Tungsten Weights
- Clamp the pinewood derby block to a flat surface.
- Using a 3/8" drill bit, drill two holes straight into the back of the block high enough so that you do not drill into the axle slot. ...
- Remove the clamp from the block.
- Insert the weights in the holes. ...
- Weigh the block, wheels, axles and weights again (don't forget the flat weight). ...
Full Answer
How do you add weights to a pinewood derby car?
Add weights to your Pinewood Derby car. It's as easy as ABC! When your pine car is completed, it should balance 1" to 1 1/2" in front of the rear axle. Position the weights to adjust the car's balance. To check the balance, place a pencil across the car and move it forward and back until the car balances on it.
How much tungsten do I need for a pinewood derby car?
Tungsten is non-toxic and 1.7 times denser than lead so it is a good choice, but it is expensive. The maximum weight limit for a pinewood derby car is 5 ounces. Plan on adding 2 to 3.5 oz of weight to your car, depending on your car design and the weight of your pine wood block.
What is the best cylinder for a pinewood derby car?
Fine Tune Steel Cylinders. These Steel Cylinders are ideal for use with cars that need one ounce or less of additional weight. They can also be used in combination with other weights to bring the weight of your Pinewood Derby car to the 5 oz limit. Each cylinder weighs 1/10 oz and is 1/2" long. 1/4" diameter.
Where should the center of gravity be on a pinewood derby® car?
Putting Pinewood Derby® Car Weight randomly on your PWD car is not the key to getting the most out of your build. Center of gravity placement should be between 1⁄2″ – 1″ in front of the rear axle. This is true for all wheel base types. Whether you are using a standard wheelbase or an extended wheelbase.
How do you cut Pinewood Derby weights?
Each bar is 2 3/4" long and can be broken or cut into 1/4" segments. Just drill a 3/8" hole in the back of your car, break off the exact amount of weight you need, slide them in. Glue or seal the hole with wood filler. Weights are made from lead-free Zinc for safe handling.
Is it better to put weight on top or bottom of Pinewood Derby car?
PUT MOST OF THE WEIGHT IN THE BACK The idea is that the farther back the weight is, the more potential energy you have because your center of mass is higher up on the track. (Don't put it too far back, or your Pinewood Derby car will become unstable and pop a wheelie.)
What is the best weight for Pinewood Derby?
Most rules specify a 5 oz. maximum weight. Most Pinewood Derby cars weigh between 1.5 oz and 3.5 oz (depending on design) without weights so a car may need 3.5 oz or more of additional weight.
Should I glue Pinewood Derby axles?
7. Create Glue Holes: Glue the axles firmly in their holes to ensure that they stay perfectly placed, but make sure you don't get glue on your wheels. 8. Add Weight: Remember to make your Pinewood Derby car as heavy as the rules allow.
Should you bake a Pinewood Derby car?
Should I bake the pinewood derby block? The short answer is no, do not bake the block. The idea behind baking the block is to remove moisture which will make the block lighter. You can then add more weight to the back of the car.
Do heavier Pinewood Derby cars go faster?
Add Weight: Remember to make your Pinewood Derby car as heavy as the rules allow. In general, it's best to place weight to the rear of your car because a heavier rear increases speed.
What is the fastest shape for a Pinewood Derby car?
wedgeBut aerodynamics rule the day, and the best shape is a simple wedge. Just like a spoiler on the rear of a sports car, the wedge shape allows as much air to flow over the top of the car without hinderance while keeping the car pinned to the track.
Can you put weights on the bottom of a Pinewood Derby car?
The weight should not extend past the rear of the car. Glue bottom weights to the bottom of the block to bring the total weight (including wheels and axles) to 5 oz. Install some of the weight behind the rear axle and the rest in front of the axle. The weight can be broken apart with pliers.
How can I make my derby car faster?
10 Tips and Tricks to a Fast and Cool-Looking Pinewood Derby CarBake your block. ... Max out your weight at the regulation 5 ounces. ... Use all of the graphite (dry lubricant is usually allowed). ... Sand and polish your wheels and axles. ... Check alignment. ... Spend time on sanding. ... Use a high-quality paint. ... Add decals!More items...
