News

Beta 8 is available! Here are the list of changes:

The arm for the handle option is now offset further away from the gearbox, so that people with longer screws will not have them collide with the gearbox cover any more.
What was previously the “Extrudr” clamp and spindle option are now the default. This is because this clamp fits the newer Bambu spools with the smaller internal diameter. The original “Bambu” spool is still recommended for those it fits, as there will be less play in the assembly.
The list of hardware has been revised following feedback about certain screws being too short.

Please note that we provide upgrade files separately in the profiles area so you can upgrade incrementally from any version.

Our authorised manufacturing partner Veetec3D now provides hardware kits, printed parts and even fully assembled V-Spoolers at their Etsy store, for which Fyrby Additive receives a percentage. You can find the store here.

Introduction

I love the Pastamatic and it is a great tool, but I needed to save space and had thought about designing a smaller re-spooler. V-Spooler is a re-spooler that is designed to occupy the smallest possible footprint in a vertical arrangement (hence the V in V-Spooler!) and to be more rigid and portable than other re-spoolers.

This build uses more hardware than most prints and although it may seem daunting I have tried my best to make this as easy as possible for everyone and for it to be rewarding, fun and to give you more choice in how you print whatever plastic you want. I designed the gears in FreeCAD and did the rest of the project in Shapr3D.

If you would like to directly support me it is possible to buy V-Spooler from the store on Printables or join my club, also on Printables. A boost here on Makerworld is also appreciated!

One of the biggest requests I get is for a video of V-Spooler working, so here is a short video. If you would like to see how to load V-Spooler, please scroll to the bottom to find the tutorial videos there.

Which V-Spooler Should I Print?

V-Spooler Mini	V-Spooler	V-Spooler X
You have a small (e.g. A1 mini) or normal sized printer and/or… You want to re-spool from an external spool holder Uses approx. 535g filament	Normal sized printer (e.g. P1P) You want to re-spool only 1kg spools Uses approx. 770g filament	Normal sized printer (e.g. P1P) You want to also re-spool larger than 1kg spools in a compact space Takes up a bit more desk space than V-Spooler, but not much Uses approx. 936g filament

Which Profile Do I Print?

You Want To Print A New V-Spooler

The profile listed at the top of the list “Full V-Spooler Beta 8” is the full model of V-Spooler. It is updated with every release so you do not have to upgrade when printing a new V-Spooler.

You Want To Print A V-Spooler Option

Look at the options section below and pick one, then go to the profiles section at the top and click “Click to see more…” and print the profile that matches the option.

You Want To Upgrade V-Spooler

Upgrades are provided separately in the profiles list so you can upgrade incrementally from any version. Lets say you are on Beta 3 and you want to upgrade to Beta 5. To go from Beta 3 to Beta 5 you need to do the “Beta 3 to Beta 4” upgrade, then the “Beta 4 to Beta 5” upgrade.

Required Components

Sorry if there are minor mistakes here. I have only counted it once.

M3 ruthex (or same sized M3x5.7) inserts x52
608 bearings x20
M3x8 screws x8
M3x12 screws x13
M3x14 screws x16 (M16 may also work)
M3x16 screws x3
M3x20 screws x8
M3x25 screws x4
M3 washers x52
PTFE tube with 4mm outside diameter

Please note that Ruthex/other inserts require that you have access to a soldering iron.

Optional, But Helpful Components

Loctite Blue

Loctite Blue is a thread locking agent which helps keep screws in place. At least one of the screws as detailed in the instructions benefits from a small amount of thread locker. Do not use red Loctite, it is too strong.

When necessary use a very small amount on the end of a screw. This is important for future removal. Do not use it all over the model, for ease of maintenance.

Lubricant

The parts susceptible to friction benefit from lubrication. If you have a PTFE or other lubricant that is known to be compatible with your choice of plastic, when final assembly has been completed a light greasing of the cam will help operation.

Options

The options are provided in separate profiles.

Desk Mounting - Optional desk mounts, the holes in the mounts are 6mm in diameter. You can remove objects called “brace front lower” and “brace rear lower” from the main print job if you want to use these.

Drill Attachment - You can remove object called “gear 8” from the main print job if you want to use the optional drill/screwdriver attachment.

Dust Protection - Stops cardboard particles & dirt dropping on the target spool. It is supplied separately as it blocks the view a little and uses a bit more plastic. You can remove the objects “brace front upper” and “brace rear upper” from the main print job if you want to use this part. Note you will need to be on Beta 4 or later to use this part.

New Bambu & Extrudr Clamp & Spindle - Included by default from Beta 8. Fits all Bambu spools and Extrudr 1kg and 1.1kg spools.

Original Bambu Clamp & Spindle - Fits most Bambu spools with the exception of a lot of newer ones. This is a better option for spools it fits, as there will be less play in the assembly.