Pinewood Derby Car

[joliverson]

I inherited a 20" shopsmith scroll saw (model 555272). I just bought and installed the new blade change system. I should have bought the blades when I bought the blade change system, but I didn't because I thought my local hardware store might have some. Unfortunately they only have pin end ones.

I need some advice on what kind to buy. My first project is building a pinewood derby car with my daughter. Can anyone chime in with the blades I need?

Thanks,
Jody

[nuhobby]

I'm actually no longer a scroll-saw owner, but I had heard one recommendation to use a blade tooth-pitch which keeps about 3-4 teeth inside the thickness of wood you are using. Basically to avoid using too fine-pitched a blade inside too thick of a slab. This is what I try to do with my other saws (bandsaws, coping saws, jigsaws) and it seems to be good advice.

Chris

[roy_okc]

Here is a set of pinless blades that are supposed to be much better quality than you'd find in typical hardware stores, if you found pinless locally: https://www.amazon.com/Reverse-Flying-D ... B0070FWOO8.

[reible]

If you are in a rush the pins can be driven out pretty easily.

I've never made a pinewood derby car but the ones I've seen seem a bit wide to cut with the scroll saw???????????

Ed

[berry]

While Flying Dutchman brand blades are often regarded as the best, I prefer Olson brand. Pegas is another brand that comes up often among those who do a lot scroll/fret work. The size depends and the kind of radius and thickness you'll be cutting. But unless the radius is really small under 1/8" you should be able to work with a #5 or #6 blade. I'm pretty sure you can get Olson at Rockler, Woodcraft or Ace Hardware.

I know there is a website dedicated to scrolling pine wood derby cars. I thought it was way over the top. The derby is for kids to have fun and learn a little about woodworking. Don't forget to use a little graphite on the axles and to keep the weight up near the legal limit. Good luck.

[recurvearcher]

I've always found the Olson and SS brand blades to work well. The wood used in a Pinewood car is soft, so any blade should work. Go with a fine blade for less sanding.
In my son's Scout Troop the Pinewood Derby was a big event and a great day of fun. Here's some advice FWIW:
Let your daughter design the car and build as much as is safe.
Get a copy of the rules, adjust the design and build to meet them, no fun showing up with a car that can't race.
Polish the axles and use lots of graphite. You don't want it grinding to a stop mid track.
Think about organizing a build party for the troop. An amazing amount of kids won't have access to the tools needed to build a car. It's more fun for the kids to build along with their friends.
Lastly,post a picture here when your done. Have fun!

[Lodgepole]

I would suggest you visit this site: http://scrollsawer.com/

Then, search pinewood derby. There are a number of good articles on cutting out pinewood derby cars.

I hope this helps.