Pinewood Derby

[The Dad Fisherman]

No Such Thing as BSA Rules.....the rules are dictated by the Unit/District/Council running the event.

Always read the rules that are for your particular race.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

can I borrow that when your done? Next month, I will have to demonstrate to my son that his Dad cant nail to pieces of wood together never mind construct a decent pinewood derby car. My super hero image will be shattered.

Yeh, holler if you want some tips. Dangles and TDF gave me the most important tips: alignment, alignment, alignment - friction, friction, friction

Originally Posted by Sea Dangles

Yup,they have all been posted on the internet.

Originally Posted by striperman36

Did you cup the wheel-axle hole?

Don't cup, used to cone axle hubs. Fortunately, kits starting last year have improved wheels that come pre-coned, and are a lot more competitive out of the box. The difference between the worst kid's car in the pack and the best, has gotten a lot closer - and I think that is good for the kids.

My son will do everything this year except for power tools (excepting the sander). Last night he drew out the shape on a template so this years car will be a bike, sort of, Tron

template: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...D_Template.pdf



RIJIMMY - this is a great project for you to do with your kid. I recommend you start early on it so you don't rush at the end. Also make it a bit of a science project with your kid. Not only what to do but why.

Key topics:

Friction
Alignment
Weight
and most of all FUN

[RIJIMMY]

Originally Posted by JohnR

RIJIMMY - this is a great project for you to do with your kid. I recommend you start early on it so you don't rush at the end. Also make it a bit of a science project with your kid. Not only what to do but why.

Key topics:

Friction
Alignment
Weight
and most of all FUN

im jusy hoping mine rolls!
I have mine that my dad and I built years ago, it was heavily weighted in the front and shaped like a whale, came in first place.
what do you use to shape the wood, table saw? File? I have no clue, Im really not exaggerating that I cant build anything.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

im jusy hoping mine rolls!
I have mine that my dad and I built years ago, it was heavily weighted in the front and shaped like a whale, came in first place.
what do you use to shape the wood, table saw? File? I have no clue, Im really not exaggerating that I cant build anything.

I use a small Band Saw. But you can easily use a small coping saw. In fact, many BSA folks want the kids using the hand tools when older to do the cutting.

A dremmel is your friend.

Obviously don't let your kid handle lead.

PM me your email address

And read this thread: http://www.striped-bass.com/Stripert...ood-derby.html

[RIJIMMY]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

im jusy hoping mine rolls!
I have mine that my dad and I built years ago, it was heavily weighted in the front and shaped like a whale, came in first place.
what do you use to shape the wood, table saw? File? I have no clue, Im really not exaggerating that I cant build anything.

Looks like I was a little better than I thought.
the race was Saturday. My son's car finished first for the tiger scouts and 5th overall. I think he would have done better overall but he raced it 100 times goofing around before the finals and I think something loosened or wore down. Out of 8 official races, he came in first 7 and third in 1 race. It was fun and he won an award for best muscle car. Thanks to all that sent along the tips. Overall all great day and I have a little more confidence in my design skills.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

Looks like I was a little better than I thought.
the race was Saturday. My son's car finished first for the tiger scouts and 5th overall. I think he would have done better overall but he raced it 100 times goofing around before the finals and I think something loosened or wore down. Out of 8 official races, he came in first 7 and third in 1 race. It was fun and he won an award for best muscle car. Thanks to all that sent along the tips. Overall all great day and I have a little more confidence in my design skills.

Good to see you all did top notch work - one excited Scout (and dad)!