Are Bent axles legal in Pinewood Derby?
Wheels and Axles Rules The wheels may not be cut, drilled, beveled or rounded. You may remove the seams and imperfections from the wheels.
What is a good Pinewood Derby time?
Pinewood Derby Results. The average times with just weight added was 3.288 seconds. There was 0.188 seconds between the fastest and slowest car, about 23 inches. The average time was 2.994 seconds, about 44 inches faster than without graphite (0.353 seconds).
How do you lubricate Pinewood Derby axles?
0:061:12Lubrication | Pinewood Racing Car | PineCar Derby - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor our demonstration. We will use dry graphite. Apply dry graphite between the wheel. And theMoreFor our demonstration. We will use dry graphite. Apply dry graphite between the wheel. And the hubcap. Repeat this procedure until the wheels spin on the axles for several seconds.
Where should the center of gravity be on a Pinewood Derby car?
The ideal placement for the center of gravity is 7/8-in. in front of the rear axle. Too far forward and you'll lose potential energy (P=9.8mh or the energy caused by the item's position). Too far back and your car will pop a wheelie, ruining any chance for a win.
How can I make my Pinewood Derby car faster?
10 Tips and Tricks to a Fast and Cool-Looking Pinewood Derby CarBake your block. ... Max out your weight at the regulation 5 ounces. ... Use all of the graphite (dry lubricant is usually allowed). ... Sand and polish your wheels and axles. ... Check alignment. ... Spend time on sanding. ... Use a high-quality paint. ... Add decals!More items...
What can I use for weights on a Pinewood Derby car?
Tungsten is the best weight for your pine derby car because it allows you to pack more weight in a smaller area giving you more flexibility in your car design and more accurate weight placement for speed. Package contains eight 3/8" diameter cylinders with chamfored edges for easy insertion.
How much weight does paint add to a Pinewood Derby car?
I painted a car with primer and 3 coats of the spray and it was less than an 1oz of change it . 03oz. So get the car as close to 5oz then add the paint.
Cutting Out a Pinewood Derby Car
The first step is to rough out the shape of the car that you have chosen. Next, trace the shape along one of the sides with a pencil. Carefully feed the block through the band saw, using another piece of wood to push the end through so that you don’t risk cutting your fingers.
The Secret Sauce
If this is your first time doing a Pinewood Derby and you just don’t know where to start, or if you think you have a pretty good idea of what to do but want a guide to things like weights and graphite, you need to check out my Pinewood Derby Handbook (available on Amazon).
Related Questions
How Fast do Pinewood Derby Cars Go? Pinewood Derby Cars go between 10 and 20 miles per hour. The speeds are usually measured in centimeters per second or feet per second based on the time from the top of the track to the bottom divided by the length of the track. The speeds would be around 200 miles per hour if scaled to a regular-sized car.
Black Fox Pinewood Ninja
I came across some information in regards to weight displacement on another forum and would like to get your thoughts on it.
TRE PWD Royalty Pro Race Winner Pro Racer
it doesnt look like you have enough weight behind the rear axles to me..how much is back there?
Black Fox Pinewood Ninja
There are 5 1/4 inch tungsten cubes. I tried putting more but I can't achieve a 3/4 COG if I do. The only way I can do it is if I put some weight under the front wheel.
Black Fox Pinewood Ninja
I played around with it a bit more and was able to get 1.15 behind the rear axle.
Quicktimederby PWD Royalty
You want the weight on the hill as long as possible, more time to fall. If you put all the weight in the rear and then used some tungsten puddy up front you could move it around till you found your desired COM.
bracketracer PWD Royalty Pro Racer
Many of the league cars run twelve cubes behind the rear axle. A 3/4" COM is pretty tame IMO. But I don't know what your track looks like so take that with a grain of salt. /images/boards/smilies/smile.gif
Quicktimederby PWD Royalty
That's what I was saying. It's a interesting test. The things that make you go hummmmm.....
Specific Weight Placement
The two most common questions about specific Pinewood Derby car weight placement are 1.) Top or bottom? And 2.) Back or front? I answered those questions above in general terms. Now here are the specifics to help you perfect your design.
Weight Top or Bottom?
I have heard arguments for getting the weight as high on the car body as possible because it will then have further to fall. At first, this kind of makes sense. In fact, it would make perfect sense if you were going straight down. But you are not. Your derby car is on an angled ramp – also known as an incline plane.
What to Use for Pinewood Derby Weights
The type of material you use as weights will also help determine its optimal placement. This is because the denser and heavier the weight, the more you can pinpoint its placement. And the more accurately you can position the weight on the car, the better the car will perform.
How many weights are there in a Pinewood Derby?
These 18 individual weights work great for fine tuning the weight of your Pinewood Derby car. They have an adhesive backing so it is very easy to attach them to your car.
How much does a cylinder weigh in Pinewood Derby?
They can also be used in combination with other weights to bring the weight of your Pinewood Derby car to the 5 oz limit. Each cylinder weighs 1/10 oz and is 1/2" long. 1/4" diameter.
How to make a pine car weight?
These 1/4" diameter lead weights can be easily cut to any length with wire cutters, diagonal pliers or other cutting tools. Drill one or more 9/32 " holes in the back, bottom or side of your pine car, insert the weights in the holes then glue them into place or cover with wood putty.
How to install weights in car?
The best way to install these weights is to drill several 9/32" holes in the back or bottom of your car, insert the weights in the holes then cover with wood putty.
How to attach flat weights to car?
Use supper glue to attach our Flat Weights to the top, side or bottom of your car. If attached to the bottom, they should be recessed into the wood to provide enough track clearance.
How much does a steel cylinder weigh?
3/8" diameter by one inch long. Each of these steel cylinders weighs 1/2 oz. Sold in sets of two for a total of 1 oz.. To install, drill 3/8" holes in the back, bottom or side of your car and seal with wood putty.
How much does a pinewood Derby car weigh?
Most rules specify a 5 oz. maximum weight. Most Pinewood Derby cars weigh between 1.5 oz and 3.5 oz (depending on design) without weights so a car may need 3.5 oz or more of additional weight.
How much weight can a car carry in a pinewood derby?
Weighting your car is the key to increasing momentum. In most races, the maximum allowable weight of a pinewood derby car is five ounces. By meeting this maximum limit – while also strategically placing your weights at the rear of your vehicle – you will improve your momentum and increase the distance your car travels towards the finish line.
How does a Pinewood derby car work?
Pinewood derby cars are gravity-powered vehicles. They typically race on a sloped track and are held in place by starting pins. There is no additional external force acting to propel the car forward; when the pins drop, the car rolls down the slope. Most tracks are built with a transition from slope to a long, flat section. In this section, friction is hard at work to slow down your car. Everywhere two parts of your car are touching, friction is at work. Even the air flow over the car body is a form of friction.
What weights are used in pinewood derby cars?
Denser weights take up a lesser volume of space, so it’s easier to reach max weight while also having the freedom to place the weights strategically on your car. Tungsten is an excellent weighting material for pinewood derby cars because of its high density. Only gold, platinum, and a few other rare and expensive metals boast a similar density. Because it’s so dense, it allows for a tremendous amount of freedom in the car’s design. And it’s also non-toxic and completely environmentally-friendly, so it’s safe for children and adults alike.
What is the most important factor to consider when designing a pinewood derby car?
When it comes to optimizing your pinewood derby car for competition, one of the most important factors to consider when designing your car is the weight. When affixed in the correct position, a pinewood derby car weight can give your entry the extra push it needs to overcome your competitors.
Is lead a good weight for pinewood?
However, lead is one of the most harmful pinewood derby car weights to handle, and only adults should work with the material.
Is pinewood car weights as dense as lead?
Steel pinewood derby car weights are not as dense as tungsten or lead, so it requires more pieces to reach maximum weight. However, if you want to avoid using lead, steel is a good compromise between density and cost. Both cylinder and bar weights are available in our online store.
Drill Weight Holes in your Pinewood Derby Car
It is important that your pinewood derby car is balanced. This means that you should drill evenly spaced weight holes in your pinewood derby car. This tool will let you do that every time.
