Mendel Prusa filament spool

thingiverse

This add-on efficiently guides your filament into the extruder, suitable for reels or rolls on the floor. It attaches to the top rails and assembles like a Mendel Prusa with 8mm threaded rods, washers, and nuts. The top guide spool spins freely and adjusts along the rail according to your printer's movement. A triangular frame reel stand can be used for three reels of PLA behind the printer. Photos show feeding PLA from a pile on the floor. The rod tops require 7mm hole cleaning and M8 tapping (or equivalent imperial thread). Spool ends need drilling but otherwise, assembly is straightforward as depicted in photos. The top reel connects without glue or screws due to its snug fit; holes for 3mm machine screws are provided on the clamp but not necessary. The vertical rods also secure the bottom clamp, although it's best to use 3mm machine screws for added security in the top bar clamp. A recent redesign features top rod clamps that click into place without bolts or screws and allow room for wire bundles at the back.