If you desire to win your race, you really need to know how to put graphite on pinewood derby wheels the particular right way so you aren't stuck at the back again of the pack. It might seem like a small detail—just some black dirt, right? —but within a race exactly where a fraction of a second is the particular difference between a trophy along with a "thanks for coming, " your lubrication strategy is everything. Many people just smoke a little natural powder on the wheels and call it a day, yet that's not how you get the particular fastest car on the track.
You're looking intended for that smooth, glassy finish that lets the wheels spin and rewrite for days. If you it right, your own wheels will experience like they're flying. If you undertake it wrong, you may actually produce more friction compared to you started along with. Let's break down the process so your car actually includes a chance to smoke the competition.
Why Graphite is definitely the Go-To Lubricant
Before we get into the particular "how, " it's worth mentioning the reason why we use this particular messy black things in the first place. Most Pinewood Derby rules prohibit liquid oils mainly because they can crud up the plastic tracks or leak out. Graphite is a "dry" lubricant. On a microscopic degree, it's made associated with tiny flakes that will slide over each other.
When you apply it to your wheels and axles, you're basically creating a slippery "plating" that will prevents the plastic material wheel from snagging onto the metal axle. The key is obtaining those flakes to lay flat plus stay put. You aren't just putting powder on the car; you're burnishing it in to the surfaces.
Exactly what You'll Need to Get Started
Don't just grab the first tube associated with graphite you notice at the build store. If you can, find "extra fine" or "sub-micron" graphite. The smaller the particles, the better they'll fill in the tiny scratches on your axles and wheels.
You'll also need: * Your established wheels and axles (obviously). * A clean workspace (cover it with paper, because stuff will get everywhere). * A pipe cleaner or a small remove of soft paper. * A cordless drill (optional, but highly recommended for your break-in period). * Rubbing alcohol along with a lint-free cloth.
Prepping the Wheels and Axles First
You can't just jump directly into the graphite. In case there's oil from your fingers or manufacturing plant burrs on the metal, the graphite won't stick properly. Start by cleaning your axles along with a little rubbing alcohol. You desire those metal pins to be clean.
Verify the undersides associated with the axle brain for any small bits of metal left over through the manufacturing process. In case you notice a "flash" or perhaps a bump, sand this down with high-grit sandpaper until it's smooth. The same goes for the inside of of the wheel hubs—the "bore. " Make sure there's no plastic particles inside that may snag the axle. Once everything is definitely clean and smooth, don't touch the areas with your bare hands . The oils from your skin would be the enemy of a fast car.
How to Put Graphite on Pinewood Derby Wheels Step-by-Step
Now we're at the heart of it. This particular is the part most people hurry, but you're going to take your own time.
Covering the Axles
Start with the particular axles. Hold the axle by the directed end (the part that goes into the particular wood) and apply a generous amount of graphite to the shaft in which the wheel will sit. Using an item of soft document or even the clean finger (if you must), scrub the graphite into the metal. A person want to see the metal turn the dark, shiny gray. This is called burnishing . You're actually pressing the graphite flakes into the particular pores of the metallic. Keep accomplishing this until the axle appears like it's been plated in chrome-colored man made fibre.
Prepping the Wheel Bore
Next, move to the wheels. This is how most of the magic happens. Spray a healthy amount of graphite into the center hole (the bore) of the particular wheel. Don't be shy here. Include both ends of the hole and after that use a pipe cleaner or the rolled-up piece of document to move the powder around.
The objective isn't just to have loose powder sitting inside. A person want to coating the entire inner surface. Once you've moved it around, provide a little tap to topple out the extra. You want a thin, even level that's been pushed against the plastic walls.
Wedding ceremony of Wheel and Axle
Right now, slide the steering wheel onto the axle. At this point, you've got graphite on the axle and graphite within the wheel. This is where most people quit, but you're just halfway done. To really make it fast, you will need to "break it in. "
Keep the axle strongly and spin the wheel. It might feel a bit gritty or "slow" at first. That's normal! The graphite flakes are nevertheless bumping into each other. While you spin and rewrite it, those flakes start to flatten out and line-up. Keep spinning. Rewrite it for the minute or two simply by hand, or if you would like to be a pro, use the drill.
The particular Secret "Break-In" Method
If you really would like to know how to put graphite on pinewood derby wheels for maximum rate, you have to use the drill technique. Put the final associated with the axle into the chuck of your drill (carefully, don't crush the threads in case you have them). Hold the wheel lightly with your fingertips and pulse the drill.
Warning: Don't move full speed regarding five minutes or even you'll melt the plastic wheel. You just want sufficient speed and scrubbing to heat the particular graphite slightly and "lock" it into the plastic bore. Perform short bursts associated with 10 seconds, allow it to cool, and do it again. You'll notice the wheel starts to spin longer plus longer each time.
Right after about five rounds of the, add a single more tiny puff of graphite plus spin it again. You've now developed a "film" of lubricant that's much more effective than just loose powder.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One particular of the greatest blunders is combining lubricants. If a person used a tiny fall of oil previously in the construct, and then you add graphite, you're going to finish up with the sticky paste that will acts like glue. It's a total disaster. If a person suspect there's any oil on your own parts, clean them again with alcoholic beverages before the graphite touches them.
Another mistake is definitely over-applying right prior to the race. As soon as you've done the break-in process and assembled the car, cease touching it . You don't need to keep incorporating more powder every five minutes. Within fact, adding "fresh" graphite right before the particular heat can actually deter you for the particular first run since the flakes haven't been flattened out there yet. Your quickest run will generally be your second or third, right after the graphite provides "settled. "
Final Assembly and Handling
Once your wheels and axles are completely graphited and re-writing like crazy, it's time to put them on the car. Be incredibly careful here. When you get wooden glue or color near that axle hole, it's video game over.
When you drive the axles straight into the car entire body, try not to tip the car over so the graphite falls out. Keep the car level. When the wheels are on, give them one particular last spin to ensure everything is aligned.
From this level on, treat the vehicle like it's made from glass. Don't let people touch the wheels. Actually the tiniest bit of moisture from someone's breath or hands can result in the graphite to clump. If a person have to travel the car, put it in the box in which the wheels aren't touching anything.
Wrapping This Up
Understanding how to put graphite on pinewood derby wheels isn't just about making a mess—it's regarding precision. It's the particular difference between a car that rolls and a vehicle that flies. Simply by cleaning your components, burnishing the graphite into the surfaces, and spending some time to correctly break them in along with a drill or even long hand-spinning sessions, you're giving your scout the perfect advantage.
It takes the bit of tolerance and your hands will definitely be tarnished black by the end associated with the night, however when you see that car cross the finish off line first, you'll know it has been worth the energy. Keep in mind: clean, layer, burnish, and spin. Do those four things, and you'll become the one everybody else is attempting to catch!