Solder Reel Dust Cover

prusaprinters

<blockquote><p>Update</p><p>I created a new spool holder that would replace the wheel of this design if you're interested. <a href="https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/116892-upgraded-solder-spool-wire-guide">You'll find that here</a>.&nbsp;</p></blockquote><p>Not being someone who solders things all that frequently, dust gathering on the solder reel is an all to common thing. So I got to thinking a nice cover would be just the thing, but there were a couple things I really wanted;</p><ol><li>I still wanted to use the handle that came with the reel, because it's convenient, albeit kind of lousy (but now I'm thinking I might make a cover for that too...)</li><li>I figured I'd want some way to retract whatever solder I dispensed so I added a wheel that fits over the spool axle to reel it all back in.</li></ol><p>This is designed for <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00079LMYM">this specific solder reel</a>, but I've seen this design sold everywhere and I'm betting they're all made in the same place, but you should still take measurements to make sure. <strong>Installation</strong></p><ol><li>With a bit of finesse, it's easy to coax the wheel over the axle and provided you didn't over stress the plastic, should provide enough friction to allow you to manipulate the reel.</li><li>The cover just slides over the top with the handle and solder guide removed from the reel holder.</li><li>Then you can re-attach the handle and either keep or toss the metal solder guide since it's no longer needed. I personally just threw mine in with the reel since there's plenty of room and I just know if I throw it away I'll need it again some day.</li></ol><p>The little hole is to stuff the end of the solder into just to keep things tidy when not in use.</p><p>I'm beginning to sense a theme where, at some point, I'm going to have a cover for everything on my desk and this is now one less thing I have to do. So I think this is what I'm doing with my life now.</p><h3>Printing Notes</h3><ol><li>All the provided print files were sliced for PETG.</li><li>The reel wheel can be printed without supports.</li><li>I printed the cover upside down with build plate supports only. Depending on your printer, you might not even need those.</li></ol>