How to cut "Dummy Slots" without messing up your drilled holes?

[Revenge of 85]

My idea is to use a thick blade on the band saw and cut the slots shallow. Then drill my axle holes on top. Any other ideas on how to do this? I'm moving the rear axle/slot back to 5/8 in from the rear. The rules say you have to use the slots but nothing about filling and drilling. I guess I could fill the slot with epoxy before I drill the holes.

 

[gdurban]

Our rules state "Axles must stay in originally provided slots". This leaves little wiggle room for cutting new slots. So, I cut off the rear of the car to make 5/8" from rear and CA'ed the piece to the front. I then filled the slots with wood epoxy and drilled holes using Silver Bullet Pro. I lost a small amount of body length with the band saw cut. After cutting body to final thickness, I made up the difference by adding a toothpick to front end and sand to make full length.

Some Pros here have stated this is to much work and I should just drill holes and cut new slots over the holes. I may try this next year but was concerned it is violating the rule.

I do have some concern that the epoxy did not keep the drill bit as straight as solid wood. So, I expect you will get better alignment by drilling first and then cutting the slots. Good luck.

 

[BulldogRacing]

Hack saw blade after the holes are drilled or a band saw with a steady hand.

 

[HurriCrane Racing]

We use a band saw to cut a slot to the drilled holes. Most rules state you can cut new slots if the original slots are not square. They rarely are square...

 

[Boydog]

Band saw....

 

[Pacfanweb]

Hack saw blade after the holes are drilled or a band saw with a steady hand.

Pretty much what I do with a sawzall blade. By hand.

 

[Bw56]

Our rules state "Axles must stay in originally provided slots". This leaves little wiggle room for cutting new slots. So, I cut off the rear of the car to make 5/8" from rear and CA'ed the piece to the front. I then filled the slots with wood epoxy and drilled holes using Silver Bullet Pro. I lost a small amount of body length with the band saw cut. After cutting body to final thickness, I made up the difference by adding a toothpick to front end and sand to make full length.

Some Pros here have stated this is to much work and I should just drill holes and cut new slots over the holes. I may try this next year but was concerned it is violating the rule.

I do have some concern that the epoxy did not keep the drill bit as straight as solid wood. So, I expect you will get better alignment by drilling first and then cutting the slots. Good luck.

My alter persona commends you for the effort you have gone threw to follow the rules. I also hope your son is involved and understands the rule and reason for all the extra effort.