Book Review: Pinewood Derby Designs & Patterns
By Chuck CageSummary
Toolmonger wholeheartedly recommends Pinewood Derby Designs & Patterns to anyone looking to introduce their children to woodworking and the shop via building a ‘Derby car. This book will serve as an excellent guide to the entire process, and will dramatically improve your chances of turning out a winning car — regardless of your past carving and woodworking experience.
Plus, we’re happy to tell you that Troy is a first-class guy — and parent. We got a chance to hang out with him at Maker Faire Austin recently, and saw many of the cars pictured in the book in action. They’re fast, and Troy’s just as nice in person as his writing makes him sound. Listen for him on the Tool Talk podcast soon. He’s now Toolmonger’s Pinewood Derby expert.
DerbyDesigns.com [Fox Chapel Publishing]
Pages: 1 2
November 8th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
When I was a kid, we used to have a few things that would reliably make the car faster:
Polish the axles, sand down the seam on the wheels.
Get it as close to the max weight as possible. (My dad even built a custom jig to route a slot for the weights in the bottom of the car).
Get the wheels square.
Also, lots of graphite.
All that said, I had a lot more fun building cars than racing them. I always worry about books like this, because I think if someone pulls a pattern out of a book and follows a step by step guide to build a fast car, they are missing the point.
November 8th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
I entered a pinewood derby at work last year. Made my car the night before with a hammer and a large knife (used it like a chisel). Came in second I believe.
Aside from some really amusing tricks that I heard about either at the race or while researching (using a container of mercury for your weight for example), it seemed like the only design worth doing to win was a flat, heavy car just thick enough to hold the wheels in place and as long a wheel base as possible. After that it was the little touches for speed (polishing and squaring. the three wheel trick if you want to be really anal).
All that said, I’m not sure I really see the need for a full book on this topic.
November 8th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Let me rephrase that.
A large book for how to do it? No so sure.
A short book on the topic? Ok, I can see that
A book on some of the tricks and borderline cheats and innovative ideas people have done and more of a History of the Challenge type of thing? That could be a fun read
Never too young to learn that the greatest joy in racing is making them change the rule book the following year
November 8th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Make the wheels square? I wasn’t even winning with them round! Seriously, though, the Cub Scout Packs really need to implement a Dad class. Let your kid’s car be your kid’s car and compete with the other fathers directly, not through proxy.
My son just finished the “Raingutter Regatta” which is the boat version of the Pinewood Derby. The boats fell into two categories, dad-built and kid-built. Admittedly, my son’s boat was 50% dad and 50% son, as I didn’t feel comfortable turning over the sanding sealer and Krylon to a 7-year old. He did the shaping, sanding and detail painting, though. Most likely, the execution of most of the designs in the book will reduce the boy’s contribution to near nil.
This book seems to be an avenue through which the dad will take over the whole process, and defeats the spirit of the Pinewood Derby. Maybe they should re-title it “Taking Over Kid’s Games for Competitive Jerks.” (I’m sure its on the reading list for guys who scream and threaten little league umpires) However, the kits are available in hobby shops, so if you’re the kind of guy who gets into this kind of thing unofficially, more power to you, weirdo.
November 8th, 2007 at 6:31 pm
PeterP: I totally understand where you’re coming from, and I really wanted to make it clear that this isn’t one of those kind of books. It’s more of a step-by-step for how to learn to carve via a specific project than a “make this car then you’re done” instruction set. And it’s not just about making a fast car, either. It’s about making a car that you really love and learning some great shop skills and concepts in the process.
Blind: It’s also a relatively small book. It’s not pedantic in the least, and it has lots and lots of pictures. Your kids will enjoy the book as much as you do.
kif: I guess I failed to make it clear in the review — this book is all about doing the project with your kids. It’s about helping them learn about the shop and how things work, and helping them to put a lot of themselves into the car. That’s why I included the quoted section on weigh-in in the review. It’s a great example of how the whole book’s written to encourage you to work on the project together.
One thought, though: I guess we’re weirdos. Sean and I got a big kick out of seeing the cars the author built, and we’re really tempted to try our hands at it just for the hell of it.
November 8th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Chuck: I made the weirdo comment tongue-in-cheek, as I certainly wouldn’t exclude myself from that characterization. Anyone who watches raptly a video shed being built and demolished, or listens attentively to a discussion on veneer can relate.
