Simple Maker Select V2 Spool Holder

thingiverse

This print is far from polished and only a few test prints were done, it was a necessary print after my Maker Select V2 spool holder broke, so be prepared to source bearings of the right size and do some sanding. I had some 6203Z bearings on hand from another project; they have a 17mm ID and a 40mm OD. I also used 5/16ths threaded rod (roughly 8mm) from a Z-axis stability mod that's still in progress, so I worked with what I had at the time. This is a simple roller bearing spool holder design and it works fantastically for me. A few notes: Different types and sizes of bearings would probably work better as these are designed for heavy machine loads and are packed with grease, making them difficult to turn. However, they still work fine for me even with an empty spool and are smooth enough not to matter if they spin at all. The CD on the end is unnecessary if you use a slightly smaller bearing, and probably not necessary at all with this setup. The cap on the other side prevents the spool from falling off but might not be necessary as the existing spool holder frame tilts upwards slightly. This design should also not be overtightened; if you want to avoid over-tightening, use two bolts pressed against each other or a zip tie to ensure the spool isn't pinched. I'm not expecting anyone to rush out and buy all the parts for this, but I wanted to share my idea and how I accomplished it so others can modify and design their own. This design works super well for me and always gives me a nice loose strand of filament. Some additional notes: Half KG spool holders will work but not very well with this design. I have one spool of ABS that's around 4 years old, which doesn't have a smooth inner surface due to being screw-clamped together. The bearings won't flow over these and get snagged. A solution would be to use V-groove bearings to ride on the outside of the spool or simply place a cut paper towel roll over the bearings. Sorry for the scattered text; I had a long day at work, and I don't plan on revising this unless I need to make revisions myself. If you have any questions or need help, just let me know!