Table of Contents
How do you make a Pinewood Derby car fast?
10 Tips and Tricks to a Fast and Cool-Looking Pinewood Derby Car 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!.
What tools are needed to make a Pinewood Derby car?
Materials Required Graphite. Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit. Paint. Painter’s tape. Sandpaper. Screw-on Tapered Zinc Weight.
Should you bake your Pinewood Derby car?
Should I bake the pinewood derby block? The short answer is no, do not bake the block. The idea behind baking the block is to remove moisture which will make the block lighter. Baking might remove more moisture but the block will quickly re-absorb the moisture after it is out of the oven and cooled down.
What is the most aerodynamic 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.
Do heavier Pinewood Derby cars go 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.
How much weight does paint add to Pinewood Derby car?
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 weigh a Pinewood Derby car at home?
Best Location to Weight Your Pinewood Derby Car When deciding on where to weight your car, you should try to reach a final balance point of the car 1 inch or less in front of the rear axle. To achieve this, place 2/5 of the added weight behind the rear axle, and the remaining 3/5 in front of the rear axle.
What is the best weight for a Pinewood Derby car?
First, the basics: Your car should weigh as much as it’s allowed. 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. As far as where you should attach those weights to your car … well, let’s just say opinions differ.
What is the best type of paint to use on a Pinewood Derby car?
ByBrittney. 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.
Where is the center of gravity 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.
Do fenders help pinewood derby?
Pinewood Derby Fenders / Air Guides Add pizzazz to your pinewood derby car with our sleek fender accessories! Fenders improve air flow over the wheels resulting in a few milliseconds of advantage, during a tight race. Both front and rear fenders are available and are typically used together.
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 make a gravity car go faster?
If you want to go fast, the car needs minimal air resistance. As crazy as it sounds, a simple wedge shape car solves this problem. Don’t forget to slant the back of the car so it doesn’t drag when the car hits the bottom of the hill. Wheels – The wheels provided in the standard kit are excellent.
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.
Will Home Depot cut my Pinewood Derby car?
“Our employees will use our tools to cut a seven inch block of pine into a winning race car. The workshop is free to Scout parents.”Jan 21, 2015.
What is the angle of a Pinewood Derby track?
The track should slope from about 30 degrees at the start line changing gradually to 0 degrees about 12 feet from the start line then the track should run flat to the finish line. The remainder of the track is an overrun area to allow the cars to stop.
How do you use tungsten Putty pinewood derby?
Tungsten Putty can be easily used for fine-tuning the weight of pinewood derby cars. Simply pinch off a piece of the putty, knead it until it is pliable, and press the putty into a cavity or hole in the car. If the car is too heavy, use a small screwdriver to remove some of the tungsten putty.
