an additional Silver Bullet use.

[BulldogRacing]

I have been experimenting with a way to bend the DFW axle, I tried this technique using my silver bullet. I drilled a hole for the axle to drop into so the bending groove sits just above the Silver Bullet. I putt the axle into a scrap wheel and just use the wheel as a gauge for bending. The silver bullet holds the axle below the groove, the wheel holds the axle above the groove. I've been practicing on a bulk pack of M.V axles I had from before I found DD4H. It worked really well, the more I shrink the with of the tread of the scrap wheel the more the axle would bend. I got it so the axle will just slip through the wheel.

Bending the axle using the scrap wheel



Axle is now bent



It's easy to vary the degree of bend, yet easy to get consistent bends by bending until the wheel just touches the silver bullet. Hopes this helps someone.

 

[Kinser Racing]

That a great idea BullDog. However, bending them like that can cause the axle to bend at the lube groove. It's happened to me before and it slowed me down a lot.

 

[BulldogRacing]

Great Point! This is why they call me a newbie. I guess I'll reserve it for scout builds with cheaper axles with no groove. Thanks for not letting me waste my time.

 

[DerbyDad4Hire]

If you cut the bending groove deeper then it should be fine. That is funny you did that. It was something we talked about but never added.

 

[ngyoung]

Nice thinking. Thinking John could make an adjustable jig instead of a wheel to make consistent bends. Make it an add on tool for the Silver Bullet. I've often considered other possible mods that could be added to the SB to make it more of a multipurpose tool. I didn't think a plastic wheel was strong enough to use to bend a steel axle, at least without leaving a curve where you dont want one.

 

[BulldogRacing]

You could drill multiple holes to place you axles in while re prepping. Putt a clock radio in it, a lcd screen to play DD4H dvd unlocking the secrets. You could putt a pointed end on it to break glass in case on an emergency, add a set of finger inserts to use it as brass knuckles. In all seriousness a simple piece of machined aluminum could be made in replacement of the wheel and you could probably get accurate bends. Thanks guys. I think I'll keep ordering them til I figure this prepping out. I don't need any other factors into the mix.

 

[GravityX]

That's an interesting idea BDR.

 

[OPARENNEN]

A point for Newbies: Bend is only for DFW (dominant front wheel). Don't bend rear axles.

 

[Skippy Kicky]

I like that Idea.

I've thought about drilling a hole and making some kind of cap to store the gauge pin in mine. I think you have inspired me to do it.

 

[GravityX]

I like that Idea. I've thought about drilling a hole and making some kind of cap to store the gauge pin in mine. I think you have inspired me to do it.

Now, THAT... is a great idea! I'll never lose that pin again. Well... maybe...

 

[BulldogRacing]

I saw a video goat boy made about how to install and re-prep bearing car wheels and bearings. He made a nice looking jig that I think could also be implemented into an option for the silver bullet. A removable pin in a recessed pocket would come in nice installing these parts. Along with the jig to bend axles the silver bullet would become a pinewood derby tool on steroids

.

 

[aircooled]

Great idea storing the pin in the SB. Very good out of the box thinking!!! Sounds like a possible mod for the next version of the SB.