Slower and slower
- Thread starter Psychitsu
- Start date
I am new to pinewood derby so take my thoughts with a grain of salt. Lol
Graphite or oil for your axles will slowly degrade every run. Wheels will be getting dirty. Inconsistent car staging. What kind of stop section is on the track? Our track has a short raised rib followed by a pillow, I could see axles being jarred a bit if hitting the pillow just right. Individual track lanes will also have their own characteristics. After our race yesterday on a wood track, I am also going to throw in humidity and temperature changes throughout the day. I'm sure there are more things that can effect a cars performance over time, the biggest thing that has helped me was video taping as many runs as I could and watching them over and over.
Graphite or oil for your axles will slowly degrade every run. Wheels will be getting dirty. Inconsistent car staging. What kind of stop section is on the track? Our track has a short raised rib followed by a pillow, I could see axles being jarred a bit if hitting the pillow just right. Individual track lanes will also have their own characteristics. After our race yesterday on a wood track, I am also going to throw in humidity and temperature changes throughout the day. I'm sure there are more things that can effect a cars performance over time, the biggest thing that has helped me was video taping as many runs as I could and watching them over and over.
With how drastic of a change that takes place, I'm thinking this is an issue for me. I know graphite is an issue, but my FDW is too. I used the Silver Bullet Pro to camber the rear wheels, but camber on the front is a nightmare. We have to use the slots and I don't have a drill press. Any suggestions on how to do it better, easier, or more consistently?
There are a couple of solutions... One is water... put a drop or two of water into the axle hole, then insert the axle. The wood will swell around the axle and tighten up. Two.... apply a little bit of Elmers (or whatever brand) wood glue (applied with a toothpick) into the hole. Then put your axle in and set your steer. You will have about 5-10 minutes to get things set before the glue sets. It won't change after that.
Just need to make sure your FDW is not loose. Make sure the bend in downward.
Our rules don't allow bent axles so I have to dry to drill the angle in the slot. That is where I am running into difficulty. Is there a way to do this accurately?
What is the exact wording of your rules regarding axle bend? Does is specifically say "no bent axles" or does it just imply it by saying something like "axles must be installed parallel to track"? Our rules say that, but in my mind I justify bent axle because the part that is actually installed in the car is not bent and remains parallel to the track
Our rules state, "Axles may not be altered in any way except for polishing."What is the exact wording of your rules regarding axle bend? Does is specifically say "no bent axles" or does it just imply it by saying something like "axles must be installed parallel to track"? Our rules say that, but in my mind I justify bent axle because the part that is actually installed in the car is not bent and remains parallel to the track
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