Everyday material
Wooden skewer
A thin wooden rod for lightweight frames and axle experiments.
Get to know it
For models, use a clean rod with its pointed end removed and edges smoothed by an experienced helper. Look at how straight and smooth it is before trying it as an axle. A rolled paper rod offers a different starting point where stiffness and fit can be explored, rather than a guaranteed replacement.
What happens if…
- What makes a rod a useful axle?
- How does bending change the way a model rolls?