Mastering Pinewood Derby Wheel and Axle Prep
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Importance of Wheel and Axle Prep
- Tread Width Considerations
- Prepping the Front Wheel
- Prepping the Back Wheels
- Slotting the Axle Heads
- Polishing the Wheels
- Polishing the Bores
- Applying Graphite to the Wheels
10.Prepping the Axles
- Soaking the Axles in Acetone and Alcohol
- Buffing the Axles
- Prepping the Wheels and Axles for Oil
- Conclusion
The Importance of Wheel and Axle Prep
In the world of pinewood derby racing, the performance of your car depends heavily on the preparation of its wheels and axles. Proper wheel and axle prep can greatly enhance speed and stability, giving you a competitive edge on the track. In this article, we will discuss the critical steps involved in prepping your wheels and axles for optimal race performance.
Tread Width Considerations
Every pinewood derby league has specific regulations regarding the allowable tread width of the wheels. It is important to be aware of these rules and make adjustments accordingly. Typically, the tread width is set at 7.5 millimeters or approximately 2.95 inches. After addressing any radial or lateral runout issues, you can continue to remove mass from the width of the wheel to achieve the desired tread width.
Prepping the Front Wheel
When preparing the front wheel, start by removing any tread bumps present. Once these bumps are eliminated, use a tool to carefully remove mass from the inside tread edge until it reaches a thickness of approximately 0.300 of an inch. It is advisable to stop at this point to allow room for repairs in case of any wheel damage during the race. Unlike the front wheel, the back wheels ride on the inner edge and do not come in contact with the track. Therefore, there is no need to remove the tread bumps on these wheels.
Slotting the Axle Heads
If allowed by your pinewood derby league or scout rules, it is highly recommended to slot the heads of your axles. Slotting the heads provides easier steering control for the front wheel and facilitates fine-tuning of the rear axles. By making incremental adjustments to the twisted position of the rear axle, you can discover the peak performance of your car. This will be explored further in the tuning video.
Polishing the Wheels
Before proceeding with any other prep steps, it is crucial to polish the treads of your wheels to remove any flashing from the manufacturer or from machining. Start by using sandpaper with progressively higher grits (1000, 2000, and 3000) to polish the tread surface and inside edge of the wheel. Follow this up with a plastic polish, such as Turbo Derby number two, to achieve a shiny finish. Pay extra attention to sharpening the inside edge of the rear wheels and the outside edge of the front wheel to ensure optimal performance.
Polishing the Bores
To ensure smooth rotation and reduce friction, it is important to polish the bores of the wheels. This involves a three-step process. First, use a more aggressive abrasive, such as Turbo Derby number one, on a Q-tip stock with a similar diameter as the bore. Polish the bores in an in-and-out motion until all imperfections are removed. Next, move on to a less aggressive abrasive, Turbo Derby number two, and continue polishing until the bores shine. Finally, clean the wheels thoroughly, scrubbing the treads and using a pipe cleaner in the bores, before applying a wax or sealant with a Tomato swab. Allow the sealant to sit for 30 minutes, then buff both hubs and blow out any excess.
Applying Graphite to the Wheels
Graphite is a popular lubricant used to reduce friction between the wheels and the track, resulting in increased speed. After polishing the wheels, apply graphite directly to the stock with a Q-tip. Dump some graphite into the bore and burnish the inside bore multiple times until it shines. Use the cotton end of the Q-tip to apply graphite to the inner and outer hubs, burnishing them until they achieve the desired shine. This additional step is essential for maximizing the performance benefits of graphite lubrication.
Prepping the Axles
Whether you are using stock axles or aftermarket ones, the prep process is similar. Begin by removing any burrs with a triangle file on stock axles or skip this step if working with aftermarket axles. Next, polish the axles using sandpaper with progressively higher grits (1000, 2000, and 3000) and follow up with a polish like Turbo Derby number two. Pay particular attention to the area underneath the axle head, as this has a significant impact on performance. Once the polishing is complete, soak the axles in acetone for an hour, followed by an hour in alcohol, to remove any remaining polish residue. Finally, blow dry the axles and buff them with a lint-free cloth.
Prepping the Wheels and Axles for Oil
If you prefer using oil as a lubricant instead of graphite, there are additional steps involved in the prep process. After ensuring the axles are clean, wipe them down and blow off any excess debris. Spray a very light coat of silicone spray, such as Gigolo, onto both sides of the axle. Place the axles in a container, such as a Tupperware, and allow them to air dry. This process creates a pneumatic bearing between the wheel and the axle, enhancing performance. Gigolo is particularly effective in making the oil bead on the axle, ensuring optimal lubrication.
Conclusion
Proper prep of your pinewood derby wheels and axles plays a crucial role in optimizing your car's performance on the race track. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enhance speed, stability, and steering control. Whether you choose to use graphite or oil as a lubricant, careful attention to detail during the prep process will help you gain a competitive edge. So, get ready to fine-tune your wheels and axles for the ultimate pinewood derby race experience!
【Highlights】
- Learn the crucial steps involved in prepping your pinewood derby wheels and axles for optimal race performance.
- Understand the importance of tread width and how to adjust it within the league regulations.
- Discover techniques for prepping front and back wheels, including removing tread bumps and reducing mass.
- Slot the heads of your axles to improve steering control and fine-tune rear axle performance.
- Polish the treads and bores of the wheels for reduced friction and smooth rotation.
- Apply graphite to the wheels to enhance lubrication and increase speed.
- Prep the axles by removing burrs, polishing, and soaking in acetone and alcohol.
- Consider oil lubrication as an alternative to graphite, and learn how to prep the axles accordingly.
- Maximize your pinewood derby car's performance on the track with proper wheel and axle prep techniques.
FAQ:
Q: What is the purpose of prepping the wheels and axles in pinewood derby racing?
A: Prepping the wheels and axles is essential for optimizing the performance of a pinewood derby car on the race track. It involves various techniques such as adjusting the tread width, removing tread bumps, polishing the treads and bores, applying graphite or oil as lubricants, and slotting the axle heads. These steps aim to reduce friction, enhance speed and stability, and improve steering control.
Q: What should I consider when adjusting the tread width of the wheels?
A: Each pinewood derby league has specific regulations regarding the allowable tread width of the wheels. It is important to familiarize yourself with these rules and make adjustments accordingly. Typically, the tread width is set at 7.5 millimeters or approximately 2.95 inches. After addressing any radial or lateral runout issues, you can continue to remove mass from the width of the wheel to achieve the desired tread width.
Q: Why is slotting the axle heads important in pinewood derby racing?
A: Slotting the axle heads provides easier steering control for the front wheel and allows for fine-tuning of the rear axles. By making incremental adjustments to the twisted position of the rear axle, you can discover the peak performance of your car. This can significantly improve your car's handling and overall race performance.
Q: What are the benefits of using graphite as a lubricant for pinewood derby wheels?
A: Graphite is a popular lubricant for pinewood derby wheels because it helps to reduce friction between the wheels and the track. By applying graphite to the wheel treads and hubs, you can achieve smoother rotation and increased speed. Graphite lubrication is particularly effective when the wheels are properly prepped, ensuring optimal performance on the race track.
Q: Can I use oil as a lubricant for pinewood derby wheels instead of graphite?
A: Yes, you can use oil as a lubricant for pinewood derby wheels. Oil lubrication can provide a different level of performance compared to graphite. By creating a pneumatic bearing between the wheel and the axle, oil lubrication can enhance speed, stability, and overall race performance. However, it is important to follow the proper prep steps for oil lubrication, including cleaning the axles and applying a silicone spray like Gigolo.
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