PUMPKIN AXLE PUNCH to create parallel axle holes for a pumpkin racer, Pumpkin Racing

PUMPKIN RACING, a creative twist from  the typical pumpkin carving contest.  Whether you are racing just a few pumpkins at a small Halloween party or running heats at a community event, you are sure to have a good time. 

If everyone put their pumpkins on a skateboard, there would be no challenge in the race.  So, to make the race a contest of intelect as well as creativity, the rules require two independent axles. 

The secret to this is simple:  For the PUMPKIN RACER to be fast and run a straight course, the axles have to be parallel.  You have no hope of getting parallel axles if you just try poking axles through the pumpkin, and let's face it, it is a lot more fun to win than to crash into the curb. 

The following instructions will show you how to make a contraption to create parallel axle holes.

You really need to see the Instructable entitled HOW TO BUILD A PUMPKIN RACER, to fully understand and appreciate  the purpose of these instructions. 

MATERIALS LIST:

(1) piece of flat weld steel, 1/8 x 3 - three feet long
(1) three foot long piece of oak staircase rail 4 x 4 x 4
(1) 3 foot piece of weld steel rod,  5/16 diameter
(1) wood drill bit, 5/16
(1) metal drill bit, 5/16
Hammer
Center punch
Drill
Drill press
Strong Glue
Ruler or Tape Measure
Sand paper
Pencil or Sharpie
scrap wood

Step 1 MARKING DRILL HOLES ON STEEL

I should note that this is the second generation PUMPKIN AXLE PUNCH.  After repeated use, the drill holes  began to enlarge.  That allowed for some wiggle room and the axles were no longer parallel.  So, to avoid this problem, this Instructable has a plate of steel to reinforce the holes.

Also with this example, there will be more holes to accomodate a wider size range of pumpkins and wheels.

First you want to draw a grid on the steel to determine where to drill holes.  Five inch rubber wheels are the starting point for this grid.  The pumpkin, of course, cannot drag on the ground.  A one-inch clearence under the pumpkin will allow for bumps in the road.  Half the wheel size is 2.5 inches.  One inch to lift the pumpkin off the ground.  So, with this example, the first line of the grid is at 1.5 inches.

Then place a dot every two inches along the line you just drew for the length of the three foot steel.