How to Make a Wooden Car for Racing
Wooden race cars are fun toys and also perfect for pinewood derby events put on by Scouts and other groups. To make a wooden car for racing you need access to a few common tools. The tires can be purchased online, from Scouting shops, or from hobby shops. The design of your car is up to you, though simple angles are easier than curvy designs.
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Things You'll Need
- Pine wood block, 7x2x2 inches
- 4 nails
- 4 plastic tires with center hole
- Coping saw
- Sandpaper
- Hammer
- Paint (optional)
- Goggles
Instructions
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Building a Wooden Car for Racing
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1
Draw the basic shape of your car on the long side of your wooden block with a pencil. You can draw any shape you like or use the example here.
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2
With the coping saw, cut out the shape along the lines you drew. You can rotate the blade of the saw for any angles or curves you need to cut out. Do not worry if there are any rough edges, as you will get rid of those next.
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3
Begin sanding the car. The smoother you sand it, the shinier the paint will be when you finish the car. Sand in a circular motion to smooth. If you are rounding out a curve on the wood, sand in one direction. Paint your car now if you wish. Allow to dry completely.
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4
Mark on either side where the wheels will go, making sure they line up. The rear wheels need to be 1 inch from the back of the car and the front wheels need to be 1 3/4 inches from the front of the car. They need to be 1/4 inch from the bottom of the car.
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5
Hammer the nails halfway into the car where you made your marks. Pull the nails out and slide a wheel onto each one. Hammer the nails back into the holes leaving enough room for the wheels to turn freely.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Buff any irregularities from your nails before mounting them on your car. Powdered graphite makes an excellent lubricant on your axles.
Wear goggles when sanding and sawing.
