Tuning a pinewood derby car for optimal performance is crucial for victory. While traditional methods like tuning boards are common, some enthusiasts advocate for using a treadmill. This article delves into the controversial technique of tuning a pinewood derby car on a treadmill, examining its purported benefits, potential drawbacks, and comparing it to established tuning methods.
Examining the Treadmill Tuning Method
The use of a treadmill for pinewood derby car tuning has gained traction, primarily due to online videos and forums. Proponents suggest two main reasons for this method:
Break-In and Lubrication
Some believe that running a car on a treadmill helps “break-in” the lubricant and reduce friction. However, this claim is often disputed, with resources like the TurboDerby ebook advising against it.
Alignment Tuning
The treadmill is also used for alignment tuning. By observing the car’s movement on the treadmill, adjustments can be made to the axles and wheels to ensure straight and stable running. A popular video demonstrating this technique, while titled “Pinewood Derby 2019,” was actually posted in 2011. Interestingly, the video initially linked to written instructions for a “Break-In Process,” which is no longer available, suggesting a potential shift away from this method by the original proponent. In the video, the creator mentions using the treadmill as an alternative to “going in blind” without track testing and expresses dissatisfaction with tuning boards. However, no explicit claim is made about the treadmill’s superiority over other methods.
Potential Drawbacks and Concerns
While seemingly convenient, treadmill tuning raises several concerns:
Excessive Run Time and Wear-and-Tear
The video suggests that treadmill tuning can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. Considering a single derby heat lasts only a few seconds, this equates to an excessive amount of run time, potentially leading to significant wear and tear on the wheels and axles. Observations from the video show the car wobbling over the tread-belt seam, indicating that belt irregularities might exaggerate certain behaviors and potentially damage the car. A follow-up video further highlights this concern, with audible squealing sounds emanating from the car’s wheels while on the treadmill, raising questions about potential damage.
Altered Dynamics and Alignment Accuracy
A fundamental difference exists between treadmill tuning and actual track racing: the car on a treadmill is pulled uphill by a string, rather than propelled downward by gravity. This alters the dynamics significantly. The string likely reduces pressure on the Dominant Front Wheel (DFW) and influences the car’s directionality, potentially leading to inaccurate alignment adjustments. The point of string attachment on the car body could further complicate matters, potentially requiring different tuning adjustments. While bent rear axles might benefit from this method, the overall impact on DFW alignment remains uncertain.
Tuning Board: A Proven Alternative
Ironically, a more recent animation from the same business that produced the original treadmill tuning video demonstrates alignment using a tuning board. This suggests a potential shift in their recommended practices. Tuning boards offer a controlled environment for precise alignment adjustments, simulating the actual track conditions more accurately than a treadmill.
Conclusion: Treadmill Tuning – Proceed with Caution
While treadmill tuning might offer a visual aid for identifying alignment issues, its drawbacks and potential for damage raise significant concerns. The altered dynamics and excessive run time can lead to inaccurate adjustments and unnecessary wear and tear. Traditional methods like tuning boards offer a more reliable and controlled approach to achieving optimal pinewood derby car performance. Before opting for treadmill tuning, carefully consider the potential risks and explore alternative techniques that better simulate actual racing conditions.
