Building a Pinewood Derby car is a fun and rewarding experience for both kids and adults. But to create a fast and stylish racer, you’ll need the right tools. This guide outlines the essential tools used by a seasoned Pinewood Derby car builder and his 9-year-old son, Stephen, who has four years of car-building experience.
Essential Pinewood Derby Car Building Tools
Stephen’s experience demonstrates that a combination of power and hand tools are necessary for crafting a competitive Pinewood Derby car. Here’s a breakdown of the tools they use:
Power Tools for Cutting and Shaping
- Scroll Saw: This is Stephen’s go-to tool for the initial cuts, allowing him to create the car’s rough shape with precision. Its smaller blade and intricate cutting capabilities make it ideal for detailed work. A scroll saw offers more control and safety for younger builders compared to a band saw.
- Drill Press: Used with various bits, a drill press provides accuracy and control for tasks like creating weight pockets and precisely drilling axle holes. Stephen’s father uses a router bit in the drill press to carve out the weight pocket, ensuring consistent depth.
- Dremel Tool (Optional): While Stephen finds the Dremel challenging, it can be useful for fine detail work, sanding tight corners, and polishing. However, it requires practice and adult supervision due to its high speed and small attachments. Consider this tool for advanced builders.
- Radial Arm Saw (Not Recommended for Cubs): This powerful saw, used for cross-cutting and ripping wood, is considered too dangerous for unsupervised Cub Scouts. Adult supervision is absolutely mandatory, and even then, its use should be limited to experienced individuals due to its potential dangers.
Hand Tools for Refining and Detailing
- Rasp: Used for initial shaping of the car body after the rough cut, a rasp allows for quick removal of material. Stephen uses a rasp with a plastic handle for a safer grip. Gloves are recommended for added protection.
- Files: A variety of files are essential for refining the car’s shape, smoothing edges, and creating details. Different file shapes and sizes allow for precise shaping and finishing.
- Clamps and Vise: These tools secure the car body during cutting, shaping, and drilling, ensuring accurate cuts and preventing accidents. Securely holding the wood is crucial for safety and precision.
- Sandpaper: Various grits of sandpaper are crucial for smoothing the car body after shaping and preparing it for painting. Start with coarser grits for rough shaping and gradually move to finer grits for a polished finish.
- Sharpie Marker: Used for marking cut lines, axle locations, and weight pocket outlines. A fine-point Sharpie provides clear and precise markings on the wood.
Safety First
Always prioritize safety when using tools. Adult supervision is crucial, especially for younger builders using power tools. Practice on scrap wood before working on the actual car, and always wear appropriate safety gear like gloves and eye protection.
Conclusion
With the right tools and careful planning, building a Pinewood Derby car can be a memorable and enriching experience. By understanding the purpose of each tool and practicing safe techniques, you’ll be well on your way to creating a winning racer. Remember to always supervise young builders and prioritize safety above all else.
