Pre-cut pinewood derby cars (2024)

FAQs

What is the best shape to cut a Pinewood Derby car? ›

Create a Pinewood Derby car that is reasonably aerodynamic

No need to get crazy here, but simply having a wedge-shaped Pinewood Derby car instead of the standard block out of the box will equal a 1.4-car advantage at the finish line.

Band saws are the best tool for cutting a Pinewood Derby car block. If you don't have access to a band saw, a coping saw will do. Coping saws are economical and can cut unusual shapes and curves. Coping Saws are intended for cutting curves in thin material but they can be used for cutting your Pinewood Derby car.

A wood block with true, smooth wheels and axles will beat something honed in a wind tunnel with wobbly wheels. The most important thing for a fast pinewood derby car is true, straight wheels and axles. Next, the wheels and axles need to be as smooth (frictionless) as possible.

“So we're partnering with the local Boy Scout Council,” said Wood. “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.”

Baking your Pinewood Derby wooden block helps to remove the moisture so that you have more wiggle room to add extra weight at the end. Remember, every little bit of weight in the right place makes a difference! Bake it in the oven at 250° for about 2 hours.

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.

The rear wheels should be set at a 3-degree angle (camber). This angle reduces friction as only a tiny portion of the wheel makes contact with the track. Plus, the angle makes the wheels migrate outward on the axle, rubbing against the axle head rather than the higher friction-prone body.

The answer: Bondo auto body filler (which works better than wood putty). It can be mixed to harden in 15 minutes or less to a point where it can be shaped with a knife or rasp or file or sanded. It is usually softer than the wood and can be sanded away without taking much from around it.

Scroll saw--difficulty cutting

I put a 15 tpi blade (teeth pointed downwards) on a borrowed scroll saw, adjusted the tensioner and tried to cut out my son's derby car profile. I had to push pretty firmly and the cutting went very slowly--a few millimeters at a time.

Slide the axles and wheels onto the car and glue into place. Use an epoxy or nonresin glue, and make sure you don't get any on the surface of the axle where the wheel rides.

Should you sand Pinewood Derby car wheels? ›

Use the high grit (1000) sandpaper to sand the edge of the wheel while spinning it with the drill. Do not over-sand; you want to sand just enough to remove the flashing. With modified wheels, you'll want to sand off any burs from the cutting process but don't round over the edge.

Push until the wheel touches the car body. The base is designed to leave the proper gap between the wheel and body. 5. The axle will need to be glued if it slips easily into the car body.

Bake the Wood Block

Per the Pinewood Derby rules, the car's weight shouldn't exceed 5 ounces. One way to ensure your car doesn't exceed the weight limit is to bake the block! Naturally, wood holds water, and water adds weight. You'll want to help your Scout by baking the block in an oven at 250 degrees for one hour.

Most pinewood derby rules limit the length of the car to 7" so don't add any LEGO pieces that extend past the front or back of the block. You can add LEGO pieces that make your car wider but the width should not exceed 2 3/4 inches. As a general rule, the height of your car should not be greater than 3 inches.

1. Bake the Block: Start your Pinewood Derby car project by baking the wood block at 250 degrees for two hours. This removes moisture and lightens the block, allowing you to place more weight at the rear of the car where you actually want it.

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.

In most races, the maximum allowable weight of a pinewood derby car is five ounces. By meeting this maximum limit – while also strategically placing your weights at the rear of your vehicle – you will improve your momentum and increase the distance your car travels towards the finish line.

1/4" is thin enough. Most of my cars are 1/4" in the rear and taper to the front. By making the car much thinner then that, you are putting yourself at risk for the car breaking. It is possible to make them thinner, but it is not really needed.

Assuming all other factors are equal, a heavier car will be faster than a lighter car. The Pinewood Derby rules limit the weight of each car to 5 ounces.