Cassette Tape Hand Winder V2

thingiverse

Compact audio cassettes once had affordable hand winders available, but now they're hard to find at reasonable prices and often have to be imported from abroad, which adds extra costs. This project makes it possible for anyone with a 3D printer and some crafting skills to create their own cassette winders. It's an advanced project that requires precise printing tolerances. The winder can be used to inspect, loosen, clean, and lubricate old tape, or simply to wind new tape while another is playing. With its turns ratio of over 1:12 - approximately 96 turns for a C90 - it makes quick work of winding cassette tapes. This second version of the winder has evolved from [the original tape winder](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4080433). It uses a rubber belt to absorb any unevenness during winding and limit torque, preventing damage to the tape when winding reaches its end. Additionally, it's quieter due to the use of a [one-way clutch](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4135234) instead of a pawl to prevent reverse winding. Version 1 remains available because it's simpler to build and can be used to shift stuck tape caused by lack or excess lubrication. This project requires six miniature ball bearings (MR84-ZZ), one 3x8x3 bearing for the knob, fourteen No.4 x 1/2" self-tapping screws, a rubber belt with a circumference of 112mm (Ø35-36mm) and a cross-section of 1x1mm square to complete.