basic to extream pwd tool list

Mar 30, 2014
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lets compile a list that are the basic and must haves as well as point out some of the other tools the beginner and or scout builder may not need

Basic list:
1/32 ruler
assorted sandpapers 320-12000 grit (block of wood to use when sanding)
coping saw (and upgrade is scroll or band saw)
drill (i prefer cordless)
razor blades
digital caliper
digital scale

Upgraded list:
drill press
"the block"/"silver bullet"
stationary belt sander
scroll saw
band saw
router
dremel

im sure there are many i missed here lets hear what they are
 
Tuning board, just got done doing my frame, just waiting for glass and graphic to finally start taking this to the next level. Ps got some new reamers, tired of tearing up those k-house grooves.
 
I use the Incra TINYT03 a lot. It's a handy little tool.

http://www.incra.com/product_t-rules.htm

measur_trule_main_zoom.jpg
 
Add these tools to the basic list:
Pin vise - used for reamers
Reamer - (.905, .910, .915; I have all, .910 seems to be my favorite)
#43 HIGH QUALITY Drill Bit - For Larger .092 Axles (need to check axle size that enters the body)
30x or 40x Jeweler's Loupe - For examining axles and wheels bores
Wheel Mandrel - For drill to prepare the inner edge
Can of Compressed air - For blowing out wheel bores/axles before final assembly (if you do not have a compressor)

Add these tools to the Upgraded List:
Hack saw blade - to cut the bend groove in the FDW axle
Air Compressor - For blowing out wheel bores and axles before final assembly

Nice to have list:
Axle bender - Better control of the bending the FDW axle

Alternate Tool List
DW Axle Drill Guide - Guide for drilling axle holes. NOTE: While it is not better than the Block / Bullet, it is better than the standard slots on the BSA block, if you do not have a drill press. I have heard the Goat Boy Drill Guide is superior as it has inserts to prevent the unintentional widening of the guide hole in the tool, but I have no experience with it. The Goat Boy Drill Guide can also drill 3 degreee canted axle holes

And WITHOUT starting a war (heed John's post), I have tried the following tools and usually ended up with more problems than they solved. The marketing is outstanding and it seems to be a right of passage for PWD builders to buy and try these, and they may even help you in a scout race (maybe, if you are lucky), but if you want to be fast, they will hinder you more than help.

Tools to bypass:
DW Pro Axle Press - DO NOT bang on your axles
DW Pro Rail Rider Tool - Bends the axle in conjuction with the press
DW Pro Wheel Shaver - Its a hand lathe for wheels
DW Pro Wheel Shaver - For shaping the outer hub
 
-Select size bushings used to tap with a hammer and make a clean hole in mOno-Kote or any other desired soft material.

-Differing size coring tools that allow me to cleanly remove wood and recess washers into the side of the car body.

Stereo for playing shop tunes to keep the mind at an optimal state
 
Corvid Racing said:
-Select size bushings used to tap with a hammer and make a clean hole in mOno-Kote or any other desired soft material.

-Differing size coring tools that allow me to cleanly remove wood and recess washers into the side of the car body.

Stereo for playing shop tunes to keep the mind at an optimal state

Do you put the delrin washers into the body, if so I would love to learn how to do this.
 
561, I use Delrin up front and in the rears but have also used teflon in the rears.

I insert an axle thru a tad sized smaller outside diameter washer (or if you want, the washer to be used) into the axle hole and trace around it.

This is where I use the coring tool to cleanly cut the circular perimeter and then chip out and sand smooth the interior portion but the key is removing a section of wood that so the washer sits at the desired angle and is in the correct lateral position, not too far in or out on the body.

A few weeks back I described in a thread how I gorilla glue the washer and added a few more details to help it stick like scuffing it up and sanding the dust into the crevices filled w/ gorilla glue.

One think I should point out- there are dogs out there who just float them on their axles who are just as fast as the next guy.

If any of the big dogs care to chime in on your thoughts on recessed vs floating(but not spinning) this dogs ears are perked.
 
Some small end mills for making weight pockets and relieving the side of the body for slide guides.

I've been making use of a video camera a lot lately, I guess it could be considered a tool.
 
I know some have reservations about this, so here it is:
  • Graph paper
  • Extra Long #43 drill bits
Use this to determine if your axle holes are drilled square to the block, also useful to determine if your axle holes are straight across from one another.

Oh yeah, on a side note, a better title for this topic could have been: BASX to Unlimited PWD Tool List

I have the Incra 6" rules from the T-square to the straight ruler. Awesome tools!

One more thing! SHARPIES to your hearts content. Multi-faceted for sure.
 
It is pretty loud but I usually use it for a very short time. As the air gust is very powerful, only short bursts are needed to clean out the wheel bores and any fuzzies/dust particles sticking to axles before assembly. Even the air compressors are noisy. The advantage here is you never run out of air and no prep work needed. Just plug it in and you're good to go. You'll never run out of air again!

Also helpful in cleaning the track at scout races (blows off the spilled graphite) before final wipe down with lemon Pledge wipes.

Maglev
 
Maglev,
I like that little compressor. I keep the filter clean on mine and it is super portable and handy in a jiff.
It is loud.
It has decent juice, but not that if a compressor.
Almost like a powerful hair dryer but the constricted tube speeds the air a bit more.
I think I still favor my compressor since I purchased a quiet one.

One indispensable tool I own is an 8" dial caliper.