Marcus Chen
When building a Pinewood Derby car, it is important to consider whether to plug the axle holes when painting. Some builders choose to tape over the axle holes to prevent paint from entering the holes, as paint in the holes can make them smaller and affect the fit of the axles. Others choose to drill the axle holes after painting to avoid this issue. Ultimately, the decision to plug or drill the axle holes during the painting process depends on personal preference and the specific rules and guidelines of the Pinewood Derby competition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to drill axle holes | Before painting the block |
| When to insert axles | After painting |
| Axle hole size | #44 bit (0.086-inch decimal equivalent) for a 0.087-inch axle |
| Axle hole size for oversize axles or pre-1999 car kits | #43 (0.089-inch decimal equivalent) |
| Axle hole size for 0.200-inch thickness car | #43 drill |
| Axle hole size for 1/8" thickness | #44 drill |
| Axle hole size for 1/4" or 1/5" thickness | #44 drill |
| Axle hole size for 3/8" thickness | #44 drill |
| Axle hole cover during painting | Tape |
| Axle installation | Axles can be installed in slots or holes |
| Axle installation in slots | Drill a pilot hole to assure correct size |
| Axle alignment | Easier with drilled axle holes |
| Wheel alignment | Precision drilled holes allow for better wheel alignment |
| Performance improvement | Raise one wheel (typically front) by approximately 1/32 to 1/16 inch |
| Block weight | Approximately 4.25 to 4.9 ounces |
| Block weight after painting and accessories | 4.7 to 5 ounces |
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What You'll Learn
Drilling axle holes
Before drilling, it is important to test the fit of the tool on the block and adjust as needed to ensure a snug fit. The desired position of the axle holes should be marked on the block, and the tool should be aligned with these marks before drilling.
When drilling the holes, it is important to go slowly and take taps to clear the wood from the drill flutes. The drill bit should be wiped clean between holes. Drilling a raised wheel hole can also increase the speed of the car, as it takes less energy to turn three wheels than four.
To prevent paint from getting into the axle holes, it is recommended to cover the area around the holes with masking tape before painting. This is important because paint in the holes can make them smaller and affect the fit of the axles.
Additionally, drilling glue holes prior to painting and installing the axles is crucial to keep the axles in place. It is important to leave room from the edge of the glue holes to avoid accidentally leaking glue onto the axles.
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Taping over axle holes
The process of taping over axle holes is straightforward. One should use masking tape or painter's tape to cover the holes securely. Ensure that the tape is pressed down firmly around the edges of the holes to create a tight seal. This will prevent paint from seeping into the holes during the painting process. It is also a good idea to tape over the holes when applying any additional coatings, such as wax, to the painted surface.
By taping over the axle holes, you ensure that the holes remain clear and free of paint buildup, which could otherwise affect the fit of the axles. This step is often mentioned by experienced builders as a way to avoid potential issues and ensure a smooth assembly process. It is a simple yet effective precaution that can save time and effort in the long run.
Additionally, taping over the axle holes can also help during the painting process itself. By covering the holes, you create a smoother surface on the block, allowing for more even paint coverage and a more aesthetically pleasing finish. This is especially important if you plan to add intricate details or designs to your car body.
In conclusion, taping over axle holes is a crucial step in building a Pinewood Derby car. It ensures that the holes remain clear of paint buildup, allowing for a smooth axle installation. By taking this simple precaution, builders can avoid potential issues and create a high-quality car that performs well on the track.
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Painting before inserting axles
Painting your pinewood derby car before inserting the axles is a good idea, as it allows you to be more creative with your design and ensures that the paint job is complete and dry before you move on to the next steps of assembly. Here are some tips and considerations for painting your pinewood derby car before inserting the axles:
Drilling Axle Holes
Before painting, you will need to drill the axle holes. It is important to use the correct drill bit size, which is typically a #44 bit for a 0.087-inch axle or a #43 bit for oversize axles. Drilling test holes or pilot holes can help ensure the correct size and alignment. Some prefer to drill the holes after painting to avoid getting paint inside, but with careful taping and covering, this can be avoided.
Taping and Covering
To prevent paint from getting into the axle holes, use masking tape or standard tape to cover the holes securely. This will ensure that the paint only goes where you want it to and doesn't affect the size of the holes.
