Table of Contents
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.
How do you make a fast pinewood derby car?
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!.
Where is the best place to put weight on a pinewood derby car?
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.
Should I bake my pinewood derby block?
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.
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 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.
What shape makes a car go faster?
The shape of the chasis is similar to an upside down airfoil. The air moving under the car moves faster than that above it, creating downforce or negative lift on the car. Airfoils or wings are also used in the front and rear of the car in an effort to generate more downforce.
What are Pinewood Derby cars made of?
Pinewood derby cars are made from kits containing a wood block, plastic wheels and metal nails for axles. The completed cars race down a multi-lane track powered by gravity and slowed by friction and wind resistance.
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.
What is the perfect 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.
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.
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.
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.
Do aerodynamics matter in Pinewood Derby?
A more aerodynamic car (but very similar for other things) doesn’t give you much bang for your buck. Friction will get you. If you can reduce the coefficient of friction by just a little bit, it will make a noticeable difference. If you let your kids do most of the work, they will gain more than a win.
How do you balance a pinewood derby car?
Take a ruler, attach it to some sort of base so that it can rest on the edge side up. Mark the range of 1⁄2″-1″ in front of the rear axle of your completed car, then start the balancing game. Add Pinewood Derby Car Weight to the front two pockets until you can get your car to balance on its own within that range.
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.
Are Bent axles legal in Pinewood Derby?
Wheels and Axles Rules Official BSA wheels must be used. The wheels may not be cut, drilled, beveled or rounded. You may remove the seams and imperfections from the wheels.
How do you bend a derby axle without a bender?
Certainly a vise or a needle nose pliers and a spare wood block using a drilled axle whole would work for bending for alignment. Unless you are going to use the shim method, which is a option without bending them. The slight bend in the axle can also be at a angle to reduce the contac with the inner wheel bore.
What do you use to polish Pinewood Derby axles?
Use polishing compound from the auto supply store to polish the wheels and axles. One easy way to do this is to clamp the axles back in the drill and let the drill spin the axle while you polish it.
