Table of Contents
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 is the fastest pinewood derby time?
We used ultralight wheels and grooved axles. It was very fast. Nobody even came close to us. Our best time was 2.516 seconds on a 35 foot aluminum track.
How fast do pinewood derby cars go?
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.
Does a heavier pinewood derby car go faster?
Add Weight: Remember to make your Pinewood Derby car as heavy as the rules allow. In general, it’s best to place weight to the rear of your car because a heavier rear increases speed.
Is a shorter pinewood derby car faster?
For pinewood derby cars, extending the wheelbase provides an advantage due to the following reasons: The longer the wheel base, the greater the turning distance (a short car turns much more quickly than a long car). A pinewood derby car should go as straight as possible, so a longer wheel base is an advantage.
What is the average 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).
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.
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.
Where should the center of gravity be on a pinewood derby car?
The ideal placement for the center of gravity is 7/8-in. in front of the rear axle. Too far forward and you’ll lose potential energy (P=9.8mh or the energy caused by the item’s position). Too far back and your car will pop a wheelie, ruining any chance for a win.
Where is the best place to put the weights 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.
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.
What is Cub Scout Pinewood Derby?
The pinewood derby is the wood car racing event of the Boy Scouts of America. Pinewood derbies are often run by packs of the Cub Scouts program. Similar Cub Scouting events include the raingutter regatta (a race for miniature boats) and the space derby (a race for rubber band-driven propeller shuttles).
What month is Pinewood Derby?
The Pinewood Derby is frequently held in January or February, but there is no official date. Local Cub Scout packs can schedule their race for any time throughout the year. Many packs distribute Pinewood Derby kits in December so that Cub Scouts can work on their cars over the holiday break.
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.
What is tungsten weight?
Standard atomic weight Ar, std(W) 183.84(1) Tungsten in the periodic table.
How thin can a Pinewood Derby car be?
You can easily run a car that is 1/4″ in the rear and tapers to 1/16 in the front as long as it is full width.
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.
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.
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 size is a #44 drill bit?
The #44 drill bit (. 086 inch OD) is the standard bit used for nail axles from Cub Scout kits and other kits. It can be used to drill axle holes, or to create pilot holes in the standard axle slots.
