Video: Welcome to the wild world of… wood sander racing?

This video is part of our series on Lille’s Maker Faire. To stay up-to-date on releases (and to find out more), check out our master post here.

Humanity has raced for millennia. Humans racing humans. Humans racing horses. Humans racing dogs. Humans racing pigeons. Just race on race on race, forever – endlessly testing each other’s speed.

But, there’s a certain, magical type of racing previously unexplored. So, welcome one and all to… uh, wood sander racing?

It works like this. There’s a wooden track with space for two sanders. These are connected to an extension cord, which is in turn hooked up to a wooden stand with a pair of dials. When these are turned, the sanders take off down the track. The first one to the end wins.

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A metaphor for the human struggle? Certainly. A future betting scandal? Let’s hope so. But a whole load of fun? Definitely.

If you’d like to get your own wood sander to race? You can get your very own one here. Be warned though, we take absolutely zero responsibility for any injuries you may (and probably will) suffer.

Want more Maker Faire inventions and discoveries? Then head over here to see more of our videos.

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Story by Callum Booth

Callum Booth is a freelance journalist with over a decade of experience. Previously, he was the Managing Editor of TNW, where his reporting (show all) Callum Booth is a freelance journalist with over a decade of experience. Previously, he was the Managing Editor of TNW, where his reporting was cited widely, including in VICE, the FT, and the BBC. Callum’s writing has appeared in The Verge, The Daily Telegraph, Time Out, and many more. He covers the full spectrum of technology, with a particular focus on how it shapes our daily lives. And a lot of regulation stuff too. Outside of work, Callum’s an avid bookworm, a Fisherman’s Friends addict, and resolutely unshaven. Follow him on Twitter @CallumBooth or visit www.callumbooth.net.