Pro-Wheel Shaver XT II

Wheel Accuracy = Greater Speed!

Each pinewood derby kit manufacturer creates wheels using several different molds. These molds create wheels which are similar, but none of which are perfectly round and true. In some cases, the tread has an oval shape, while in other cases the wheel bore is not centered on the wheel (see Figure 1).

Sanding the wheels on a wheel mandrel polishes the tread surface, but it does not significantly change the shape of the wheel. In fact, to truly create round wheels, a computer controlled lathe is required. However, this expensive machine is not a practical solution for the casual pinewood derby car builder.

But now anyone can create round pinewood derby wheels (see Figure 2). Introducing the Pro-Wheel Shaver XT II, a precision device that will improve the speed of your pinewood derby car by:

1. Wheel Diameter Truing - Creating a wheel which is perfectly round, and true to the wheel bore.
2. Wheel Width Truing - Truing the inside edge of the wheel, removing molding marks and excess material.

Usage

The Pro-Wheel Shaver XT II is designed with a screw-adjustable blade, simplifying the use of the tool and ensuring greater accuracy. The tool is intended for use on wheels made of a relatively hard plastic, such as those offered by BSA, MV, PineCar, Royal Rangers(1), S&W(1), and Royal Ambassadors.

The Pro-Wheel Shaver XT II is not intended for wheels made of a relatively soft plastic, such as those offered by Awana and PinePro.

Required tools

In addition to the Pro-Wheel Shaver XT II, the following tools are required:

• Pro-Hub Tool
• 5/32" Hex Key (Allen Wrench) - Included

To use the Pro-Wheel Shaver XT II, follow the instructions below, and please read the section at the end entitled "Important Notes". Click on any of the small pictures to view a larger picture.

(1) Requires a 1/8" Bushing (5159). In addition, each wheel must be lightly reamed by hand with a 1/8" drill bit.

Pro-Wheel Shaver XT II Usage Instructions

Click Here to View the Manufacturer's Video

Ream The Wheel Bores

1. Test fit each wheel on the Pro-Hub Tool.
2. Follow the instructions with the Pro-Hub Tool to ream any undersized wheel bores.
3. Royal Ranger and S&W Kits Only - Ream the wheel bores by hand with a 1/8" drill bit

Truing the Tread Surface

Mount the Pro-Wheel Shaver XT II

1. Slide the Pro-Wheel Shaver XT II onto the Pro-Hub Tool, until 1/2" (critical measurement) of the Pro-Hub Tool is exposed (see figure). Use a 5/32" Hex Key to firmly tighten the Pro-Wheel Shaver XT II to the Pro-Hub Tool.
2. Use the blade adjustment knob to raise the blade as far as possible.
3. Royal Ranger and S&W kit wheels only - Slide a short piece of 1/8" brass tubing over the pin of the Pro-Hub Tool.

True the Inside Edge

1. Mount a wheel with the inside wheel hub facing the Pro-Hub Tool.
2. While pressing the wheel against the blade, rotate the wheel five complete revolutions counterclockwise.
3. Remove the wheel, and repeat steps 6 and 7 for the remaining three wheels.

Truing the Tread Surface

Mount the Pro-Wheel Shaver XT II

1. Slide the Pro-Wheel Shaver XT II onto the Pro-Hub Tool, until 1/2" (critical measurement) of the Pro-Hub Tool is exposed (see figure). Use a 5/32" Hex Key to firmly tighten the Pro-Wheel Shaver XT II to the Pro-Hub Tool.
2. Use the blade adjustment knob to raise the blade as far as possible.
3. Royal Ranger and S&W kit wheels only - Slide a short piece of 1/8" brass tubing over the pin of the Pro-Hub Tool.

Mount First Wheel

1. Slide a wheel onto the Pro-Hub Tool.
2. Rotate the wheel and lower the blade to identify the highest spot on the wheel.
3. Rotate the wheel 1/8 to 1/4 of a turn and tighten the blade against the wheel.

First Pass

1. Turn the wheel counterclockwise and make five complete wheel rotations.
2. Slightly loosen the screw connecting the Pro-Wheel Shaver XT II to the Pro-Hub Tool. Pull the wheel off of the Pro-Hub Tool and slide the next wheel onto the Pro-Hub.
3. Tighten the screw and repeat steps 15 to 16 for the remaining wheels.

Remaining Passes

1. Repeat the previous two sections until the wheels no longer have low and high spots.
2. For the final pass, continue turning until all possible material is removed.

Polish

1. Use a Pro-Wheel Mandrel and wet/dry 600 grit sandpaper to polish the wheels.
2. Additional polishing may be performed if desired.

Storage

1. Store the tool in a plastic bag in a non-humid environment.

Important Notes

1. The Pro-Wheel Shaver XT II is a hand-powered lathe. It removes tread material such that the resulting wheel is round. With a little practice, wheels can be machined to within 1 thousandths of an inch (0.001). Check your local rules to make sure that lathed wheels are allowed in your race.
2. The Pro-Wheel Shaver XT II is intended for adult use as it requires adult hand strength to loosen and tighten the adjustment bolts and to turn the wheels.
3. Although the blade does not have a knife-like edge, use care to minimize the risk of an injury. If the blade ceases to shave the wheel, the cutting edge can be restored with a fine honing stone or a fine-toothed file. Replacement blades are available from Maximum Velocity.
4. For best results practice with a spare set of wheels before truing the target wheels.
5. Fine cross-cuts may be created on the wheel tread surface which cannot be completely removed by polishing. These cuts should not affect the performance of the wheel.