Involving young people in shop work is commendable, and the only time I’m not shadowed in the garage is when my son is away from the house. I just think that the dads should be honest with themselves and indulge their obvious need to make a pinewood car of their own. Their kid will learn by watching then turn around and make their very own they can be proud of. Also, I can guarantee that you don’t need a book like this to get a boy interested in what you are doing. Most boys can hear wrenches clanking and will appear like magic. My son often appears with a couple of friends.
November 9th, 2007 at 8:24 am
Our Pack has a Dad and Sibling Race. The car that won the Dad race last year was just the pinewood block sanded smooth, urethaned and all the speed tricks, smooth wheels, long wheelbase, etc. That thing was unbeatable. Til this year!
November 9th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Yes, I think you should make a real event of it. When I was a kid, the Pinewood Derby was something you anticipated like Christmas. We had digital timers, electromagnetic starting gates, and a beautifully built track (and this was in the late 1970s!) A dad and sibling class is an excellent idea. There should also be side contests for design, so that the kid who enters something really cool and original rather than the optimized configuration has a chance for glory too. There are a lot of kids involved in this from dad-less households who must either find an adult helper or be extremely creative. Be inclusive! It’s a right of passage of boyhood!
November 9th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
Kif, I think you said the magic words as far as I’m concerned: “Be inclusive!” ‘Nuff said!
November 9th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Kif,
I understand what your saying. This book is geared towards the parents that don’t have a wood shop and kids that don’t get to experience the craft of woodworking. In this day and age of computers, internet and video games it’s hard to get your child’s attention. I wanted this book to excite those kids and get them working with wood.
I want you to read the book’s introduction. I think you’ll see where I’m coming from:
Building a car together
Spending time with your child is one of the most important aspects of participating in the Pinewood Derby. It’s also important to be aware of what you and your child can learn from building a car together. Though some may seem obvious, following a few simple principles will help make the Pinewood Derby a truly rewarding experience for both of you.
Work as a team.
Find a way for your child to participate in every step of the process. The best way to accomplish this is to let him perform as many steps as possible. Teach by example whenever you can. For instance, you might show your child how to complete a step of the process on one side of the car and then allow him to do the same step on the other side of the car. If he is unable to complete the step by himself, assist him but be sure he participates as much as possible. Some steps must be performed by an adult for safety reasons. Even in these situations, try to find some way to safely involve your child in the work you do.
Whether or not he can perform a particular step, encourage your child to work closely by your side so he can see exactly what you are doing. You may want to provide something safe for him to stand on so he can be at your eye level. Ask questions, such as “Do both sides look even?” to help keep him focused on the task even if he isn’t physically doing the work. The more steps your child understands and participates in, the more he will feel as if he is a part of the process.
Let your child help decide which body style to make.
Your child will feel more connected to his car if you allow him to be creative and influence its design. This book provides several patterns for all skill levels. Look through the designs with your child and decide on one together. Consider the level of woodworking experience needed before you commit to building a specific car. Also, review the tools and supplies you’ll need for each body style before choosing.
Let your child pick the color and detail options.
If he wants to add detail, such as a steering wheel, stickers, or decals, encourage him to express his creativity in this area. Allow him to place them on the car. Putting your child in charge of different aspects of the project shows him that you value his judgment.
Teach skills and techniques as you work.
Building a Pinewood Derby car with your child is a great way to develop woodworking and math skills. Go over all of the tools and their uses with your child and help him understand how they work. When it’s time to actually build the car, remember to teach by example and to allow your child to learn at his own pace. You might show him how to hold the coping saw and then let him make the cuts on the car by imitating the position and techniques you’ve demonstrated. Always encourage your child: Be quick with praise and downplay small mistakes.
Make it fun.
The Pinewood Derby is a great opportunity for you and your child to create a special bond as you work together to build the car. Give yourself enough time so you and your child don’t feel rushed or overwhelmed. Remember, building a Pinewood Derby car should be a fun experience for both of you.”
Thanks, Troy Thorne
November 10th, 2007 at 12:56 am
Troy: It looks good, like a lot of things I see here on Toolmonger. I ordered a copy from BN.com, as well as the “Pinewood Derby Speed Secrets.” I look forward to reading them both. The pack calendar says the derby is in February, so it is probably a wise investment. Thank you for your response. If all goes well maybe I can send a picture of our car through your publisher.
April 7th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Troy,
I bought your Pinewood derby designs and patterns book and I built the “Dog House” slim racer that you featured in the back of the book. It looks great. Now I want to paint and apply decals similar to the ones you show in your book. Where did you find the “dog house” decal designs and the “paw print” decals?