Answer:
When deciding where to put your car’s weight, you should try to get it to balance 1 inch or less in front of the rear axle. To do this, put 2/5 of the extra weight in front of the rear axle and the other 3/5 behind it.
How much weight can you add to a pinewood derby car?
A pinewood derby car can weigh no more than 5 ounces. Plan on adding between 2 and 3.5 oz to your car’s weight, depending on how your car is made and how much your pine wood block weighs. A chunky car design uses more wood, so it doesn’t have to be as heavy.
What can you use for pinewood derby weights?
You can use lead or tungsten, but they are expensive ($1–2 per ounce) and come in strange shapes, so you have to figure out how to attach them to the car. Pennies are mostly zinc and cost about $0.10 per ounce (or free if you find them under the sofa).
How can I make my pinewood derby car better?
Put all your weight on your back.
Grease the car where the body and wheels rub against each other.
Spend a lot of time getting the axles ready.
Check to see if your wheels are ready.
Lastly, once your wheels are on, check how they are lined up.
Is it better to put weight on top or bottom of pinewood derby car?
The idea is that if you move the weight back, your center of mass moves up the track, giving you more potential energy. (Don’t put it too far back, or your Pinewood Derby car will become unbalanced and pop a wheelie.)
Should you bake a pinewood derby car?
Should I bake the block for the pinewood derby? No, don’t bake the block is the short answer. By baking the block, moisture is removed, which makes the block lighter. Then you can put more weight in the car’s back.
Are Bent axles legal in Pinewood Derby?
To tilt the wheels, axles can be bent or put in. 4. Axles can be adjusted, bent, or put in place so that one wheel doesn’t touch the track, as long as this doesn’t go against any other rules.
How do you reduce friction on a Pinewood Derby car?
The easiest way to cut down on friction is to grease the parts that are causing it. Lubrication is an important part of racing in the Pinewood Derby. Buy a tube of the dry PRO Graphite with moly and shoot it on the axle shaft and inside the wheel bore. Turn the wheel so that the graphite can get inside.
How much does Pinewood Derby block weight?
Before any changes are made, the official Pinewood Derby car weighs about 3.5 ounces. The weight of the block of wood is about 3.3 ounces, and the weight of the wheels and axles is about 0.2 ounces.
Do heavier pinewood derby cars go faster?
Add Weight: Make sure your Pinewood Derby car is as heavy as the rules allow. Most of the time, it’s best to put weight in the back of your car because that makes it go faster.
What is the best weight for pinewood derby?
Most rules say that the maximum weight is 5 oz. Most Pinewood Derby cars without weights weigh between 1.5 oz and 3.5 oz, so a car may need 3.5 oz or more of extra weight.
How do you use Tungsten Putty Pinewood Derby?
How to make use of this item. Pinewood derby cars can be made just the right weight with Tungsten Putty. Just take a small piece of the putty, knead it until it becomes flexible, and press it into a hole or space in the car. If the car is too heavy, take out some of the tungsten putty with a small screwdriver.
Should I glue Pinewood Derby axles?
Make sure the axles stay in place by gluing them firmly in their holes, but don’t get glue on the wheels. 8. Add weight: Make sure your Pinewood Derby car is as heavy as the rules allow.
What is a fast time for a Pinewood Derby car?
The fastest of the cars. Seriously, there are too many things to consider to say for sure. If it were 45′ and not a 42′ Best Track, the expected time would be around 3.25s.
Can you use duct tape on a Pinewood Derby car?
You have to use the wood that comes with the kit. The block can be made into any shape you want. by “sticky materials,” such as tape or tack spray. The weight CANNOT be stuck on with tape (such as masking tape, duct tape, or scotch tape).
Can you modify Pinewood Derby wheels?
The wheels and axles can only come from the official Pinewood Derby kit. It is illegal to bevel, route, taper, perforate, or do anything else that would significantly change the shape or performance of the wheels. The tread can’t be changed to make it work better, and it has to be completely flat.