What tool will give your Pinewood Derby car that winning edge? Every young builder dreams of a fast, sleek car that zooms across the track. But before the paint dries and the wheels spin, you need to shape that block of wood. Choosing the right saw to cut your Pinewood Derby car is a big first step. Many parents and kids feel stuck staring at different saws, unsure which one offers the best mix of power, safety, and precision.
Picking the wrong saw can lead to wobbly cuts, wasted wood, or even frustrating delays. You want clean lines for better aerodynamics, not jagged edges! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly which saws experienced builders trust for shaping their speed machines.
Keep reading to discover the top saw options perfect for your next Pinewood Derby project. By the end, you will confidently select the best cutting tool to transform that plain block into a champion contender!
Top Saw To Cut Pinewood Derby Car Recommendations
- book woodworking
- COUNTRY OF ORIGIN CN
- David Meade (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 120 Pages - 10/15/2006 (Publication Date) - Fox Chapel Publishing (Publisher)
- Ditch the tools and jump straight into the design of your Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Car.
- Each pre-cut car body comes sanded to 220 grit and is ready for paint, wheels, etc.—giving you and your Scout more time to get creative.
- Building the Fastest Pinewood Derby Car Book, by Troy Thorne
- Troy Thorne (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- DERBY CAR KIT: 8 Pieces Pinewood Axles and 1 bottle of 40ml graphite lubricating powder (weight: 0.5 oz)
- OPTIMAL DESIGN: The contact zone between the axle head and the top of a wheel has been optimized for speed vs. wear. This ensures smoother rotation and longer-lasting performance during races
- DUAL-GROOVE DESIGN: The double-groove structure is engineered to reduce friction while providing space to store lubrication powder. During motion, graphite powder settles into the grooves and stays in place, ensuring continuous lubrication throughout the race. This thoughtful design boosts both speed and consistency on the track
- COMPATIBLE WITH MOST DERBY CARS: Each axle measures approximately 25.3mm (1 inches) in length, making them compatible with most Pinewood car. You can easily install them on your derby car without any hassle.
- GRAPHITE LUBRICANT: Graphite lubricant is a must-have for reducing friction and enhancing the performance of a Derby car. This dry, fine powder is applied to the wheel axles and inner hubs to create a slick, low-resistance surface. By minimizing metal-to-metal contact, graphite lubricant helps the wheels spin more freely, boosting speed and durability
- Compliant: This Scout derby car body is made from the Official BSA car block, so it meets all pinewood derby race specifications. You can approach race day with confidence!
- Prepped for Weights: There are two pre-drilled ⅜” holes in the rear of the derby car body for cylinder weights. The body weighs around 2.5 oz, so you’ll need 2 to 2.5 oz of weight to hit the limit.
- Aerodynamic: The cool silhouette of this pre-cut pine derby car makes it fully aerodynamic as it races on a pinewood derby track. Add your own weights, wheels, and axles, and you’re ready to compete.
- Classic Design: Modeled after the Chevrolet Corvette, Pinewood Pro’s pre-cut pine derby car body gives a nod to the American icon with its strategic curves and angles.
- Fully Customizable: The wood body of the Corvette-style derby car requires minimal sanding before designing the exterior aesthetic. From there, add paint, decals, and accessories to your liking.
- Patented and Precise: Drill axle holes to create perfectly straight holes or 2.5 degree angled axle holes for speed advantages. You’ll love the clever design of this patented drilling jig.
- Excellent Visibility: Drill new axle holes or drill into existing pine derby car axle slots using the exclusive View Port. It’s easy to see through the tool for simple alignments.
- Speed Advantages: Reduce friction and achieve greater speed by drilling 2.5 degree angled axle holes to cant your derby car axles. You can also drill a hole for a raised wheel for an even faster car!
- Stability Improvements: Using this drill block guide to create an extended wheelbase will improve your derby car’s stability, providing it with a race-day edge as it zooms down the derby track.
- Adaptable: The easy slide adjustment of this drill block guide fits any derby car block. It includes instructions and a 2.2 mm drill bit for easy axle insertion.
- Quick and Easy: Applying these stick-on weights is simple. Easily cut and shape the adhesive weights with scissors, then remove the backing, and apply directly to your derby car.
- Non-Toxic: The flex weight is designed with materials that are safe for children and are non-toxic. Have peace of mind while letting young ones experiment with weight and placement.
- Customizable: Cut and shape it with scissors, or drill holes into it. Paint it. Add stickers. Camouflage the weights or make them stand out -Just make sure they're giving your car a speed boost!
- Super Strong: The strong adhesive on these weights for Pinewood Derby racing is a 3M adhesive, so there’s no need to worry about them coming loose after application.
