Questions:

Thinkin'Bout Racin

National Contender
Feb 20, 2017
574
325
63
Ok, so now that the introductions are out of the way (see my 1st post) we have a few questions.

Let me start by saying we are limited to BSA axles-no grooving/thinning, Graphite, BSA wheels. The rules specifically state "NO OIL", so Krytox is out :(. I am familiar with Pledge/Sailkote. Wheelbase, shape, axle holes canting/bending are all fair game.

The Districts are on the same track as his pack race which is a Best Track in either a 42' or 49' length. The track is not silky smooth like I see on the NPWDRL videos, but it does not seem to be junk either.

We have been problem solving as we move forward on this project and have learned a ton by doing so. However, we are up against a couple issues that we are struggling with.

#1 We are having difficulty trying to apply CA with graphite in the hub area. I have mocked up a couple of tests and have not had great luck. :mad: I am using a Gel CA and am wondering if I need to go to a thinner version so it will "level out" more on it's own? Because I have struggled with this I have also considered trying some sort of nail polish. I think what I read was a Sally Hanson with Teflon??? If anyone has any ides, tips, hints, processes, it would be greatly appreciated as the Districts are approaching faster than I want.

#2 We can't thin or groove the axles, but I think I am comfortable with notching the axle to make sure that the bend is in the correct place. Previously I have only bent axles with the DW press tool before, so I am a virgin at this. How far from the head should the notch be placed? Will this notch end up inside the body? How wide and/or deep should the bending notch be? What tools/tools do I need to make the appropriate bending grove? I saw the homemade tool for notching the axles here and will probably try that unless someone else has a better mousetrap.

I did buy a GB axle bender, so I hopefully have the correct tool for the actual bending once we figure out where and how to groove/notch the axle. Based on what I have read, we plan on using 0.020" of a wheel gap or less. This is yet TBD.

I am familiar with DD4H axle and wheel prep and have those products.

Enough for now. ANY and all help is greatly appreciated!!!!

THANX :)
 
The answers to your question is in the premium content under " collection of videos" but to make it easier for you, insert your axle into a wheel. With a fine tipped sharpie mark a line where the axle comes out of the hub. Then chuck the axle in your drill press. I take a triangular file and lay it flat to the bench and then raise the bench until the file mates to that line. Make sure you do this before you polish your axles so you can get rid of the burrs you create! Don't go crazy deep, take your time
 
Last edited: