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Pinewood Derby Tips?

Posted by Cliff on from the fun-things-to-do-with-your-kid dept.

PizzaFace asks: "My son and I have to start building his first Pinewood Derby racer, and I'm looking for tips. I've found conflicting advice online about even the basic science (e.g. high vs. low centers of gravity) so I'm hoping to tap into some of Slashdot's expertise." Might someone have some pictures of cool designs that might useful as a starting point?"

1 of 139 comments (clear)

  1. Weight is everything by Picass0 · · Score: 5, Interesting
    The following assumes that adding weight to your car is legal within your rules.

    1. weigh everything
    2. make a note of your max. allowed weight. That's your target.
    3. drill several hole in your pine body and fill them with enough lead shot to make your weight without going over.
    4. Fill the holes in you pine body with wood putty.
    5. sand and paint body of car
    6. spray wheels with 10w-40 for less friction
    7. go kick ass


    8. 1st place, cub scout pinewood derby, 1980