How to Build A Car Stand
How to Build a Pinewood Derby Car Stand
Diagram of a pinewood derby stand #1
Instructions to make derby stand #1
Below are the steps to build the pinewood derby car stand diagramed above...
- Cut a 1"x3" board down to a 1"x2" and a 1"x1" for the top and post.
- Shave a saw blade width off of the resulting 1"x2" with a table saw for the top.
- Cut the 1"x2" into 2" sections.
- Cut the 1"x1" into 4" sections.
- Cut the 4" sections into 2 sections using a 45 degree miter.
- Shave a 45 degree face off of the 1"x3" on the table saw or router for the name plate.
- Cut the 1"x3" into 3" sections.
- Drill the Top at a 45 degree angle for a screw into the post.
- Drill the top and bottom of the post for a screw.
- Drill the bottom for a screw into the post
Each stand requires 5" of 1x3 so an 8' long 1x3 should make 18 stands. Depending on the type of wood used this can be a very inexpensive stand even if you get brass plates for the base.
Additionally, we make finishing the stand a woodworking project for the scouts. They have to sand the pieces, put the stand together with two screws and varnish it (this usually takes one den meeting and can be counted toward advancement).
Pinewood Derby Car Stand #2 (simpler!)
We also made a simpler stand out of three pieces of wood (pictured below), a 1"x3" for the base, a 2"x4" for the upright and a 1"x2" for the top to hold the car. This stand only required one angle cut in the 2"x4" do the car mounted at an angle.
This only requires four screws, two on the bottom and two on the top.
Pinewood derby stand kit
(only requires four screws!)
Completed pinewood derby car stand
...just apply stain and you're done!
Enjoy!...hope this helps.
Pinewood Pro Winner's Circle
We downloaded Winning Pinewood Derby Secrets a couple of weeks ago and began working. Today, we won first place overall in our Pack!!! - Brad, CA
Jonah's car won 1st place in his Den, first place in the Pack and I couldn't believe it but he also won for Best looking car! - Thomas, WV
You Rock!! My Wolf Scout won First Place for Speed. Your axles, wheels and winning secrets won the day. - Daniel, AZ
Winning Tips and Hints
Pinewood Derby
Tips & Hints
Make your car slim. If your car is too chunky, there will be lots of weight in the wood, leaving less weight for your weights. You want lots of weight so you can move the center of gravity to the optimal point to maximize inertia.
Pinewood Derby
Wheels Tip
If you have a bad wheel and you don't have time to replace it, Raise that Wheel so it doesn't touch the track. Since it doesn't touch the track, it won't have any negative affect on your car's speed.
Pinewood Derby
Winning Hint
Winning Pinewood Derby Secrets contains all the tips you need to win your race. Updated annually with the latest tips and speed products, our book has proven results with 1000's of winners... but don't take our word for it! Read over 90 Customer Reviews and check out our Winners Gallery!