Pinewood Derby Cars Tungsten Weight

Everything You Need To Know About Pinewood Derby Cars and Weight.

Are you looking to increase your chances of winning the next pinewood derby race? With a little bit of creativity and strategizing, you can create a competitive car that will leave the competition in the dust. Learn how to properly adjust weight using Tungsten materials and more to craft your winning pinewood derby car!

Select the Shape and Size of Your Block. 

Carefully select the shape and size of your block. Many derby kits come with pre-cut pieces, these are designed to limit customization but will still provide you with options for your build. Opt for a model that fits both into your vision for the design and size bias regulations for competitive races. You can also look into options for purchasing uncut blocks or lumber for more creative freedom in designing your car.

Conceptualize and Create the Car Design. 

Before you start the building process, it’s a good idea to brainstorm a design for your car. Get creative! The more detailed and aesthetically pleasing your car is, the better chance you have of standing out from other competitors in the race. Remember to take weight limitations into consideration when designing the shape and size of your Pinewood Derby Car. Once you have an idea of what you want your car to look like, draw up a template that can act as a guide while constructing your car.

Drill Axle Slots in the Pinewood Block for Wheels.

The first step in building your pinewood derby car is drilling axle slots in the block of wood. This will provide an area where you can place the axles and attach the wheels. Before doing this, make sure to measure the distance of each slot so that it’s exactly 5/16 inches from the centre of the block. If not, you risk it being too wide or too narrow for the wheel hub to fit correctly into place. Use a drill with a 5/16-inch bit for the axle slot and mark your spot before drilling down.

Insert, Position and Glue the Derby Wheels on The Car Block. 

Once your axle slots have been drilled, you’ll need to insert the wheels. Be sure that the angle of the wheel is straight up and down. Then, use a low-tack glue such as rubber cement to secure the wheels in place. This will ensure they don’t move while you race. Let it dry thoroughly before attempting to attach the axles. Now it’s time to apply weight to the block of wood!

Create a Balanced Tungsten Weight System for Last Minute Adjustment.

If you plan to make weights for your car, use a lathe to drill tungsten over aluminium along the bottom of the wood block. This will create a centre of gravity and a balanced weight system for making quick adjustments before races start. The tungsten should be firmly glued into place so that it can not move or fall off prior to race time.

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