The Nail Driver

[utbva]

The scouts in my neighborhood came over to my shop and had me cut out their pinewood derby cars for a race that will take place next week. This looked like a lot of fun so they invited me to make a car and race with them. I just had a daughter so I didn’t have any sons to help make pinewood derby cars as they were growing up so this is my first pinewood derby car. This is my entry and is a variation of the pencil puzzle that was shown on this forum a few weeks ago. It may not be very fast, but it will probably be the most unique car in the race.

[Trout]

good job...

Trout

[PeteB]

That ought to draw some attention, Bill!

Psst: Forget about graphite for lubricating the axles. Get some Dry Slide or other Teflon spray. Also, buff your axles with jeweller's rouge, and set them with a drill press. My kids had cars 1 and 2 the last time they were in Pinewood Derby, some moons ago.

Pete

[Marcel in Longueuil]

Hey Bill,

Cool racer, should get their attention (if they ever notice there are no joints)

The important thing is: Have fun.

And who says girls can't race?

Regards,
Marcel

[Randy]

Originally Posted by PeteB

That ought to draw some attention, Bill!

Psst: Forget about graphite for lubricating the axles. Get some Dry Slide or other Teflon spray. Also, buff your axles with jeweller's rouge, and set them with a drill press. My kids had cars 1 and 2 the last time they were in Pinewood Derby, some moons ago.

Pete

Check the local rules before using teflon or any other lubricant. Race standards are established by the local race committee and many restrict lubricants to pure graphite "ONLY!!"

[utbva]

Thanks for the info Randy, however this is not a sanctioned race for Cub Scouts, but just a fun race for older Boy Scouts and their leaders, so this is kind of a free-for-all with few rules.

[Randy]

Originally Posted by utbva

.....This is my entry and is a variation of the pencil puzzle that was shown on this forum a few weeks ago.....

I think I know how the race car was built; but I searched for the thread on the "pencil puzzle" and could not find it. Can someone post a link for me or give me a clue about the building of the car??

[utbva]

I don't want to make it too easy for you to figure out, but here is a link to help get you started.

Another pencil puzzle revisited

[Woodbutcher68]

Originally Posted by utbva

Thanks for the info Randy, however this is not a sanctioned race for Cub Scouts, but just a fun race for older Boy Scouts and their leaders, so this is kind of a free-for-all with few rules.

Then cheat, I mean tweak all you can.

[Randy]

Originally Posted by utbva

I don't want to make it too easy for you to figure out, but here is a link to help get you started.

After realizing the "pencil puzzle" discussion started several "MONTHS" ago rather than several weeks ago, I expanded my search of the forum and came up with the information I needed. Thanks.