Quick Change Universal Spool Holder Crank

thingiverse

This is a spool crank REMIX I created to complement this item by "Forever Winter" https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1241566\r\nYou will need to download the thing above in order to complete your design.\r\n\r\nI uploaded a new smaller handle for the crank, and it works great!!\r\n\r\nThis crank is perfect if you have multiple half-used spools of filament that you can join together to make one large spool. Your filament won't run out during a print even with a filament detector, but you'll still need to change the filament when it runs low... unless you combine half-used spools into one large spool.\r\n\r\nHere's a video on how to fuse your filament together using just a lighter and a piece of foam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq6Ik4E7pkA\r\n\r\nYou can transfer filament to a new spool to ensure it isn't anchored to the center, which can cause problems when the filament gets to the end and won't let go.\r\n\r\nWith this, you can also transfer your filament to a spool that suits your preferences. I've had spools that were so overfilled that when I opened the packaging, the filament came off in loops and wrapped around the holder. Some spools are clear with markings to easily see how much filament is left.\r\n\r\nSpools sometimes get tangled... now you can transfer them to a new spool without any issues.\r\n\r\nI over-engineered this piece, making it very thick and looking like a toy, but it works flawlessly. I like that it resembles just being glued to the original thing's nut. The crank is short to avoid sticking out too far from a spool's outer diameter. I might make the knob slightly smaller in the future.\r\n\r\nIt's small enough to spin on my CR-10 without touching the control box.\r\n\r\nI don't recommend printing with this crank attached as it will weight the spool unevenly and cause it to swing down once the crank is pulled over the top... use the original nut from the original thing when printing.\r\n\r\nYou don't necessarily need two skateboard bearings, but they do make it smooth and quiet. I salvaged bearings from a fidget spinner that I got at the dollar store, using pliers to twist them free of the plastic frame.\r\n\r\nTo assemble this, you'll need a 3 1/2 inch long 5/16 threaded rod and four nuts (I used lock nuts). I also used washers to distribute the pressure of the nuts on the crank arm. Tighten down the threaded rod to the crank arm first so it won't move when you add the other nuts.\r\n\r\nKeep in mind that you'll need separate hardware for the original "thing" 5/16 rod and nuts to make the Universal spool bolt.\r\n\r\nUPDATE: Don't create two spool cranks... you need some drag on the donor spool so it doesn't spin too fast and cause the filament to come off in loops, making a tangled mess. I suggest using just a bare threaded rod to hold up the donor spool. If you do print and use two spool holders with bearings, consider adding some drag to the donor spool... plus it helps wind the filament tightly onto the new spool.