Tips
Car blocks vary slightly in width so check that the guide will fit on your block. If it does not fit, sand it until it does.
Drill Into The Back Of The Car
If drilling a long hole in a wedge shaped car, you can drill at a slight down angle to follow the slope of the top of the car. Place the guide on the back of the block so that the "Angled Surface" lettering is on the top and next to the block. Place the guide high on the block so that you don't drill through the bottom of the block.
What weights are used in the Pinewood Derby?
Pinewood derby weights come in a variety of sizes, such as 3/8" round cylinder weights and 1/4" cube weights that can be hidden inside the car, stick-on wieghts that can be placed anywhere on your car instantly or screw-on weights that are tyipically screwed to the bottom of your car. Weights also come in a variety of materials, such as zinc, ...
How much weight can you put in a pinewood car?
Tungsten is non-toxic and 1.7 times denser than lead so it is a good choice, but it is expensive. The maximum weight limit for a pinewood derby car is 5 ounces. Plan on adding 2 to 3.5 oz of weight to your car, depending on your car design and the weight of your pine wood block.
How to get the exact weight you need?
To get the exact weight you need, use stick-on weights, tungsten putty or tungsten BB's to add small incremental weight anywhere on your car. Consider purchasing your own scale to avoid last minute adjustments on race day.
How much does a tungsten cylinder weigh?
The single tungsten cylinder on top (.5oz) weighs nearly the same as the three zinc cylinders (.75 oz) on the bottom.
How to hide cylinder weights in car?
Hide cylinder weights inside your car. Just drill a 7/16" hole in the back, side or bottom of your car.#N#Cut cylinder to any length with a scissors to get exact weight placement.#N#Flex weights are a composite weight that is non-toxic and child-safe.#N#Approximately 3 oz total weight
How to put cubes in car?
Cubes pack together perfectly, so you can create a square cavity in the back of your car and pack the exact amount of weight you need. Glue the cubes in place and then seal the area with wood putty for a nice clean look .
Where to attach weight to car?
Attach weight to bottom or counter-sink under the car. Screws included.
Step 1: Supplies
Things you need: - accurate scale. - 3/4" drill bit and drill. - some loose pennies. - masking tape (optional). - hot glue or epoxy (optional).
Step 2: Weight the Car
Pennies are exactly 3/4" in diameter and weight about 0.1 ounce each. Weigh your car and then add pennies to the scale till you reach the desired weight. I've been told there are two rules to the Derby: - If your car is overweight, you are disqualified. - If your car is underweight, you loose. For our derby, 5 ounces was the limit, and her car started out at 4.5 oz, so we only needed to add five pennies to get close. Yes, the car does say "I love you Dad and Mom" on the bottom.
Step 3: Drill Away
If you are unsure of your abilities to eye-ball the depth to drill, measure the thickness of the pennies you intend to use and mark your drill at the correct depth with masking tape. Five pennies are about seven millimeters in thickness.
Step 4: Add the Pennies
Add the pennies and double-check the weight. Drilling removed a little bit of weight. If you decide to glue them in, it will add at little weight, so leave some room to spare. We ended up using six pennies. With the pennies a snug fit, and the hole on top, we didn't even bother with glue.
Specific Weight Placement
- The two most common questions about specific Pinewood Derby car weight placement are 1.) Top or bottom? And 2.) Back or front? I answered those questions above in general terms. Now here are the specifics to help you perfect your design. Most people tend to lean towards the extremes thinking that the only way to be the fastest is to push your advantage as much as poss…
Weight Top Or Bottom?
- I have heard arguments for getting the weight as high on the car body as possible because it will then have further to fall. At first, this kind of makes sense. In fact, it would make perfect sense if you were going straight down. But you are not. Your derby car is on an angled ramp – also known as an incline plane. As your car drops lower, it also moves further out along the track. In other w…
What to Use For Pinewood Derby Weights
- The type of material you use as weights will also help determine its optimal placement. This is because the denser and heavier the weight, the more you can pinpoint its placement. And the more accurately you can position the weight on the car, the better the car will perform. If you want to dial in your weight as precisely as possible, tungsten is ...