Workshop Tools/Supplies

How to have useful construction workshops.
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Darin McGrew
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Workshop Tools/Supplies

Post by Darin McGrew »

In the Workshop Attendance thread, one suggestion for improving attendance was to provide tools that the average family does not have at home. I figured this topic is big enough for its own thread.

Here are the ones mentioned so far in the Workshop Attendance thread:
  • scroll saw
  • band saw
  • drill press
  • router
  • Dremel rotary tool
  • bench sanders (drum, belt, or disk)
  • hand drills (for polishing axles during "down time")
  • spray paint
  • spray paint booths (large cardboard boxes)
  • spray paint trigger attachments
  • weights, appropriate tools for type of weight, and scale
  • decals
Here are a couple others that we've used:

sanding sticks - Cut some scrap lumber into sticks approximately 1" by 1" by 8" and glue a strip of sandpaper to each stick. Extra coarse sandpaper (e.g., 40-grit) produces a cheap rasp for shaping.

chisels - A good sharp chisel is better than a Dremel tool or a router for some things. Make sure you have an adult who can supervise them and keep them sharp.

small paper cups - Turn them upside down and set car bodies on them while you paint them, and while they dry.

safety equipment - It should go without saying, but be sure to have earplugs, safety goggles, etc. available for anyone using power tools.

a section of track - Actually, it's a section of our old track that we kept just for this purpose. It helps first-timers see how the car is supposed to work, and it can be used to test unusual designs for fit. In theory, it could be used to test alignment/lubrication of finished cars, but almost no one has done that at our workshops.

So, what tools and supplies have been useful/popular at your derby workshops?
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gpraceman
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Re: Workshop Tools/Supplies

Post by gpraceman »

darin_mcgrew wrote:sanding sticks - Cut some scrap lumber into sticks approximately 1" by 1" by 8" and glue a strip of sandpaper to each stick. Extra coarse sandpaper (e.g., 40-grit) produces a cheap rasp for shaping.
We use the sanding boards that the ladies use to do their nails. One side is course and the other is more fine. They are great for those hard to reach places. With the sticks, the sandpaper can slide around.
darin_mcgrew wrote:So, what tools and supplies have been useful/popular at your derby workshops?
Here's some others to add to your list that we have found helpful to have at our workshops:
  • Weigh scale
  • Size test box
  • Track clearance tester
  • Car design templates - from Pinewood Derby Supersite
  • Blank templates, pencils, rulers, protractor, compass, and scissors for drawing and cutting out a design
  • Wheel mandrel
  • Spray bottle and a sanding block with wet/dry paper for sanding wheels
  • Fine steel wool for between coat sandings
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Darin McGrew
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Re: Workshop Tools/Supplies

Post by Darin McGrew »

gpraceman wrote:
darin_mcgrew wrote:sanding sticks - Cut some scrap lumber into sticks approximately 1" by 1" by 8" and glue a strip of sandpaper to each stick. Extra coarse sandpaper (e.g., 40-grit) produces a cheap rasp for shaping.
We use the sanding boards that the ladies use to do their nails. One side is course and the other is more fine. They are great for those hard to reach places. With the sticks, the sandpaper can slide around.
I had forgotten about the emery boards. Those are useful.

BTW, if you glue the strips of sandpaper to the sticks, then they won't slip around.
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Darin McGrew
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Re: Workshop Tools/Supplies

Post by Darin McGrew »

Gavin Chafin wrote:I find that one of the most valuable Pinewood Derby tools I have is an inexpensive, 150 watt worklight.
This is another essential for derby workshops. Many of the power tools are set up outside on the patio, and our "club night" workshops are after dark, so we get as many worklights as possible out there. We really like the kind that has a built-in spring clamp, because it's easy to clip those to the exposed rafters on the underside of the eaves, where the roof extends over the patio.
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fred
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Re: Workshop Tools/Supplies

Post by fred »

In addition to the templates - which are great!
We like to bring a box of old hotwheels cars for inspiration.
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Stan Pope
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Re: Workshop Tools/Supplies

Post by Stan Pope »

Nice idea about the HotWheels, Fred.

BTW, welcome aboard. Your likeness on your avatar is rather imposing. I suspect that it unnerves your fellow racers. :)
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Darin McGrew
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Re: Workshop Tools/Supplies

Post by Darin McGrew »

Another supply for the painting station (and possibly elsewhere):

Disposable gloves!
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Re: Workshop Tools/Supplies

Post by ExtremePWD »

For mixing epoxy we buy "popsicle" sticks in the craft section of WalMart. It seems like they were about a penny each. I also take old boxes and cut them into 6x6 squares or larger to mix epoxy and body putty on. Wax paper is also good so that adhesives and putty don't stick to it and it keeps the work surface clean.
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Re: Workshop Tools/Supplies

Post by twojakes »

Our Pack also provides youth oriented stickers for decoration. It only costs a few dollars, and the kids really enjoy them. You can buy combo packs of stickers at Walmart and Target stores.

TJs
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Re: Workshop Tools/Supplies

Post by Jthompson »

I am in need of advice on paint spraying. We have several air brushes but they tend to clog with small hands using them.

Can anyone recommend an air brush that is more forgiving and easier to change paint colors.

Thanks!
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Re: Workshop Tools/Supplies

Post by nosam116 »

Buy one of those $2 plastic handles that you can attach to a spray can. That setup is would be good enough for most boys. If you have a dad/son that want to do more, then pull them aside before/after a meeting to give advice.
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