On router table, I’ve drilled holes of same size as router bit at end of slot, lay that down over the router bit, align fence and route out slot. You might be able to push the work piece into some router bits in a plunge cut to get slot started. 3 Routing Sleds Hold Their Own. The only disadvantage with hold-downs is that if you press down too hard to get more control, you could stall your effort to slide the stock past the bit. Avoid this by directing the clamping pressure to a hardboard sled that rides (and “glides”) in the table’s slot as shown in Photo C. Added refinements include mechanisms for raising and lowering the router, a miter gauge slot, provisions for dust collection and a fence to guide the cut. The fence can be as simple as a straight piece of wood clamped to the edges of the table, or as elaborate as a split-fence system that permits individual adjustment of the infeed and outfeed. A router is a tool for rounding edges off of wood and performing slot or groove cuts. A router can be used as a hand-controlled tool to guide cuts along an edge, or it can be fastened in a router table to make grooves and slots in wood. With a few precautions and a proper setup of equipment, the process of cutting slots with a router can be. Never start the router with the bit in contact with wood. Always feed your work or router in the proper direction against the bit rotation. Don't force feed the bit or overload your router, Feed at a constant moving speed to avoid burning the wood. Do not face tool's discharge when operating. Always unplug router when changing bits or making.

March 2016 Peninsula riders poker run game.

Building Show-Me Speedway

This is a condensed version of the rebuilding of our track.

This is all taken from the HRW Forum version put into a format that might be easier for you to reference if needed.

First is an intro video discussing the old track.

Materials/Tools

1/8' Router Bit -LINK
Gain Bit -LINK
1/4' Pre-Taped Braid -LINK
*You can apply the tape yourself. It is MUCH easier to have it done and well worth the extra expense to me. The time it saved me alone was worth it all and then some.
1/2' MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
Assorted Paints For Track Surface and Lane Colors (if needed)
Plexiglass Strip For Radius Gauge - Check your local Auto Glass shop.

You are going to need the common tools to construct your own table. Then you will need a router of course.

You do NOT need a high end, expensive router to build a slot car track.

The router on the left is what I purchased. I needed to route indoors for this project and the vacuum port for the Shop Vac is PRICELESS. It is a Performax brand found at Menard's.

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You will need to mark and drill the holes for mounting to your router. Very easy. Use a hole saw bit for the center.

Remember this is for our OVAL. Routing a road course will require different sizes and/or strips.

I mark off a 3/8' wide outer cushion. There is an extra slot being routed on the outside that will be used to mount our wall. I need at least 3/8' to give it strength at the very edges.

Various stages of track design. I went with 4 inch lane spacing to have room for the 1/25th scale models we enjoy.

A yardstick a cheap and easy way to test your lane design. Mistake? Erase it and try again.

Example of one end routed.

To create a slight angle in the straights for effect, I used simple wood wall trim. I stacked 2 of them to create the effect I was after.

To finish the effect I mounted screws in the center. This easily bowed the track just enough. Remember, 1/2' MDF will bend more than you think without any need for undercutting.

A couple videos on hiding your screws and seams.

Adding some banking for the corners.

To create a very slight banked turn, just stack some wood blocks. I made the corners just slightly higher and it turned out perfect.

Routing the straights. Use a good board for a 'fence' to hold the router against.

Repair/Clean Up Videos

Just some methods for repair if needed.

Routing completed.

Routing Gains

Routing your gains is an easy task, but you need to take your time abnd TEST your depth. Too shallow of a run is an easy fix, but too deep and it's all over.

I prefer my braid depth to be as flush with the surface as possible.

Paint Choice

As the video explains, I prefer Satin Latex. Smooth finish and excellent grip/rubber absorption properties. I brush on my paint instead of rolling.

I usually use 3 full coats to create a durable finish. Your first coat is what I call a 'soaker' coat. The MDF will soak that first coat quickly. Allow it to fully dry about an hour or so before beginning the finish coats.

For the lanes I use the same type of Satin paint. These are the test jars from Lowe's again. Using the condiment squirt bottles (Slot Car Corner Lane Color Ditribution System) really makes it easier to get a complete coat inside the slot and gains.

First we mask off the lanes. Then I cut out the center with an Exacto blade.

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These images are from our first track, but they apply here as an the example.

Make sure your gains are fully coated. The adhesive on the back of the braid does not stick to bare MDF very well. So even if you do not want to paint your lanes a certain color, make sure it's fully coated with your base track color.

Laying Your Braid

Before you begin, use a 1/4' drill bit to create your 'drops'. I use a square to line things up. With braid I did NOT need a power tap. You can make one if you feel the need.

Rolling the braid is important to fully seat the braid/adhesive. I roll the braid once a month just to make sure but normally once you roll it a few times after installation, you are good to go.

Finish Work

This shows why we routed that outside edge. I chose Plexiglass to create a more durable wall system. Again, the video explains it all.

Timing

Still use and trust the Trackmate system.

Installation is the same as we coveredHERE IN OUR TRACKMATE REVIEW.

Final Thoughts

I hope these videos and photos help you in some way to create your own wood track.

- Harry

Thanks again toSlot Car Corner and all the people on our forum who are always ready to help.

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