Spool Winder

thingiverse

Spool Winder ================ A versatile spool winder designed for filament and other spools with a maximum dimension of 210mm in diameter and 76mm wide. If the spool axle is inset, wider spools can be accommodated. Spools should have a minimum width of 30mm and an axle hole not smaller than 16mm in diameter. One turn of the handle yields two turns of the spool. The winder is parts compatible with my spool holder, which also includes jointing pieces to join multiple spool holders together. See my thing:3823334 on Thingiverse for more details. Printing ------- I provide files for the frame to suit either right- or left-handed users (the right-hand configuration is shown in the images). All other files need to be printed, except for the centring discs, which only require printing ones corresponding to or slightly smaller than your spool's axle hole. An optional filament guide and pivot are also provided, but windings are generally satisfactory without using these components. I recommend printing with PLA, but PETG or plastics with good layer adhesion can also be used. If you must print in a plastic that does not bond well, such as ABS or nylon, there is a hole through the spool axle to take an optional M4 x 60mm machine screw to strengthen the layers forming the threads and reduce the chances of them snapping off. Assembly ------- * The spool axle gear and spool axle pin should be glued onto the spool axle using melt glue for ABS or Superglue for most other plastics. * Ensure that the round crank axle fits into the frame properly and rotates reasonably freely. You may need to trim any printing artefacts from around the holes in the frame with a sharp knife. * The handle of the crank should rotate on its shaft. If it has stuck during printing, you may need to break it free. * Put the crank gear into the recess in the frame, then push the crank axle into the frame and through the gear as illustrated in the image. * Glue the hexagonal pin into the crank axle and optionally glue the crank handle onto the hexagonal pin, taking care not to get glue on the moving parts. I design these things for myself but have published them for you. If they make your life easier or save you money, please don't forget to "Tip Designer"! Thank you.