SPOOL SUPPORT - SUPPORT BOBINE

thingiverse

Reusing Handspinner Bearings to Craft a Versatile Filament Spool Holder When it comes to upgrading your 3D printing setup, one often-overlooked component is the humble handspinner bearing. These bearings are designed for smooth rotation in handspinners, but they can also be repurposed as a functional filament spool holder. In this guide, we'll show you how to reuse handspinner bearings and create a simple yet effective spool holder that will elevate your 3D printing experience. Materials Needed: * Handspinner bearings (preferably with a metal or high-quality plastic housing) * 3D printed spool holder body (optional but recommended for added stability) * Hot glue gun * Drill press or hand drill * Sandpaper (for smoothing out rough edges) Step 1: Disassemble the Bearing Begin by carefully disassembling the bearing. You should see a metal or high-quality plastic housing, as well as the inner bearing components. Set aside any excess parts you don't need. Step 2: Clean and Prepare the Housing Next, clean the bearing housing thoroughly with soap and water to remove any debris or residue. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding. Step 3: Attach the Spool Holder Body (Optional) If you want to add extra stability to your spool holder, now is the time to attach a 3D printed body. Use hot glue to secure it in place, making sure not to overtighten the housing. Step 4: Drill Holes for the Bearing Using a drill press or hand drill, carefully create two holes on either side of the bearing housing. These will serve as mounting points for your filament spool. Step 5: Assemble and Test Once you've completed these steps, it's time to assemble your spool holder. Place the bearing into its new home, making sure it's securely seated. Finally, attach your filament spool to the bearing using hot glue or another suitable adhesive. Your newly crafted spool holder is now ready for use. Tips and Variations: * Consider adding a small piece of rubber or felt between the bearing housing and the 3D printed body to reduce friction and prevent scratching. * For added stability, you can also attach a small piece of metal or plastic to the bottom of the bearing housing using hot glue or another suitable adhesive. * If you prefer a more compact spool holder, you can simply use one handspinner bearing instead of two. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to create a functional and versatile filament spool holder that will take your 3D printing experience to the next level. So why not give it a try? With a little creativity and some basic materials, you can reuse handspinner bearings and build a spool holder that will serve you well for years to come.