How do you make a fast pinewood derby car?

Answer 1

A lot of this depends on the skill levels of the person using the tools. You see, the tools you use in building a Pinewood Derby car can vary greatly depending on the amount of time you have to spend on the car, the design you wish to accomplish with the car, and what tools you have available to you. The basic instructions with the kit recommends using a coping saw to cut the block, a wood rasp to shape the block, and a hammer to tap the wheels and axles (nails) in with. They also recommend mounting the block in a vise or clamp before using these tools. I also find that a wood chisel and a back saw/mitre box work well in combination with the basic tools.

All of these tool work with creating a Pinewood Derby car, but if you are looking for a faster and more accurate way of creating your Pinewood Derby car, power tools are usually a better way to go. Some good power tools to use are band saws, scroll saws, drill presses, bench sanders, and a hand held motor tool (such as a Dremel). All of these tools require a degree of skill to work with and proper safety devices (such as goggles) should be used at all times. Remember, a child should never be allowed to use any of these tools on their own and adult supervision/intervention is always a must.

Answer 2

The design/ aerodynamics of the car do not make a very big difference so unless you are highly advanced don't worry about that and have fun designing a car to look like what you want it to look like (don't limit yourself to just making a car - it can be anything).

The basics are that you want the weight to be as close to 5 ounces as possible without going over. It is a good idea to make it such that it is just under 5 ounces but with a way to add small amounts of weight at the last minute. Then use the offical race day scale to add weight up to the 5 ounce limit. Preferably put most of the weight toward the back of the car (it will start higher and so have more potential energy to impart to the car).

Other than that it is mostly about the wheels. Sand the nails down smooth and apply some graphite (in the lock section of the hardware store or use pencil lead). Sand the wheel surfaces that make contact witht he axle and the car - remove all plastic spurs. Roll it some at home and/or send it down the track a few times before the race. Get the wheels on straight - the car should not turn when rolled. Get the wheels on not too tight and not too loose. They should spin freely without pinching and without a lot of room to wobble.

Check with your pack's rules. Some allow "just what is in the box" and some allow store bought axles and wheels. The standard is to allow graphite or silicon dry lubricants lubricants (not oils/ WD40 etc) but some packs vary.

There are some more advanced techniques that you can explore online after building a few cars.

Answer 3

Go to Google and do a search on the words "Pinewood Bible". One of the first hits is a PDF file called the "Pinewood Bible" that was written in 2002. Even though the article is 10 years old, it goes over in detail the basic points of making a fast Pinewood Derby car.

Answer 4

The tools you use in building a Pinewood Derby car can vary greatly depending on the amount of time you have to spend on the car, the design you wish to accomplish with the car, and what tools you have available to you. The basic instructions with the kit recommends using a coping saw to cut the block, a wood rasp to shape the block, and a hammer to tap the wheels and axles (nails) in with. They also recommend mounting the block in a vise or clamp before using these tools. I also find that a wood chisel and a back saw/mitre box work well in combination with the basic tools. Now if you are looking for faster and more accurate, some good power tools to use are band saws, scroll saws, drill presses, bench sanders, and a hand held motor tool (such as a Dremel). All of these tools require a degree of skill to work with and proper safety devices (such as goggles) should be used at all times. A child should never be allowed to use any of these tools on their own and adult supervision/intervention is always a must.