Pinewood  Racer

One (1) Block, two (2) Axles, four (4) Wheels, and four (4) screws.

     The block of wood is made from either Sugar Pine or Basswood.  Both types of wood are used to make Wood Carvings.  The wood is easy to saw, file, and sand.  The grain pattern of the wood allows paint to go on evenly.

     

     For most children, a Pinewood Derby Car is the first time they have done any woodworking at all.  FOR MOST ADULTS HELPING A CHILD (read that last part twice!), making a Pinewood Derby Car is the first time since 7^th grade that the adult has done any woodworking.

     

     Having quality wood makes the Derby more enjoyable for the child and the adult helping the child.

     

     The notch that is cut out on the top of the block of wood is off center and not very deep.  The notch helps you design your car.  The "driver" can be in a car that has a long hood or maybe a rear engine design, or your design can even remove the notched area completely. 

     

     The two half-round cuts on the bottom of the block hold the dowels that act as the axles.  These axle cut-outs are ALWAYS parallel to each other.

     

     The axle is a 2" long dowel that has a hole in each end for the screws.  The dowels are specially made just for S & W Crafts.

     

     S & W Crafts has always used high-quality screws to hold on the wheels.  The screws have no knicks or burrs on the shanks and there is nothing to file off under the heads of the screws.  The screws have a zinc-chromate plating and require very little polishing.  The screws allow a Pinewood Derby Car to be "fine tuned" for racing.

     

     The wheels are made of high-impact plastic and are virtually unbreakable.  The hole in the center of the wheel where the screw is inserted is very smooth.  

     Who SHOULD use S&W Crafts Pinewood Derby Cars?

Boy Scouts, Royal Rangers, YMCA's, Boys & Girls Clubs, Girl Scouts, Caravans, Pathfinders, Pathlighters, AWANA, Cadets, CSB, Corporate Picnics, School Science Classes, Churches, City Parks & Recreation Departments, After School Programs, Birthday Parties, Child Day Care Facilities, VBS, Summer Day Camps.  If your group should be included in this list, please let us know!  

For the past 52 years that S&W Crafts has been making pinewood derby cars, we have NEVER (even though it's said you should never say never) had a group say that they preferred cars that use nails better than our cars that use screws, wooden dowel axles, and narrow wheels.

 

     Who SHOULD NOT use S&W Crafts Pinewood Derby Cars?

A Pinewood Derby runs the best when everyone uses the same type of car.  If you are with a Cub Scout organization (for example) that has always sent the fastest cars in your Pack into the District Finals, and the District race REQUIRES that you use cars purchased from the Scout Shop, then S&W Crafts derby racers may not be for you.  However, if you want the best Pinewood Derby car made for an adult and child to build together, then we have it!