- Trustworthy Density: Each strip is made from a composite material with the density of lead and a lower cost than zinc. Trim, peel, stick, and you’re ready to race - safely!
- ACCURATELY MOUNT YOUR AXLES - Mounting your axles is the first step to reaching top speed!
- BUILT IN GAP GAUGE - The Pro Axle Guide comes with a built in gap gauge that helps set the proper wheel to body clearance.
- SPEED AXLES - Not your standard official scout out of the pinewood car kit axles. Accurate, round shaft to improve performance.
- LESS WORK FOR YOU - No burrs and crimp marks, eliminating tedious work. Also creates a faster more consistent derby car.
- HERE TO HELP - Maximum Velocity has been serving the Pine Derby community for 20 years. All our products are tested and proven to help you reach Maximum Velocity!
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Sawing Your Way to a Winning Pinewood Derby Car
Building a fast Pinewood Derby car starts with the right wood. Pinewood Derby kits usually come with a block of pine. This guide helps you choose the best saw to shape that block into a champion racer!
Key Features to Look For in a Pinewood Derby Saw
When you pick a saw, think about what you need to cut. You need precision for speed and safety for building.
- Blade Type: Look for fine-toothed blades. Finer teeth create smoother cuts. Smooth cuts mean less sanding later.
- Size and Portability: Small saws work best for small pine blocks. A small hand saw or a small power tool like a scroll saw is often ideal.
- Ease of Use: Since many builders are kids, the saw must be easy for small hands to manage safely.
- Blade Versatility: Can the saw handle curves and straight lines? Derby cars need both.
Important Materials for Your Saw
The material of the saw, especially the blade, affects how well it cuts the soft pinewood.
- Blade Material: High-carbon steel blades hold their edge longer. This keeps your cuts clean, even after cutting several cars.
- Handle Material: A sturdy handle made of wood or durable plastic gives you a good grip. A comfortable grip prevents slippage.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The saw you choose directly impacts the quality of your final car design. Good tools help you build better.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Sharpness: A very sharp blade cuts the wood cleanly. Clean cuts reduce wood tearing.
- Stability: If you use a power saw, make sure it stays steady while cutting. Vibration makes the line wobble.
- Fine Kerf (Blade Width): A thinner blade removes less wood. This means you keep more of your valuable weight for adding ballast later.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Dull Blades: Dull blades tear the wood fibers. This results in rough edges that slow the car down.
- Thick Blades: If the blade is too thick, it wastes wood and makes precise shaping harder.
- Poor Control: If you cannot control the saw, your cuts will be crooked. Crooked cuts ruin the aerodynamics.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about who is using the saw and what kind of car shape they want.
Use Cases:
- Beginner Builder (Ages 6-10): A simple coping saw or a small hand-powered scroll saw works well. These saws allow adults to guide the process safely.
- Advanced Builder: A small electric scroll saw or band saw provides the fastest, most accurate curves for complex designs.
The user experience is much better when the saw cuts smoothly. If the saw binds or requires too much pushing force, the builder gets frustrated. A good saw feels like it is pulling itself through the wood.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pinewood Derby Saws
Q: What is the best type of saw for a beginner?
A: A simple coping saw is often the best choice for beginners. It is cheap and easy for an adult to help guide the cuts.
Q: Do I need a power saw to win?
A: No, you do not need a power saw. Many champions use only hand tools. Precision and weight placement matter more than the power of the saw.
Q: Can I use a regular kitchen knife to cut the wood?
A: Absolutely not. Never use a kitchen knife. It is very dangerous and will not cut the wood properly.
Q: How fine should the teeth on the blade be?
A: Look for blades with 15 to 20 teeth per inch (TPI). Finer teeth give you a cleaner finish on the pine.
Q: Will cutting curves help my car go faster?
A: Yes, shaping the car into a sleek, aerodynamic shape helps reduce air resistance. Curves allow for better shaping than just a square block.
Q: How do I prevent the wood from splitting when I saw near the edge?
A: Cut slowly and support the wood firmly on a workbench. If you are using a power saw, clamp the wood down securely.
Q: What material works best for cutting the pine block?
A: Pine is soft, so most standard wood-cutting blades work fine. Ensure the blade is sharp to avoid crushing the wood fibers.
Q: Is it okay if the saw blade bends during the cut?
A: If the blade bends too much, it can snap. This usually means you are pushing too hard or the blade is too thin for the speed you are cutting.
Q: How important is the saw’s handle?
A: The handle is very important for safety and control. A non-slip, ergonomic handle helps you maintain a steady line.
Q: Should I sand the wood before or after I saw the shape?
A: You should saw your rough shape first. Then, you sand the edges smooth after cutting to prepare the surface for painting and polishing.