Search found 1235 matches

by Vitamin K
Wed Mar 20, 2024 2:03 pm
Forum: Do-It-Yourself
Topic: Mulling a track build...
Replies: 41
Views: 1043

Re: Mulling a track build...

Is wood lath available in the width and height (1.5" x .025") that guide strips call for? 1/4" is a common lath thickness. I don't remember exactly; but what was available to us at the time was close to the proper width. (It was more than a decade ago and we no longer have that track...
by Vitamin K
Wed Mar 20, 2024 12:18 pm
Forum: Do-It-Yourself
Topic: Mulling a track build...
Replies: 41
Views: 1043

Re: Mulling a track build...

I have some ideas about putting together a neighborhood derby as well. Are you considering the two or four-lane version? We built a homemade test track once with a nearly catenary curve (like Piantedosi / MicroWizard) section which seemed to benefit from a longer, single piece of lumber. I think we...
by Vitamin K
Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:25 pm
Forum: Do-It-Yourself
Topic: Mulling a track build...
Replies: 41
Views: 1043

Mulling a track build...

So I am starting to ruminate about building a pinewood derby track and timer. Having to borrow a track for our Troop Races is frustrating, and I have some ideas about putting together a neighborhood derby as well. An aluminum one is out of my budget, but there are a few things about a DIY job that a...
by Vitamin K
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:30 am
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Finalizing my car - 3 questions for the PWD masters
Replies: 22
Views: 965

Re: Finalizing my car - 3 questions for the PWD masters

Hyperfocus wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 11:13 pm On top of this I had lathed my wheels, to be super light and trued, coned inner and outer hub.
I'm curious as to how you did your wheel modifications. It's a lot easier, IMO, to make a slower wheel than a fast one with DIY-mods.
by Vitamin K
Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:42 am
Forum: General Topics
Topic: Wheel Identification?
Replies: 9
Views: 421

Re: Wheel Identification?

exoray, Here's some images of the current Christion Service Brigade Stockar kit. How you get the Stockar kit contents from them: https://i.imgur.com/M8ZOBlEm.jpeg Axle type: https://i.imgur.com/ou1vuGXm.jpeg Bottom view of there car body block: https://i.imgur.com/IqFjKEym.jpeg Wheels front and bac...
by Vitamin K
Thu Mar 07, 2024 7:00 pm
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Cutting the DFW notch?
Replies: 19
Views: 720

Re: Cutting the DFW notch?

I feel like I'm getting a little bit confused between narrowing (or shaving) the DFW side of the car, and cutting a clearance notch to keep the wheel from potentially rubbing. While we haven't bothered with a clearance notch in quite some time, we do still sometimes narrow the front end of the car....
by Vitamin K
Wed Mar 06, 2024 5:56 pm
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Cutting the DFW notch?
Replies: 19
Views: 720

Re: Cutting the DFW notch?

I wouldn't worry too much about it. I just eyeball it. After all, the angle of the wheel is controlled by the angle of the axle hole, which is already bored and unaffected by shaving the body. Now, I do sometimes wonder if it might be worth attempting to angle the side of the body for the DFW to ma...
by Vitamin K
Wed Mar 06, 2024 4:03 pm
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Cutting the DFW notch?
Replies: 19
Views: 720

Re: Cutting the DFW notch?

My little 1x30 HF belt sander makes it pretty easy... I don't have one of those myself, but I thought that this subject could be a good application for one. If only it was a 1.18+ x 30 belt sander! [emoji38] Hah. It is a good little tool. Good for basic shaping and also sharpening knives. It's quit...
by Vitamin K
Wed Mar 06, 2024 3:49 pm
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Cutting the DFW notch?
Replies: 19
Views: 720

Re: Cutting the DFW notch?

The need, and depth, of an inset can be argued via geometrical consideration for maximizing the separation of both rear wheels from the rail given straight-line motion and an assumed rail width. One might argue that an inset may not be needed as long as the trailing rear wheel never touches the tra...
by Vitamin K
Wed Mar 06, 2024 3:47 pm
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Cutting the DFW notch?
Replies: 19
Views: 720

Re: Cutting the DFW notch?

I still kind of tend to want to bring the DFW side in a 1/16", though I haven't really done extensive comparison testing to see if it makes much of a difference. I guess I just feel better about the car when we do. The need, and depth, of an inset can be argued via geometrical consideration fo...
by Vitamin K
Wed Mar 06, 2024 1:33 pm
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Cutting the DFW notch?
Replies: 19
Views: 720

Re: Cutting the DFW notch?

I feel like I'm getting a little bit confused between narrowing (or shaving) the DFW side of the car, and cutting a clearance notch to keep the wheel from potentially rubbing. While we haven't bothered with a clearance notch in quite some time, we do still sometimes narrow the front end of the car. ...
by Vitamin K
Wed Mar 06, 2024 7:26 am
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Cutting the DFW notch?
Replies: 19
Views: 720

Re: Cutting the DFW notch?

Funnily enough, I have not felt the need to notch the front end since that build.

I think since then, we've started putting a lot more camber on our DFW axles, and I think that keeps the edge of the wheel further from the body.
by Vitamin K
Tue Mar 05, 2024 1:22 pm
Forum: General Car/Truck Racer Topics
Topic: Post-Race Feedback, please!
Replies: 13
Views: 659

Re: Post-Race Feedback, please!

Just some thoughts off the top of my head... The first time I tried making rail riders, I'm pretty sure that I made them slower. You really need a way to verify that the rears are properly aligned, and a roll test like shown in the video can hide some of this because you are trying to test 3 wheels...
by Vitamin K
Tue Mar 05, 2024 12:42 pm
Forum: General Car/Truck Racer Topics
Topic: Post-Race Feedback, please!
Replies: 13
Views: 659

Re: Post-Race Feedback, please!

Just some thoughts off the top of my head... The first time I tried making rail riders, I'm pretty sure that I made them slower. You really need a way to verify that the rears are properly aligned, and a roll test like shown in the video can hide some of this because you are trying to test 3 wheels ...
by Vitamin K
Mon Mar 04, 2024 1:49 pm
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Finalizing my car - 3 questions for the PWD masters
Replies: 22
Views: 965

Re: Finalizing my car - 3 questions for the PWD masters

- I won't try to drill angled holes without a precision drill jig. I've found attempting to do so on my drill press table is too janky. Something like the original Block from Jewkes would probably let you do this, but I don't trust the squareness of a typical block on its own. If I didn't have a pr...