just used what I thought was common sense and what I picked up from fellow competitors. I have no idea if the rules are the same but here is what we did based on our rules. I pulled the dremel out and put a small attachment on it that shaved the wood with ease. I free handed what he thought was a cool design while making sure it was as aerodynamic as possible. Make sure your tires are close to but not touching side of car. Lubricate where wheel meets nail (axle). WD-40 will work, but they also have a graphite compound that works much better that can be picked up at hobby stores. There is a maximum weight, make sure you are right on the number. If you don?t have a scale take it to your local grocery store and have them weigh it. Make sure to take your extra weights so you know exactly what needs to be put on the car. We used small flat metal plates that I picked up at Wal-Mart and attached them with small screws about 2/3 toward the front and underneath the car.
:mj07: Guess I learned more than I thought. Watching the fun he had was more than worth it, and the fact he brought home 1st place was icing on the cake. Have fun and enjoy the time spent. You brought back some great memories for me.:toast:
Look at this artwork:lol: Not a fuking artistic bone in my body:facepalm:
:mj07: Guess I learned more than I thought. Watching the fun he had was more than worth it, and the fact he brought home 1st place was icing on the cake. Have fun and enjoy the time spent. You brought back some great memories for me.:toast:
Look at this artwork:lol: Not a fuking artistic bone in my body:facepalm:
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If your kids are really into it, take the time and build your own track in the garage. Then they can build multiple cars and test out which one is the fastest. Also it gives them the chance to play around with them all year around with their friends, as opposed to just once a year when the scout troop does it.
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My friend took his kid 2 years in a row to the National Finals......I ask him how he cheated :0008
We got to districts with ours a few years ago. Best tip I could give you is to grind or file a few grooves into the nails where the tires rub on them. Sand that smooth and graphite the shit outta them. Make sure the wheel alignment is perfect. Remember, friction is the enemy. We also sanded smooth all the tires. Good luck...
Traveling thru Birmingham
, on the way too WDW....
1. graphite a must and file down the spur off the axles, like Chris said
2. NO WD40, not allowed...
3 pick up a alignment tool for spacing .. Hobby lobby have them... 4.95
Here's an example....http://www.derbychamp.com/product-p/a160.htm
These are invaluable.. You can measure all the specs needed...
4. Don't Fuk w the wheels, we had two cars disqualified at district last year b/c wheels had been changed .., use the wheels in the box
Here are guidelines
http://www.abc-pinewood-derby.com/pinewood_derby_rules.php
I like to put my weight 3/4's back of car...I don't like EM frontvheavy...
Also, let UR son design and paint.. Every year we get these hot rods , jimmie Johnson would be proud of..u can tell, the scout had no work involved, it was all parent... I immediately dismiss the from judging for best in show, etc
Tell the dads to make their own and race in adult division...
If UR in a hurry, they make pretty cool 'wraps' for the cars...u soak them in water and put over wood if car...make sure axles are clear...
Most of all....
HAVE FUN !!!!!
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Don't forget the glue will add weight so take that into consideration when adding weight to get too 5 ounces
