801 Carbide Shaping Wheel

Kurgan — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:37:14 GMT

Has anyone used the 801 shaping wheel for a derby car? My children and I have used the Dremel for past cars, but never used the shaping wheel. I have two specific questions. First, id it better than using the sanding wheels? Second, is it safe for a cub scout to use. Of course, I am there with him, but I do like to try to get my children to do most of the work themselves.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Wanting to make a pinewood car

Dougmo60 — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 13:52:35 GMT

Hi all,
I'm wanting to build a pinewood Derby car would a jigsaw be able to cut it out or would I need a bandsaw? I have the wood here, but I need to get wheels and axles. Any tips to doing this would help.

Pinewood Derby World Championship (Pinewood Cup)

director@pinewoodcup.com — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:44:11 GMT

Have you been wondering what to do after you've won a pack or a district pinewood derby race? Now you can go or send your car into the Pinewood Cup. Visit their website at www.pinewoodcup.com to get more details. Use your Dremel tools to make a really sweet car to win the show class. Use your Dremel tools to make a really fast car and win the Race Class for your age and division. Good luck and we'll see you at the races!

Pinewood Derby is for Kids!

k2gw — Mon, 20 Feb 2006 10:49:13 GMT

As a Scout Leader for 35 years, the most important thing to remember is that the purpose of the Pinewood Derby is for the Cub to learn to safely use tools with his Dad, not for his Dad to build a car for him to just place on the track. A good rule of thumb is that the Cub should do at least 50% of the work. If the Dads want to do more than have them make a second car for a Dad only event.

Make sure you start as soon as you get the car kit. That way there will be enough time for the work to be done by the Cub!

Here are some suggested guidelines:

The following guidelines are to be followed when building a Pinewood Derby car. These guidelines are established to minimize controversy over the degree of parental involvement in the construction of the car. Remember that, ideally, the building of a Pinewood Derby car is a father-son endeavor. If a father is unable to assist the Scout in building the racer, help from a mother, older brother/sister, uncle, grandparent, or other adult is encouraged.

A. Car Design - The Scout should select and produce a sketch of the car design. Ensure that the width of the car is 1-3/4" or greater at the points where the wheels are attached. If the width is less than 1-3/4" at these points the car will not fit on the track.

B. Shaping the Car Body - In most cases, the adult is encouraged to rough cut the car body. This is particularly true if power tools are used.

1. If hand tools are used, let the Scout assist in cutting the shape. Use this opportunity to instruct the Scout on the proper use, care, and storage of the tools that you are using.

2. If power tools are used, ensure that all safety devices associated with the tools are employed. Use this opportunity to instruct the Scout on the safe operation of power tools. Make sure that safety glasses/goggles are worn by anyone around a power tool in operation.

C. Finishing the Car Body - ALL sanding, painting, decal application, or other detailing of the car body shall be done by the Scout. Once the shape of the car body is established it is the Scout's sole responsibility to finish the car. Guidance by the adult is encouraged, but actual performance of the work falls to the Scout. Once again, use this opportunity to instruct the Scout on sanding technique, painting skills, etc., but don't forget to let the Scout do the work!!!

D. Wheels and Axles - Adults should take the lead in preparing the wheels and axles. All of the steps that follow are critical if the car is to be a fast racer!

1. As noted in the instructions that come with the racer, remove the wheel seams using a drill (electric or hand), a six penny finishing nail, and a piece of fine sandpaper glued to a flat block. Let the Scout assist by having him hold the sandpaper (all ages) or the drill (recommended for Webelos only).

2. Insert the axles (nails) in the chuck of a drill and lightly polish them with emery cloth to remove any seams on the nail shaft and bottom of the heads.

3. Insert the axles (without the wheels) into the car body to within 1/4" of the head of the axle. MAKE SURE THAT THE AXLES ARE INSERTED PERPENDICULAR TO CAR BODY. AXLES INSERTED AT AN ANGLE WILL PRODUCE EXCESS FRICTION BETWEEN THE WHEEL AND THE BODY CAUSING THE CAR TO RACE SLOW. Gently remove the axles with a pair of pliers by slowly twisting and pulling on each axle.

4. Prelubricate (a) the inside of each wheel and (b) the part of the axle near the head where the wheel will rotate with dry powdered graphite. DO NOT USE REGULAR OIL OR SILICON SPRAY. THESE LUBRICANTS CAN SOFTEN THE PLASTIC WHEELS.

5. Slide the wheels over the axles and gently tap the axles into the car body. A gap of 1/32" (Use a piece of cardboard as a temporary shim) is recommended between the wheel and the car body. In short, a slight gap should exist between the wheels and the body. Each wheel should turn freely.

Once again, the goal is to have the Cub learn to use tools and have fun building his car with his Dad!

Yours in Scouting,

Gary Wilson

Pinewood Derby Contest

derbydad — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 21:37:51 GMT

Is Dremel having a pinewood derby contest again this year? Where can I get order forms?

Derbydad

How old was your son when he could use a Dremel

laurabelle — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 06:11:02 GMT