Table of Contents
How do you bend a Pinewood Derby axle?
What tools can you use to shape Pinewood?
Tools to help you build your Pinewood Derby Car . It’s as easy as ABC! Pro Hub Tool. For use with the Pro Wheel Shaver and Pro Hub Shaver. Pro Wheel Shaver XT 2. Eliminate Wheel Imperfections. Pro Hub Shaver. Pro Axle Press. Pro Rail Rider Tool. Pro Axle Bender. Pro Body Tool. Pro Body Jig.
Is it legal to polish Pinewood Derby axles?
Because pinewood derby car kits all use nails, which have many surface imperfections that have to be removed so the car can roll, all rule sets allow filing, sanding and polishing the nails. Six stated that narrowing or putting grooves in axles was prohibited.
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.
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.
How does a trailer axle get bent?
They are easily bent during an uncontrolled skid or collision. Fortunately, replacing the axle is not necessary unless it is extensively damaged. With welding skills and attention to detail, axle repair is possible.
How much bend should a trailer axle have?
Expert Reply: While trailer axles do feature an upward bend like you are describing, there isn’t a particular amount/measurement that is standard across the board. This bend in the axle is designed so that it will straighten under a trailer’s loaded capacity.
Do I have a bent axle?
Vibrations may be accompanied by an unusual rumbling noise underneath the vehicle, strange tire wobbling, or sluggish driving and steering, which may indicate a bent axle. If the vibrations are also apparent while driving at slow speeds, that is often a good indication that there is something wrong with an axle.
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.
What size are Pinewood Derby axles?
Pinewood derby axles are one inch long, 0.087 inch diameter zinc plated steel nails. The minimal axle treatment is the removal of the burrs and crimp marks with a file, followed by sanding and polishing. When it is allowed by the rules, the axle shaft can be cut with grooved and the head tapered.
How heavy is a Pinewood Derby block?
The standard pinewood derby block is approximately 7.0 inches long by 1.75 inches wide by 1.25 inches tall. It has a typical density of 0.0138 lbs/in3. The block is supplied unsanded with grooves cut on the bottom side to accept the axles. The blocks weigh approximately 3.4 ounces.
Should I 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.
Why 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 is the best 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.
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.
Where does the weight go on a Pinewood Derby car?
Weight should be placed towards the rear of the car. You can drill the weight holes in the bottom, side or rear of the car as shown in these examples. Stay at least 1/8″ away from the axle slots.
Are you allowed to add weight to a Pinewood Derby car?
The heavier your pinewood derby car, the faster it will go. Most race rules limit the weight to 5 oz so you want your car as close to the limit as possible. The Wedge block will need about 2.5 oz of additional weight to bring it up to the 5 oz limit. Then add the weights until the total is 5 oz.
Should trailer axles have a bend in them?
Should Trailer Axle Be Bowed Down in Middle A trailer axle should actually be bowed upwards in the middle and not downwards. When the trailer is loaded with your boat, that upward bow will flatten out and your tires will make even contact with the ground.
What causes axles to bend?
Your car’s axles are essential components. They transmit power from the transmission or differential to the drive wheels. This can occur during an auto accident, running over a curb, or even hitting a particularly deep pothole at higher speeds. The result is a bent axle.
