SKL Posted November 30, 2018 Share Posted November 30, 2018 The kids' pinewood derby is January 10, a couple days after we return from vacation. We leave home on December 25. Between now and then we are very busy. I don't have any power tools other than a drill. I tried to find any kind of workshop type activity where you can bring your kid and make something using their equipment, but could find none. My dad made kind of a big fuss about cutting the wood for my girls last time, so I am not too keen on making him do it again. What are my realistic options? Is there any kind of tool (or combination thereof) that I can buy for cheap and use to cut a pine wood block into a shape? Or, do you know of any service where people can come and use woodworking tools for a small fee or as a workshop type arrangement (with training)? Also - I don't think this tool would do the pinewood derby car, but would this be a good gift for a 12yo who likes woodworking but doesn't have any tools? https://smile.amazon.com/Cool-Tool-Multi-Function-Woodworking-Wood/dp/B005OM0LZ8/ref=pd_ybh_a_14?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=C9ZJGDY5AK0FA5VPC0WE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted November 30, 2018 Share Posted November 30, 2018 (edited) This kit maybe https://m.lowes.com/pd/Dremel-Kid-s-Beginner-Dremel-Pinewood-Derby-Project-Kit/50331041 I have a wood carving kit so that works too though it takes longer but my kids were doing for fun and not to compete. link on how to use the coping saw https://www.abc-pinewood-derby.com/coping-saw.php article: How to Make a Fast Pinewood Derby Car https://boyslife.org/hobbies-projects/projects/2952/speed-secrets/ If Lowe’s is near to you, check if they have the pinewood derby day event. Description of the 2016 event quoted below “What are Dremel Pinewood Derby Days? Your local Lowe’s store will host Pinewood Derby car clinics to share tips and tricks for making the fastest cars on race day. Everyone who attends gets: A how-to demonstration Step-by-step instructions for building a car A Pinewood Derby Days patch That’s all for the low, low price of free! When are Dremel Pinewood Derby Days? Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016 Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016 Be sure to give your store a call prior to attending to verify that one is taking place at your Lowe’s location.” https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2016/01/04/dremel-pinewood-derby-days-lowes-champions-born-least-lot-fun/ Edited November 30, 2018 by Arcadia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saw Posted November 30, 2018 Share Posted November 30, 2018 Is your goal to go for speed or design? DSs and I managed fine for a few years with a basic saw and a drill, but the goal was having the fastest not funkiest car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherry in OH Posted November 30, 2018 Share Posted November 30, 2018 What is your pack/troop's policy on pre-cut blocks? I've seen the basic wedge shape at BSA Scout Shops. Hobby Lobby, Michaels, and other craft stores have more elaborate designs. Using one of these kits would eliminate the need for a saw. A Dremel would still be handy, although sandpaper and, depending on car design, wood chisels would suffice. My sons' pack required that an official BSA kit be used. But, the pack also held a workshop night where scouts and siblings could bring their blocks to be rough cut. Have you asked your daughters' leaders for assistance? Perhaps another scout parent would be willing to help. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkTulip Posted November 30, 2018 Share Posted November 30, 2018 This may not be helpful, but we had one year that was just nuts with surgeries and other major life events, so my son just painted his rectangular block to look like a Hershey bar and attached the wheels. Of course, it was the slowest car, but he got a lot of accolades for creativity. DS loved it and thought it was so fun. We had so much else going on that the Pinewood Derby wasn’t too high on the priority list that year. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted November 30, 2018 Share Posted November 30, 2018 @SKL that tool looks neat, but I wonder how long it would last. Do you have a Woodcraft store near you? I wonder if you could talk to a manager and see if they have a regular customer who might help you out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted November 30, 2018 Share Posted November 30, 2018 I assume you are doing the derby as part of a group, what about seeing if someone is willing to help? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2scouts Posted November 30, 2018 Share Posted November 30, 2018 I coping saw will work just fine. Our Pack had rules against precut cars because working with a parent or other adult to cut and paint is an important part of the experience. It's OK if it doesn't look great. When my dh was Cubmaster, he set up a corner at a Pack meeting where boys could use tools or get some help with their cars. Single moms and boys without much help at home really appreciated being able to take their cars to a meeting and get some help. Maybe someone in your Pack would be willing to do this.~Surviver of TWENTY-TWO or more Pinewood Derby cars 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted November 30, 2018 Share Posted November 30, 2018 A basic jigsaw is $40-50. That’s totally worth 3 hours of trying to handcut something. Dont forget to hollow underneath to add weights and putty. You will want a cheap gram scale ($10 on amazon) so you can preweight it and then some moldable putty day of the race to add if you are a bit below weight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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