Spool Holder - 3D Printer - Filament

thingiverse

Spool holder - Uses 2 R8 bearings, 1/2 inch ID, 1-1/8 inch OD. Slotted in the base for 3mm drop in nut. Assembles with: 4 x M3 nuts, 4 x M3-12 bolts 2 x R8 bearings. I sized the axle to hold the largest and smallest sized spools I have. All 1.75mm from 1kg to 2kg, few small / few large. I do not know how to position the parts so that they position themselves on the slicer properly. They are designed to be printed mostly without support. Use a random seam starting point on the round parts. They assemble better when there is no visible seam. All other parts were printed with 'seam in the sharpest corner'. There is a small notch in the bottom of the leg to help hide the seam. The base pieces were to positioned on the base plate at a 45* angle, long side down and slots pointing up. Support set to on w/ 35* overhang. This produces just enough support under the radius to hold it and two thin towers to support the through holes at either end. This kept the nut slots clear of support. I've printed this part with and without a raft with the raft turning out a better part. I made this because I was bored and it was something I wanted to have. There is an advantage to the hanging on a way too small axle in that the spool isn't likely to 'run away' and unwind all over the floor. But I also hated seeing the 'pull back' that happens sometimes on a more traditional 'stock' spool holder. I was a bit worried the bearings would allow the spool to just unspool once it started turning. I used sealed bearings, cheep 10 for $10 type. The seal produces enough friction that they turn smooth and easy but the weight of the filament is not enough to start free spinning the spool. It works just like I had hoped.