Simple spool system for a Mendel (or other 3d printer)

pinshape

Well, I wanted to have a super simple, yet sturdy spool system. So, I came up with this - it only needs one new STL file twice and two old z-leadscrew-base_2off parts. Here's the complete list: 2 x z-leadscrew-base_2off STL 2 x spool_v2 STL 6 x m4x16 cap screws 12 x washers m4 6 x m4 nylock nuts 3 x 180mm stud m8 1 x 280mm stud m8 4 x 250mm studs m8 (depending on how high you want your spools system to be) 28 x m8 nuts 24 x m8 washers 4 x m8 large washers (regular might also work) 2 x bearing 608 2 x block of wood, doesn't really matter what size etc. It's possible to adjust the diameter from 100mm to 180mm, so most spools should fit. Also, it's partly shelled out to reduce print time while not reducing strength much. Oh, and yes, this can't be printed on a makerbot. First, I wanted to design something smart and small that could be assembled quickly. But I was in a hurry and thought, who has a makerbot these days anyway? Better put yours on eBay and build a Mendel! Update: there's now a v3, it has small marks so you can balance out the studs correctly. If they're all equally positioned, the force required to rotate is least. Also, making the spool a bit higher (10-20cm) than in the older pictures here will reduce the force on x-carriage in horizontal direction. Update 2: I've made a revision of the z-leadscrew-base. Making the part a bit smaller and faster to print because I didn't have any old z-leadscre-base parts left and wanted to make another spool system. And, I've extended the spool a bit (v4), because I noticed it was a bit too short for new full rolls. (ps. In my opinion: innovation = simplicity / re-use)