I just got an e-mail from a local wood shop supply. They will use their cnc router to cut out your sons pine wood derby car fora fee. And notify you when ts done, I remember them coming into the shop every year in batches. Now a business is offering this service.
What started out as a project for young boys to learn and grow was taken over by the Dads now businesses. Just what are the boys learning having the cars made for them.
When we did my sons we did use a mill and power tools, but he did all he layout work cranked handles and followed the lines he laid down. All I sis was supervise and make sure he worked safe. ( you should see the grin on 8 year old face running a bridgeport). When roughed out it was then time to file in and sand to finish.
These kits can be assembled with simple tools and the boys can learn a lot from doing so. Where is the pride and sense of accomplishment they get from hands on. Just watch a younger kid showing Mom And Dad the arts and crafts from camp or the shop project from school, Now that there is a real smile worth its weight in gold many times over.