Pinewood Center Gravity Mass Test Stand

Pinewood Gravity Mass Tool.  Quick and easy little tool.  Easily test and adjust your Center of Gravity Mass using our little balance stand.  Better than a ruler for sure.

Pinewood Gravity Mass Tool

This balancing point (COG) will differ from car to car due to design, type of weight, type of wood, etc.  Knowing at what point your center of gravity will help you determine how aggressive your steer will need.  It will also need to be adjusted according to what type of track you are racing on.  Center of Gravity Mass matters if you want the best setup.  With a completely assembled car,  start balancing with the rear of the car hovering over the numbers.  Once you balance it, look down at the witness marks and locate where your rear axles are.  This will tell you your COG.  Learn the whole process here

Proper way to install pinewood derby weights

We are going to take adding weights into two parts so that we can properly adjust our COG. To do this, we first only install the rear weight as this time. Adding the remaining weight will be the second part of installing the weights. Rear weight is weight behind the rear axle. If using cargo or canopy weights, please skip to that section

• Using an epoxy is the preferred glue of choice. Gel super glue is next in line. Yellow or wood glue will not work.
• If you are melting lead have your child watch from far away (Adult only). Once lead is poured wait for it to cool before proceeding.
• Once rear weights are installed, apply wood putty to cover the weight. Please DON’T putty any underside pockets. For underside pockets use foil HVAC tape instead. It will take too long for wood putty to dry and is not necessary.

If using a cargo or canopy style weight.  DO NOT glue in place until the COG is adjusted

After rear weight is installed

• Assemble your tooling – COG stand, additional weight to bring the car to final weight range, mockup wheels and axles, balance beam, and a weight scale that measures in grams.
• Mark the desired location for balancing.
• Measure your car as is with wheels and axles on the scale. It should be underweight at this point. Set aside whatever weight is needed to bring the car, axles, and wheels to a working weight of 131 grams (125 grams if using putty to cover weight).
• Install wheels and axles only for the purpose of finding COG. Final wheel and axle installation is at later point in build This is not permanent at this time, do not use glue. We are simply finding our COG at this time.
• Once COG is attained, note the location of where the balance takes place. Install the remaining weight ballast in the car. Recheck COG to assure it is properly placed. Glue in place to ensure that it will not come loose during racing. Apply wood putty to cover the weight installed from the side or back of the car. Use foil tape for any underside pockets.

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