Weight Considerations
Before painting, consider adding weights to your pinewood derby car. The weight of the car, including the block, wheels, axles, and accessories, should be around 4.9 to 5 ounces. Adding weights before painting ensures that your design and paint job are not affected by the placement of weights.
Drying Time
Give your pinewood derby car ample time to dry after painting. A few days to a week is recommended to ensure that the paint is completely dry before you handle the car and proceed with assembly.
Waxing
Once the paint is dry, consider waxing it to reduce wheel-braking friction. A small amount of graphite spray paint can also be applied to the point where the hub contacts the car body.
By following these steps, you can effectively paint your pinewood derby car before inserting the axles, resulting in a creative and functional design.
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Gluing axles
Before gluing the axles, it is crucial to determine their placement and drill the necessary holes. The axles can be installed in slots or holes, and drilling pilot holes can ensure proper sizing. It is recommended to drill axle holes with a #44 bit (0.086 inches) for a 0.087-inch axle, or a #43 bit (0.089 inches) for oversize axles or pre-1999 car kits. Drilling glue holes for the axles is also essential to keep them in place during the assembly process. These glue holes should be positioned carefully to avoid glue leaking onto the axles.
When it comes to choosing the right glue for Pinewood Derby axles, several options are available. Super Glue or CA glue has been a popular choice for many years. However, due to its runny consistency, it requires careful application to avoid gluing the axle to the wheel. Expert builders often recommend RED locktite screw thread anti-vibrate treatment, which can be applied like super glue. This treatment penetrates the wood effectively and securely locks the axle in place. The Lock-tite gel version is readily available at hardware stores and is preferred over the liquid form to prevent accidental gluing of the axle to the wheel.
Additionally, white glue can be used to hold the axles in place, although it may not work as well on metal surfaces. Yellow glue, or carpenter's glue, is a variation of white glue that dries quicker and has better durability in wet conditions. It also has improved metal-to-wood adhesion compared to white glue. Another option is hot glue, which comes in sticks that can be fed into a glue gun for application.
Once the axles are glued in place, it is important to allow the glue to dry completely before proceeding with the next steps. After the glue has set, the car body can be painted and assembled, with the wheels and axles inserted. It is recommended to tape over the axle holes during painting to prevent paint from getting into the holes, as this could affect the fit of the axles.
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Weighing the block
The first step in weighing the block is to place the car block, wheels, axles, and any accessories on a scale. This will give you a starting point for adding weight. The weight can be added to the car in various forms, such as lead, tungsten, coins, batteries, bolts, or washers. It's important to consider the density of the weight, as a denser weight will give you the same mass in a smaller volume. For example, tungsten is about 70% more dense than lead, so it can be placed further back in the car, which can increase speed.
When adding weight to the car, it's important to consider the placement of the weight. The weight should be placed as far back in the body as possible while still maintaining stability. The balance point of the car can be adjusted by moving the weight forward and backward. For smooth tracks, the balance point should be set at 0.75 to 1.0 inch in front of the rear axle. For rough tracks, the balance point should be set at 1.0 to 1.5 inches in front of the rear axle.
Once the weight has been added, the car should be weighed again. If it is over the 5-ounce limit, you may need to drill holes in the bottom of the block to remove some wood and reduce the weight. If the car is under the weight limit, you can add more weight or use a heavier type of weight.
Finally, the weight holes should be sealed with wood putty and sanded smooth. This ensures that the car has a smooth surface and that the weight is securely in place. After the putty has dried, the car can be painted and the wheels and axles can be added.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is recommended to plug the axle holes when painting a pinewood derby car to prevent paint from getting inside the holes. You can use masking tape to cover the holes.
Plugging the axle holes before painting ensures that the holes remain clear of paint, allowing for easier axle insertion and preventing the holes from becoming too small.
A good wood primer is recommended as a base coat, followed by spray paint for plastic models or general applications. Windows and lights can be painted with enamel, and decals or stickers can be added for decoration.
Masking tape or painter's tape can be used to cover the axle holes. It is important to ensure that the tape is securely adhered to the surface to create a seal and prevent paint from seeping through.
Yes, one alternative method is to use a painting stand that positions the car vertically or at an angle, allowing for easier access to the painting surface while avoiding the axle holes.
