Bore waxes/sealants and axle lube/coating properties

[Racing358t]

I was reading some older posts and seen mention of "bead tests" on Red Rocket. The posts seem to indicate that oil beads up on these like water does on wax. And that this is the preferred result? What is the theory behind why this is better? Is it because the oil has less "sticky" properties when in tiny beads? But beading would make me think the entire surface isn't coated with the oil?

The same post implied that the oil beads up on Jig a Loo also. If the properties of these two are similar why not just use the Red Rocket on both the wheel bore and the axle?

Playing around in the shop I tested some stuff I had sitting around. It was some silicone spray and a couple waxes. I polished an area of an anodized piece of a aluminim with each and also left an area untouched. I then put a drop of Krytox on each of the surfaces and spread the oil out with my finger. Interesting results.... one of the waxes beaded the oil FAR more than either the silicone spray or the other wax or the untreated surface.

 

[B_Regal Racing]

Race it! Its the real test, plus its just a blast.

 

[Racing358t]

Oh, no doubt I will test in real conditions. I shared my test results to supplement my questions. My intention was to discuss the questions I asked and the theory of why things are done the way they are.

 

[TRE]

you never know til you put it on the car and try it

 

[B_Regal Racing]

I have tried all different types of off-car tests and thought each test was the next thing coming. If you ask someone who has been racing longer than I have, you'll hear them whine how much more strange and unusual testing they did. In the end, it's all more or less useless, and is only good for our own entertainment. The tests really are not valid until they are raced on a car. Speed is found through trial and error, being meticulous, and just a bit of luck. While waxes, oils, etc. do play a part, it is only a VERY small part; but, it's made out to be Everest (e.g. if I only knew what wax he is using, I would be fast). I'm not trying to be a downer or disregard anyone's tests, but rather, level set expectations.

I do enjoy the theory talk though; some of the science is truly intriguing to me. If you are thinking about racing with John, PM me, and I'll help you get up to "speed" <-- see the pun there

 

[Racing358t]

Lol at your pun. I'm just a nobody cub scout dad. I don't league race. My son and I are really into this. Last season was our first season. Learned a lot... especially what not to do. But ended up 3rd in pack and 5th in district with a car that I know wasn't as good as it could be. Just ran out of time to start over and do things better. I looked around and can't find any league type racing within 500 miles of where I live otherwise I'd be interested in possibly doing that as it would give me/us more opportunities to compete.

 

[Reecedad]

Lol at your pun. I'm just a nobody cub scout dad. I don't league race. My son and I are really into this. Last season was our first season. Learned a lot... especially what not to do. But ended up 3rd in pack and 5th in district with a car that I know wasn't as good as it could be. Just ran out of time to start over and do things better. I looked around and can't find any league type racing within 500 miles of where I live otherwise I'd be interested in possibly doing that as it would give me/us more opportunities to compete.

I think most people send cars in if you want to give it a shot. You'll be out only a small delivery fee.

 

[IBM Racing]

send 'em in! It's a humbling experience, but still a great one. Our first race in March we watched our cars finish more than a tenth of a second off the pace, and the curiosity was ignited! I'm still a nobody cub scout dad, but we love league racing. It keeps the kids interested in pinewood throughout the year. At least I think my kids still do this, I've been to busy making cars to keep track!

All of these guys playing with toy cars are a great bunch. There's lots of information out there and a lot of people willing to help.

We're inching our way forward and now running about 15 hundredths back. Having a lot of fun though! I will say the first tenth of a second comes off easy, been fighting for every hundredth since.

 

[DerbyDad4Hire]

I have been testing for 10 years now. The ONLY way to know is to put it on and run it. The craziest ideas sometimes work.

 

[Racing358t]

I just looked into what it meant to send the car in I had no idea the car could be shipped to the race. I thought a I had to be present to participate which I wasn't gonna drive 500 miles+. Hmmmm... May have to do it sometime.

 

[Reecedad]

I just looked into what it meant to send the car in I had no idea the car could be shipped to the race. I thought a I had to be present to participate which I wasn't gonna drive 500 miles+. Hmmmm... May have to do it sometime.

I think there's a livestream also so you can watch your car race