Pinewood Derby 101:
Scout Tips and Tricks
Your Racer just received a block of wood, four wheels, axles, and some stickers….
Now what?
We suggest starting by asking your Racer “So, what are we building this year?” Let the brainstorming begin! The ideas come fast and furious, and you then merely need to guide their ideas into something that you can actually build.
The most important thing to remember is to let the Racer do as much as possible in the design, creation and “tuning” of their car. The more they do, the more they enjoy the Pinewood Derby. It is amazing how much energy, enthusiasm and pride can go into a small block of wood!
The following are a few helpful hints to remember when designing your derby car.
How long does it take?
While it is possible to complete a derby car in just a few days, we recommend that you do a little bit each weekend over the course of several weeks. The following is a sample three-week car building schedule:
Week One:
plan, draw, design your car
make initial cuts (with adult supervision as appropriate)
Week Two:
sand and refine car to desired shape
paint and decorate car
Week Three:
prepare and install wheels and axles
add weight
glue axles in place and lubricate wheels
Do I need Special Tools?
The wood used for Pinewood Derby cars is a soft pine, and can be easily cut using a coping saw, while more complex designs using curves and angles may require the use of a scroll saw or band saw. Once the car has been cut all the remaining work can be done using sandpaper, paint and imagination.
At our Car Carve Night we will have two cutting tools being operated by Pack Leaders as well as sanding paper for Scouts to begin getting their car ready for paint & imagination! The car kit comes with wheels and axles so paint and weights such as washers may need to be purchased.
Where do I get design ideas?
We have a large variety of sample car designs available at our Car Carve Night along with carbon paper for transferring the outline to the block of wood. Scouts are encouraged to choose a favorite design to then sketch the outline onto their derby car – both top and side views. They can then have their car cut by one of our leaders at Car Carve Night or by a parent/adult at home using the sketched-on template as a guide to cut the car.
You can also find many design ideas by simply performing an internet search on “Pinewood Derby Car Designs”. Additional derby car plans available for purchase can be found at various web sites.
Need Extra Help?
No problem! Come on over to one of our Tuesday night Build Sessions-free with registration- from 6:30-7:30pm in the Meeting Hall at First Christian Church in Silverton and a member of leadership or an experienced Scout can help.
You can also view some of our examples on our Facebook page or reach out to us directly by email. Hopefully this is a helpful starting point for you - happy racing!