Out of Time, Out of Options for Graphite. Need to Punt, What Would You Do?

[1reason]

Today is the big race. This year is special in many ways. First, I found this site and as a result my son has built what I believe is his best car out of four years.

And when I say he built, I can say he built more of the car than any prior year and it really is "his" car (something I am proud of). Many procedures to cut time that did little more than frustrate me and the whole build are now gone after finding PWDO

While I will be using DD4H's Zero Friction Graphite in the next race, I don't have that option this year. These are my choices and I'm hoping to pick the best one.

1. A proprietary mix of several items including Tungsten Disulfide that I bought on ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/190950996316?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 (for more than DD4H's price for his stuff, I'm so frustrated)

2. Derby Dust from last year

3. Generic graphite for locks (2 or 3 yrs old)

4. Revel / and or some type of BSA Graphite from 3+ years ago

I'm guessing graphite doesn't "go bad", but not sure how humidity plays a role or not so I'm including the age.

I would like to add #5 and say "go to the store and buy something else", but that's not really much of an option at this point.

Thanks and I will report back the results etc... with how he does.

 

[TRE]

put the derby dust in there ..if the car is built solid shouldnt matter that much

 

[5KidsRacing]

I would run out and buy some Hob-E-Lub

 

[Crash Enburn]

You really cannot add too much graphite to the bores. This is key. So many times I've seen cars that ran slow even though the dad insisted there was "plenty of graphite in there". And I've seen those same cars speed up with the addition of more graphite.

Basically, you want to add graphite to the point that your car is dropping sparkles of it like Tinkerbell drops fairy dust. At that point, hold your car over a trash can, give it a shake, and then get it turned in.

For a Scout car, it's graphite volume, not brand.

- Eric

 

[Resophonic Racing]

I would run out and buy some Hob-E-Lub

+1

 

[1reason]

Thanks for the help. Derby dust recommends a "burn in" including a treadmill (last year I bought a treadmill just for that purpose. more wasted $$$), but I've clearly been told not to use a treadmill here.

What procedure would you guys use to work it in if any?

 

[5KidsRacing]

Go down to the "Graphite & Burnishing" section here:

http://5kidsracing.webs.com/cubscoutbuildtips.htm

that's how I do it....

Some people use a fluffy pipe cleaner and a drill, some use q-tip stems.....

 

[1reason]

I would run out and buy some Hob-E-Lub

+1

Thanks, I would but it's not in the cards for me today. Live and learn I guess.

 

[1reason]

Go down to the "Graphite & Burnishing" section here:

http://5kidsracing.webs.com/cubscoutbuildtips.htm

that's how I do it....

Some people use a fluffy pipe cleaner and a drill, some use q-tip stems.....

I love your site and learned a lot about weight reduction and placement.

In the wheel prep your site says "On the drilled, weighted and painted car body sand the spots that you covered with several grades of sandpaper until they are smooth. "

What grits do you use?

 

[DerbyDad4Hire]

Thanks for the help. Derby dust recommends a "burn in" including a treadmill (last year I bought a treadmill just for that purpose. more wasted $$$), but I've clearly been told not to use a treadmill here.

What procedure would you guys use to work it in if any?

That dude irritates the crap out of me. Too many customers have ruined expensive wheels doing that BS. That guy is quickly approaching Derby Worx as the biggest sham in pinewood derby.

 

[5KidsRacing]

Go down to the "Graphite & Burnishing" section here:

http://5kidsracing.webs.com/cubscoutbuildtips.htm

that's how I do it....

Some people use a fluffy pipe cleaner and a drill, some use q-tip stems.....

I love your site and learned a lot about weight reduction and placement.

In the wheel prep your site says "On the drilled, weighted and painted car body sand the spots that you covered with several grades of sandpaper until they are smooth. "

What grits do you use?

I take the ones I used from the DD4H kit to do the axles and sand the spots on the body. So around 400 grit all the way up to 12000.... just quickly with each grade.

 

[5KidsRacing]

Thanks for the help. Derby dust recommends a "burn in" including a treadmill (last year I bought a treadmill just for that purpose. more wasted $$$), but I've clearly been told not to use a treadmill here.

What procedure would you guys use to work it in if any?

That dude irritates the crap out of me. Too many customers have ruined expensive wheels doing that BS. That guy is quickly approaching Derby Worx as the biggest sham in pinewood derby.

If these people only knew that their car had more potential right before they put it on the treadmill.

I am tired of talking to people about treadmills.... very tired.

 

[chromegsx]

What's the problem with treadmills? They hardly get used for their intended purpose, might as well use them for something...

. Tell me all about it. /images/boards/smilies/sleep.gif Good night.

 

[TRE]

Derby dust is prolly just hob e lub with his dumb name on it

 

[Kinser Racing]

Treadmills and bent rear axles. Some people's kids! /images/boards/smilies/smile.gif