Search found 524 matches

by MaxV
Wed Aug 06, 2003 10:28 am
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Axel Diameter: Is smaller really better?
Replies: 29
Views: 38870

Re: Axel Diameter: Is smaller really better?

Hugh's axles are between one and two thousandths smaller in diameter than standard axles. After preparing the standard axles (filing, sanding, polishing), they will be reduced a few thousandths as well. So there really isn't that much difference. The key to remember is that reducing the surface area...
by MaxV
Tue Aug 05, 2003 9:49 am
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: How do I drill straight axle holes?
Replies: 17
Views: 23307

Re: How do I drill straight axle holes?

The problem with drilling all the way through the car is that the drill bit is virtually guaranteed to flex, creating a non-straight hole. At the size of a #44 bit, no material will always go straight. That is why I recommend drilling holes only half way through - much less flexing of the bit, and u...
by MaxV
Mon Aug 04, 2003 2:22 pm
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: How do I drill straight axle holes?
Replies: 17
Views: 23307

Re: How do I drill straight axle holes?

I don't know exactly how you are using the mill, but many people make the mistake of: - referencing the right side holes to the left side of the block, and - referencing the left side holes to the right side of the block. This only works if the sides of the block are perfectly parallel. Most of the ...
by MaxV
Mon Aug 04, 2003 2:05 pm
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Axel Diameter: Is smaller really better?
Replies: 29
Views: 38870

Re: Axel Diameter: Is smaller really better?

In response to Stan's post on rolling friction, my understanding (from referring to a text book) is that rolling fricting has the same formula:

friction = mass x frictionalcoefficent.

The other factors mentioned (wheel compression, etc) do have some effect, but are not friction per se.
by MaxV
Fri Aug 01, 2003 6:42 pm
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Axel Diameter: Is smaller really better?
Replies: 29
Views: 38870

Re: Axel Diameter: Is smaller really better?

Well said Darin. Thus we conclude: 1. Lifting a front wheel does not reduce friction. The benefit is due to reduced starting inertia, elimination of the worst wheel, and easier alignment. 2. Grooving or narrowing of wheels does not reduce friction. The benefit is less wheel weight (lighter wheels ar...
by MaxV
Thu Jul 31, 2003 6:07 pm
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Front Wheel Interaction with the Center rail
Replies: 12
Views: 12831

Re: Front Wheel Interaction with the Center rail

With axles cambered as described, the wheel hubs will constantly rub against the body of the car. Also, the distance between the wheels may be reduced slightly, resulting in more contact with the guide rail. Cambering wheels the other way also has its share of problems. So all things considered, I b...
by MaxV
Thu Jul 31, 2003 6:03 pm
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Axel Diameter: Is smaller really better?
Replies: 29
Views: 38870

Re: Axel Diameter: Is smaller really better?

I believe that just like in automobiles, a tighter tolerance is better. With small diameter axles, there is too much play in the wheel hub. As mentioned by RacerX, this can easily cause vibration and wobble that is undesireable.
by MaxV
Tue Jul 22, 2003 10:34 am
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: To lead or not to lead? How about epoxy?
Replies: 5
Views: 9776

Re: To lead or not to lead? How about epoxy?

Well, since I sell lead I have researched the topic a bit. Lead poisoning comes from ingesting lead, through the mouth, the nose, or otherwise. When you read about lead poisoning, 99.9% of the time it is from lead in the drinking water, or kids eating paint chips. According to my doctor, you cannot ...
by MaxV
Mon Jul 21, 2003 10:42 am
Forum: General
Topic: Track selection
Replies: 14
Views: 23736

Re: Track selection

I have watched races run on a Piantedosi track. It certainly is a nice track from the wood surface perspective, but the starting gate needs to be redesigned. I witnessed a car 'launched into space' when the gate handle was twisted and then released quickly. I have a 2-lane BestTrack aluminum track w...
by MaxV
Fri Jul 11, 2003 9:41 am
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Emergency Lubrication Question
Replies: 3
Views: 7101

Re: Emergency Lubrication Question

I agree with increasing the weight, but suggest not going over 12 ounces. Regarding lube, if you want to try a non-dry lube, use 'Gunk' brand heavy-duty silicon spray (available at Home Depot in our area). The key is to spray the axles, let them sit a few seconds, then wipe them off with a clean sof...
by MaxV
Thu Jul 10, 2003 10:44 am
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Awana Wheel Mold Numbers
Replies: 7
Views: 10120

Re: Awana Wheel Mold Numbers

Actually, I had never noticed the Awana mold numbers before (of course I didn't notice the BSA numbers until RacerX told me about them. Although - as you indicate - there is variation, the Awana wheels are much more consistent than the BSA wheels. With Awana wheels, we have always used what we recei...
by MaxV
Tue Jul 08, 2003 10:31 am
Forum: Cool Websites
Topic: Pinewood Derby Car Building Tips Web Site
Replies: 0
Views: 23670

Pinewood Derby Car Building Tips Web Site

Like gpraceman, I am a bit biased towards my non-commercial site Pinewood Derby Car Building Tips.

I don't get to update it as much as I would like, but I believe it is unique in that it offers some tool tips, and how to recover from boo-boos.
by MaxV
Tue Jul 08, 2003 10:24 am
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: To True or not to True, that is the question!
Replies: 43
Views: 53931

Re: To True or not to True, that is the question!

Regarding the mold numbers, are there certain numbers that you prefer, or do you just try to find a set of 4 that match? Which mold numbers do you like the best?
by MaxV
Mon Jul 07, 2003 10:11 am
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: To True or not to True, that is the question!
Replies: 43
Views: 53931

Lathed wheels

We do lathe our Awana wheels. They are actually more true than BSA wheels, but the lathe does make sure they are round.

I set up the lathe, but my kids mount each of their wheels and turn the knobs.