Graphite is perhaps the most widely used and accepted Pinewood Derby lubricant out there. Molybdenum (Moly) is also used, both alone and more commonly, mixed with graphite. Graphite and graphite with moly are the best lubricants for your car.
What does graphite do for pinewood derby cars?
Powdered graphite is an excellent lubricant to reduce friction on pinewood derby axles. Why do you want to reduce friction on your axles? It’s simple physics; reduce friction to make your car faster. Stated another way, the fastest cars have the least friction.
How can I make my pinewood derby car better?
5 Quick & Easy Tips For Improving Your Pinewood Derby Car’s Speed
- Put all of your weight in the back.
- Lube the car at the body/wheel friction point.
- Spend a fair amount of time on axle prep.
- Make sure your wheels are ready.
- Finally, once your wheels are mounted, check their alignment.
What is the best graphite for pinewood derby?
Pinewood Pro’s dry powdered PRO Graphite is a special blend of ultra-fine natural graphite with sub-micron molybdenum disulfide (also known as “moly”) additive to give you the best graphite blend to minimize friction and make your car the fastest it can be.
Is graphite better than oil?
The greatest benefit to using graphite (rather than oil) is that the graphite leaves no sticky residue that may later attract dust. This is because the lubricating properties of graphite lie in its weak covalent bonds that allow the layers of graphite to “slide” on top of one another with very little resistance.
What do you spray graphite with?
Winsor & Newton Artists’ Fixative
This workable fixative is an excellent choice for artists who work in graphite, pastel, pencil, and chalk. It offers great smudge and dust protection after you spray over a layer, drying quite rapidly so you can lay down the next layer.
Is graphite good for car ignition?
Graphite lube is a great trick to unstick ignitions and door locks. Sometimes, when the steering wheel locks, you will have a hard time turning the key. In the heat of the moment frustrations take over and we can get a little rough turning the key and damage can occur.
What makes a fast pinewood derby car?
One of the most important ways to make a fast pinewood derby car is by adding weights. Because the cars are relatively light, they need to overcome friction and air resistance when navigating down the racetrack. Most modern tracks feature an initial slope followed by a long, flat section.
What does graphite lube do?
It creates a quick drying film that provides long-lasting lubrication. It’s recommended as a general maintenance lubricant on gaskets, transfer belts and conveyor belts. Also for use for high temperature, low load, locks, rollers, wheels, gears, chains and hoists.
Is it better to have more weight in front or back of pinewood derby?
PUT MOST OF THE WEIGHT IN THE BACK
Science says the heaviest part of your car should be about 1 inch in front of the rear axle. The idea is that the farther back the weight is, the more potential energy you have because your center of mass is higher up on the track.
Is Heavier better for pinewood derby?
Weight and Distribution
One of the most fundamental rules in the Pinewood Derby is the maximum weight limit of 5.000 ounces, or 141.643 grams. Simple physical principles dictate that a heavier car will run faster.
Should you bake your pinewood derby car?
Per the Pinewood Derby rules, the weight of the car shouldn’t exceed 5 ounces. One way to ensure your car doesn’t go over the weight limit is to bake the block! Naturally, wood holds water, and water adds weight. You’ll want to help your Scout by baking the block in an oven at 250 degrees for one hour.
Is graphite good for bearings?
Graphite does lack the durability needed for bearings, but alloying it with a metal such as copper, Babbitt, bronze, or nickel improves its strength and durability. Speed and load limits for graphite/metal alloy bearings are set by a conventional PV factor.
Do locksmiths use graphite?
Locksmiths have long used powdered graphite to lubricate the workings of locks, and if your key refuses to slide fully into the lock, you can do the same.
Do you grease graphite bearings?
Totally Self-Lubricating: No oil or grease required. The self-lubricating features allow bearings to be used where oiling is difficult, expensive to implement, and where grease/oil cannot be used. Excellent lubrication is achieved even under high loads at low speeds.
Can I mix graphite with oil?
Don’t mix graphite and Oil. They do not work well together and will make the car slower.
Does graphite feel greasy?
Graphite is extremely soft and breaks into thin flexible flakes that easily slide over one another, resulting in a greasy feel. Due to this, graphite is a good “dry” lubricant and can be used in applications where wet lubricants (like lubricating oil) cannot.
Which is better carbon or graphite?
Uses. The main difference between graphite and carbon fiber is the fact that graphite breaks apart easily while carbon fiber is strong. This difference explains why graphite works well in a pencil and carbon fiber works well in sports equipment, airplanes and the space shuttle.
Does hairspray set graphite?
If your paper goes yellow, then that is a bad sign. But yes – if you buy the correct type of hairspray, you can use it to set graphite-colored drawings.
How long does it take for graphite spray to dry?
It will also prevent buildup of debris, and will help pro long the life of your tools. Apply by cleaning the tool as close to bare metal as possible, and apply. Allow the coating to dry for at least 6 hours (24 hours recommended) and then they will be ready for use.
Can you put charcoal on top of graphite?
Charcoal and graphite can produce some interesting results with the combination of the matte of charcoal and the gloss of graphite. Charcoal produces a richer black than graphite and can be lightened by lifting color. It’s best used for rich, non-reflective darks when mixing with graphite or even a carbon pencil.