In our house, the pinewood derby prep typically starts over Christmas break and spans a few weeks. It all begins with a sketch on paper that is transferred to the block of wood. Then Mason and Bill cut it out with a coping saw and use a power sander to clean up the rough edges. Since pinewood derby cars start as simple blocks of wood weighing 1.5 – 3.5 ounces but they need to be as close as 5.0 ounces for competition, they drill out holes in the back and hollow out a spot on the underside to drop in weights. The wheel grooves get prepped with tape before applying several coats of paint. All the painting is done over several days so the car can dry fully before the wheels are hammered on. When all is said and done, it sits patiently on the mantel waiting for its first run at our pinewood derby.
Our days of Pinewood derby days are over. (although I think at least two family members volunteered with the old pack this year)