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 Friction Is Your Enemy

1. Debur the wheels. Take off the flashing and seam that was produced when the wheel was molded with a 600 grit or better sandpaper. Inside as well as out. Sand any bumps off the wheel the sandpaper. Metal polish will restore the gloss. Be careful not to break any rules your race has regarding wheel modification. (Narrower wheels have less friction and are better, but often disallowed). Don't sand too much or you'll create a flat spot. Sand by hand not in the drill. Heat from the high speed of a drill will damage the plastic wheel.

2. Polish the axles. First with a 400 grit if you have a really bad spot.  Then a 600 grit, and then a jewelers rouge. Finish off with a chrome/metal polish.

3. Have only three wheels touching the track. Raise a front one slightly. There is less friction with 3 wheels rolling than 4.

4. The head of the axle should be tapered about 15 degrees so it rubs against the wheel less.

5.  Wax the wheels with furniture polish.  Make sure the polish does not contain a solvent of any sort.

COPYRIGHT  1996,1997, 1998                          Randy Worcester

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