Set Screw Alignment Configuration?

[jetmugg]

I recently built a "bearing" car that ran great at our Cub Pack's PWD Renegade race. The car ran great, set a new track record, and won the division. Alignment-wise, I used a 1 piece rear axle, and 2 pc front axle (2 stub axles), with the dominant side running 1.5 degrees of toe, and just a bit of positive camber (the drilling fixture I used was not super-precise. I just drilled the holes on an angle to achieve the angles using a drill press, right-angle block, some shims, and a C-clamp.

In another couple of months, my daughter is going to have a Powder Puff PWD race for her Daisy troop. I'd like to build another bearing car for their Outlaw race.

I've read a few instances of guys using set screws to either hold axles in place or adjust alignment. I would like to incorporate this kind of feature into my next car, but could use a few tips on how to get the most benefit from set screw usage. Where are people using the set screws (to push on one end of the axle stub)? Is the wood strong enough to hold threads for a set screw, or would I need to use some kind of metal sleeve with threads?

Any guidance on this topic would be appreciated.

SteveM.

[Lucky 13]

I've used set screws to help hold my axles in place. I just picked up a 4-40 tap and some 4-40 set screws. I drill the hole from the top on my cars and then tap it with the 4-40 tap to thread it. Then I use a little rubber cement to line the hole and give the set screw something to grip. I place the set screw hole at about the axle mid-point in the car body. One thing to remember, do not over torque the set screw. Just tighten it enough to be snug. It actually works well and has come in handy on cars were the axle holes are a little loose.

You can pick-up a set screw kit at www.derbymonkeygarage.com or just hit the local auto store/hardware.


Lucky 13

[jetmugg]

Lucky:

Thanks for the description. Getting the set screws is not a problem, I'm just trying to figure out how the set screws can be used to fine tune the alignment. If I read your description properly, you are using the screw to push "down" on the axle to secure the axle in the axle hole, but are not necessarily using a set screw to make adjustments to the alignment.

I may have misunderstood the original purpose of using set screws - I was hoping that there might be a method to use 2 or more screws to push/pull on the dominant wheel's axle to move the alignment.

Thanks again,

Steve.