Spool Winder
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About this print
A hand-operated mechanical winder for rewinding filament spools and similar reels. The geared design means each turn of the handle advances the spool at a faster rate than rewinding by hand, making it a useful workshop tool for anyone who works regularly with 3D printing filament. It is also suited to a range of other spool types beyond filament. PLA is a natural choice, as it provides the rigidity needed for a geared mechanism and prints cleanly without specialist settings.
From the original design page
Original maker's notes
By les_kaye on Thingiverse · CC-BY
Spool Winder
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Spool winder for filament and other spools with a maximum dimension of 210mm in diameter and 76mm wide. If the spool axle is inset then wider spools may be accommodated. Spools should be a minimum of 30mm wide with an axle hole not smaller than 16mm diameter.
One turn of the handle gives 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](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3823334).
Please note that the treads on the spool axle are designed to stop the nut becoming unscrewed as you wind.
Printing
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I provide files for the frame to suit either right or left handed people (the right-hand configuration is shown in the images). If printing the left handed frame you will need the left handed spool axle and left handed spool axle nut.
All the other files need to be printed except the centring discs where you only need to print ones which correspond with (or are slightly smaller than) your spool's axle hole.
I recommend PLA for printing this, alternatively PETG or a plastic which has good layer adhesion.
If you must print in a plastic which does not bond well, such as ABS or nylon then there is a hole through the spool axle to take an optional M4 x 60mm machine screw to strengthen the layers forming the threads to reduce the chances of them snapping off.
Assembly
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* 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. You may need to break it free if it has stuck during printing.
* 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 clue the crank handle onto the hexagonal pin taking care not to get glue on the moving parts.
I design these things for myself but I have published them for you. If they make your life easier or save you money then please do not forget to "Tip Designer"! Thank you.
Formatting may have been simplified. These are the independent maker's instructions and fitment claims; Hark Tech has not independently verified them.
Printing Spool Winder
For Spool Winder we would normally reach for PETG — it is tougher and more heat-resistant than PLA, ideal for parts that take load or live somewhere warm. We set the layer height, wall count, infill and supports to suit the model and how you will use it, and those choices are already priced into your instant quote. Want a specific colour or material? Tell us and we will match it where we can.
Model details
| Downloads at source | 62,052 |
|---|---|
| Likes at source | 2,963 |
| Original model | View on Thingiverse |
| Designer | les_kaye |
| Licence | CC-BY |
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