How to Make a Power Tool Drag Racer

Drag racing is a sport and hobby that millions partake in throughout the year; another up-and-coming hobby is power tool drag racing. You can get involved by making a power tool drag racer of your own with just a few common items in your garage and a few other parts from a local hobby shop.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• In-line skates
• Scraps of plywood
• Scraps of 2x4s
• Tub/shower roller
• Screws
• Bolts
• Zip tie
• Circular saw
• Drill

1. Gather together the items you will need. The power tool drag racer you'll make with these instructions will be built out of a circular saw and some roller blades for less than $20 using scraps. Without scraps (using all new products), the whole project could cost in the neighborhood of $50 to $75.
2. Harvest the entire wheel unit off the in-line skates by first using a small bit to drill a hole into the center of each of the connecting rivets. Then use a larger bit to completely drill the heads off the rivets. The wheel units should come off with ease after that. If not, devise your own method of removal, making sure to keep the wheel unit intact.
3. Mount each wheel unit onto a small board. Construct the front wheel platform first by making sure the wheel units are parallel. Next, attach the mounted wheel units, but not too securely until you have tested it with a couple pieces of 2x4 to simulate the track. Make sure there is enough room on each side so the machine won't get wedged.
4. Attach a rear platform, made of scrap wood, to the front wheel unit platform for the saw (engine) to sit on that will put it closer to the ground, where it needs to be in order to function properly. Set the rear platform on the offset pieces that are attached to the front platform and attach with a liberal number of screws to hold everything in place.
5. Mount the saw to the rear base with bolts. These are much stronger than screws and will hold the saw more securely. If you plan to use the saw after the races, plan your bolt holes to be in areas that will not damage the saw's metal base. Mark the holes, drill a small pilot hole, then drill out the holes with a larger bit. Remember to pay attention to how you mount the saw; it will likely need to be backwards to make the racer move forward. Mark and drill holes on the base, then attach the saw with bolts, nuts and washers.
6. Round off the front platform you built in Step 3 and attach side rollers. This will help the machine stay on the track and avoid catching and damaging the racer. Use wire or a zip tie to hold the trigger button down. Set up a simulation track with 2x4s and make sure your racer fits and will go down the track smoothly without any hang ups.