In the past, pinewood derby wheels had a mold mark on the wheel tread that had to be removed by sanding. The new wheels no longer have a mold mark. Sanding can still help by removing variations in the wheel circumference making the wheel rounder but sanding is no longer as necessary as it was.
How do you make your Pinewood Derby car go faster?
- Bake your block. …
- Max out your weight at the regulation 5 ounces. …
- Use all of the graphite (dry lubricant is usually allowed). …
- Sand and polish your wheels and axles. …
- Check alignment. …
- Spend time on sanding. …
- Use a high-quality paint. …
- Add decals!
Are Bent axles legal in Pinewood Derby?
Bent axles are not allowed in either racing class. Although canted axles are allowed in both. A canted axle is straight throughout its length.
Do you glue Pinewood Derby axles?
7. Create Glue Holes: Glue the axles firmly in their holes to ensure that they stay perfectly placed, but make sure you don’t get glue on your wheels. 8. Add Weight: Remember to make your Pinewood Derby car as heavy as the rules allow.How do you add weight to a Pinewood Derby car?
The weight should not extend past the rear of the car. Glue bottom weights to the bottom of the block to bring the total weight (including wheels and axles) to 5 oz. Install some of the weight behind the rear axle and the rest in front of the axle. The weight can be broken apart with pliers.
What is the best type of paint to use on a Pinewood Derby car?
Pinewood Derby cars were painted over 100 times, and we selected the best paints for them. Sand and paint are the best way to apply these high gloss acrylic paints – they do not require primer or wood sealer. Water is the base of all of our paints.
What is the maximum weight for a Pinewood Derby car?
MAX OUT YOUR CAR’S WEIGHT AT 5 OZ In most races, a Pinewood Derby car’s weight is limited to 5 ounces. If your car weighs less than that, add coins or other weights.
Where should the center of gravity be on a Pinewood Derby car?
Center of gravity placement should be between 1⁄2″ – 1″ in front of the rear axle. This is true for all wheel base types. Whether you are using a standard wheelbase or an extended wheelbase.Is a heavier Pinewood Derby car faster?
Much has been written about the physics of pinewood derby cars, and this is one rare case in racing where heavy = fast. Aerodynamics have little effect in such a short race, but weight does and putting the weight at the back of the car will make your car faster on the flat of the track.
What is the fastest shape for a Pinewood Derby car?But aerodynamics rule the day, and the best shape is a simple wedge. Just like a spoiler on the rear of a sports car, the wedge shape allows as much air to flow over the top of the car without hinderance while keeping the car pinned to the track.
Article first time published onHow can I make my soap box derby car faster?
Weight: Numerous formula-based calculations and real-life experiments have been done to determine if a heavier or slower soap box derby car will go faster. Consensus is that adding weight gives the car more momentum (acceleration/top speed) and cuts down on air resistance/drag.
How much does paint weigh on Pinewood Derby car?
Re: How Much Does Paint Weigh Paint only adds a few grams (hundredths of a ounce). We generally weight up to 4.9 oz and then do the last weight adjustment at check-in.
How do you put an axle on a body?
The axle will need to be glued if it slips easily into the car body. To glue the axle, remove the axle and place a small drop of wood or paper glue in the axle slot about one quarter inch in from the side of the body. Wipe any excess glue from the bottom of the car. Insert the axle again using the above procedure.
What is the best graphite for Pinewood Derby?
Pinewood Pro’s dry powdered PRO Graphite is a special blend of ultra-fine natural graphite with sub-micron molybdenum disulfide (also known as “moly”) additive to give you the best graphite blend to minimize friction and make your car the fastest it can be.
What kind of wood is used for pinewood derby cars?
Pine – Any of a variety of soft, light-colored woods used for pinewood derby kits. Ponderosa Pine – A soft western pine. Sugar Pine – A soft, western pine noted for a sweet smell. White Pine – A soft eastern pine.
Is graphite legal in pinewood derby?
Graphite-coatings on axles and wheels are legal as long as your race rules allow graphite or dry lubricants. All of our pre-cut derby blocks, car kits and pre-made pinewood derby cars conform to official BSA and Awana car dimensions.
Why does my Pinewood Derby car wobble?
Pinewood Derby Wheels Wobble are a very common issue. Derby wheels are made with an injection molding process. Because they are not machined from raw material, flaws such as concentricity (wobble) will cause a wheel to wobble because the bore is not aligned with the outer diameter. … No wheel mold is safe from flaws.
How do you run a successful Pinewood Derby car?
- Maintain perspective. Pinewood Derby shouldn’t be all about racing, and it’s certainly not all about trophies or ribbons. …
- Delegate responsibilities. …
- Establish rules. …
- Host a car-making workshop. …
- Hold an inspection event. …
- Gather materials. …
- Establish a timing system. …
- Use racing software.
How do I make my Pinewood Derby car shine?
Use a final gloss clear paint coat to give your car an extra shine. Some people use car wax but clear paint gives better results. You will get better results if you give your car several light coats of paint rather than one or two thick coats. Sand your car lightly after the first coat of paint dries.
How fast do pinewood derby cars go mph?
The Speed of Pinewood Derby Cars The distribution plot below shows a range of speeds from 177 mph to 229 mph, with most cars exceeding 200 mph.
What is a good time for a Pinewood Derby car?
Pinewood Derby Results. The average times with just weight added was 3.288 seconds. There was 0.188 seconds between the fastest and slowest car, about 23 inches. The average time was 2.994 seconds, about 44 inches faster than without graphite (0.353 seconds).
Can you spray paint a Pinewood Derby car?
Step 3: Choose a color for your Pinewood Derby car. Then apply two to three coats of enamel paint to the car’s body. Spraying the model with paint from an aerosol can is easier than using a brush. … Seal and protect it by spraying the entire car with clear gloss paint.
Do you need to prime pine wood before painting?
If you don’t seal pine with a primer, the first coat of paint will be blotchy, because pine absorbs paint (and other finishes) very unevenly. … If you omit the primer when you’re painting knotty pine, you’ll be able to see dark spots around every knot.
How do you paint Pinewood Derby wheels?
- Clean the wheel with a soft rag.
- Remove any excess paint from the tip of the marker by wiping it on a piece of paper.
- Paint the spokes by rotating the wheel under the marker. Keep the marker at the same angle. …
- Let the paint dry for two hours before mounting the wheels on your car.
