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How to add weight to our Python Pinewood Derby Car
Most pinewood derby rules limit your car's weight to 5 oz. You will have a speed advantage if you can get as close to the limit as possible. The Python block will need about 2.5 oz of additional weight to bring it up to 5 oz. Install the weights in your car before you paint it.
The first thing that you should do is weigh the block, and everytning else that will go on your car. Add enough weights until the total is 5 oz.
When your car is complete, weigh it again. If it is over 5 oz, drill a few holes in the bottom of the block about an inch behind the front axle to remove some wood.
Below are a few suggestions for adding weights to the python pinewood derby car.
Lead Wire Weights
Lead is toxic. Always use gloves when working with lead and make sure that none of the lead is exposed after you install it in the block.
When weighing the car and weights, use three weights that are approximately the same length. You can cut the weights with a hack saw, coping saw or wire cutters.
You will need:
- One set of Lead Wire Weights
- Drill and 5/16" drill bit
- Wood putty
- Sandpaper
- Hack saw, coping saw or wire cutters
- Clamp the car block on a flat surface.
- Using a 5/16" drill bit, drill three equally spaced holes into the back of the block at a slight up angle so that you do not drill through the top or bottom of the block.
- Remove the clamp from the block.
- Insert the weights in the holes. The end of the weights should be at least 1/8 inch in from the back of the block.This will leave room for the wood putty. Drill the holes slightly deeper if needed.
- Weigh the block, wheels, axles and weights again. Adjust the amount of weight if needed for 5 oz.
- Install the weights in the block and seal the weight holes with the wood putty. Allow to dry in a warm place for 12 hours.
- Sand the wood putty until smooth and flush with the car block.
You can now paint your car and add the wheels and axles.
If the completed car is less than 5 oz. drill one or more hole in the bottom of the car in front of the other weights and insert some of the leftover lead weight in the holes.
Tungsten Weights
Tungsten is very dense but it is more expensive than the other weights. The density gives you a speed advantage because more of the weight can be placed farther back on the car.
You can use a combination of cylinders and a flat weight for optimum results.
You will need:
- Four Tungsten Cylinders
- Tungsten Plate
- Fine Tune Cylinder
- Drill and 3/8" drill bit
- Wood putty
- Sandpaper
- Screw driver
- Clamp the pinewood derby block to a flat surface.
- Using a 3/8" drill bit, drill two holes straight into the back of the block The depth of the holes should be enough to hold two cylinders each plus any needed Fine Tune Cylinder.
- Remove the clamp from the block.
- Insert the weights in the holes. The end of the weights should be at least 1/8" into the end of the block. This will leave room for the wood putty. Drill the holes deeper if needed.
- Weigh the block, wheels, axles and weights again (don't forget the flat weight). Adjust the amount of weight if needed with the Fine Tune Weight.
- Fill the weight holes with the wood putty. Allow to dry in a warm place for 12 hours.
- Sand the wood putty until smooth and flush with the car block.
- Paint your car and add the wheels and axles.