Designing a Spider Pinewood Derby Car for 2023

What is a Pinewood Derby?

A Pinewood Derby is a race of miniature cars crafted by the participants. This competition is especially popular among the Boy Scouts of America who build their cars out of kits that include a block of pine wood, plastic wheels, and metal axles. The cars are then raced against one another on a sloped track.

How to Design a Spider Pinewood Derby Car

Designing a spider Pinewood Derby car is no different from designing any other type of car for this competition. The main difference comes from the fact that a spider Pinewood Derby car has an extra set of legs and a body that mimics a spider.

Step 1: Choosing Your Block of Wood

The first step of building a spider Pinewood Derby car is to choose the block of wood that you will use as the body of the car. To make sure that your car runs smoothly, you should choose a block of wood that is free from knots and splinters.

Step 2: Cutting Out Your Car

Once you have chosen the block of wood, you can begin to cut out the shape of your car. Use a utility knife to cut out the body of the car, as well as the four legs.

Step 3: Sanding and Finishing

After you have cut out the shape of your car, it is time to sand it down. This will help to ensure that the car is smooth and ready for painting. Once the sanding is complete, you can use paint or stain to give the car a unique look.

Step 4: Adding the Wheels and Axles

The next step is to add the wheels and axles to your car. Make sure that the wheels are firmly secured to the car, and that the axles are firmly attached to the wheels. This will help to ensure that your car runs smoothly on the track.

Step 5: Adding the Weight

The last step is to add the weight to your car. The Boy Scouts of America recommends that each car weigh no more than five ounces. You can use weights such as lead shot, tungsten, or even coins to add weight to your car.

Conclusion

Designing a spider Pinewood Derby car can be a fun and rewarding project for any Scout or car enthusiast. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a car that is sure to win the race!