News

Beta 4 is available! As most people want to screw down or clamp V-Spooler Mini to something the desk mount option is no more and is now included in all full V-Spooler Mini prints.

We had feedback about the screw on the handle hitting the gearbox. There is now more clearance and this is not possible. Also, the retainer for the handle was reduced in size slightly to remove some slop.

To find the upgrade you will need to scroll to the top of the page and if it is not visible click the “click to see more” section.

Currently V-Spooler X is debuting on Printables in my club and the Printables store and will be released here in 1-2 weeks, so if you are looking for a large format re-spooler you have the option to buy it now or get it free here in 1-2 weeks.

Introduction

V-Spooler Mini is a re-spooler based on V-Spooler with a reduced component count and smaller size, and is for spooling from external spools. It is optimised to spool to Bambu spools, although a generic clamp is also provided via a separate profile as well as an option for Extrudr spools.

I designed the gears in FreeCAD using the gear workbench and did the rest of the project in Shapr3D. The model above was printed using Bambu PLA in Matte Ivory White, Basic Magenta and Matte Lilac Purple.

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

Which V-Spooler Should I Print?

Which File Do I Print?

You Want To Print A New V-Spooler Mini

The profile listed at the top of the list “V-Spooler Mini Beta 4” is the full model of V-Spooler Mini. It is updated with every release so you do not have to upgrade when printing a new V-Spooler Mini.

You Want To Print A V-Spooler Mini 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 Mini

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.

Options

The options are provided in separate 3MF downloads. There are also after-market options available by searching for “V-Spooler” here on Makerworld.

Extrudr 1kg & 1.1kg Clamp & Spindle - An optional clamp and spindle that fits Extrudr 1kg & 1.1kg spools, as used in NX2 PLA, PETG and various other plastics. This option should also be used for the newer Bambu spools that have a smaller inner diameter.

Generic Clamp & Spindle - This option is designed to be a thiner clamp to fit more third party spools.

Required Components

• M3 ruthex (or same sized M3x5.7) inserts x33
• 608 bearings x16
• M3x8 screws x8
• M3x12 screws x2
• M3x14 screw x1
• M3x16 screws x12
• M3x20 screws x8
• M3x25 screws x2
• M3 washers x49
• PTFE tube with 4mm outside diameter

If you are building V-Spooler Mini using the Bambu Lab A1 Mini, you will also need the extra following bits:

• M3 ruthex (or same sized M3x5.7) inserts x2
• M3x14 screws x2
• M3 washers x2

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.

Assembly

A1 Mini

If you are building V-Spooler Mini on the A1 mini, follow this short section now. Else, skip down to the “Spool Clamp” section below.

Find this part and install two of the M3 inserts in the holes in the central post pictured here.
Now install the upper section using two M3x14 screws and washers.

Spool Clamp

Install two M3 ruthex inserts into the end of the spool clamp.
Screw on the retainer, note that it is a reverse thread. This is so it is less likely to undo due to the rotation.
Install the handle on the end with two M3x16 screws and washers.

Gears

Install an M3 ruthex insert into the end of the gear as pictured.
Install the axel extension on the end with an M3x12 screw and washer.   Note that this uses one of the smaller axel extension parts.
Take the gear that looks like this.
Install an M3 ruthex insert in the hole on this side as pictured.
Install the axel extension on the end with an M3x12 screw and washer.   Note that this uses one of the smaller axel extension parts.
Take the final large gear and install an M3 ruthex in the middle.
Install the axel extension on the end with an M3x16 screw and washer.   This uses the larger axel extension part.
Install an M3 ruthex into the end of the drive axel.

Frame

Take the lower left section of the frame. There are two holes in each end. Install two M3 inserts in each end.
Install a bearing in the larger hole in the front arch.
Place the front and rear arches as pictured, and then align the outer braces at the bottom.   If you are using the desk mount option, these should be used instead of the outer braces.   Connect with two M3x20 screws and washers on each end.
Take the central right part of the frame. There are four holes in each end. Install four M3 inserts into each side.
Install two M3 inserts into this retainer on this side as pictured.
Insert 3x 608 bearings on to the three posts.
Install the retainer over the bearings as pictured.
Supporting the retainer, on the opposite side install 2x M3x8 screws and washers.
Take the two rollers and install a 608 bearing in each end of both.
Slide the rollers onto the left side of the frame and align the central right part of the frame with the rest of the model as pictured.   Connect the lower two holes on each side with two M3x20 screws and washers on each end.   Connect the upper section using two M3x16 screws on each side.
This part has two holes, install an M3 insert in each of them.
Install the part as pictured with the slot facing upwards using two M3x16 screws and washers.
Insert two 608 bearings into these holes in the frame.

Gearbox & Bits

Lay out the gearbox flat on its back. There are eight holes available to install M3 inserts.
Install three 608 bearings on to the posts.
Install the retainer over the bearings with three M3x8 screws and washers.
Install bearings in the three other holes in the gearbox cover.
Install an M3 insert into the hole in the top of the carrier.
Rest the carrier in the slot.
Insert the barrel cam.
Insert some PTFE tube into the guide. It should stick out slightly under 1cm on the far side.   You may choose to have a longer piece on the side as pictured that stretches to your donor spool.
Install the tooth into the carrier.   Rotate the carrier and wiggle the screw so the top of the tooth is flush with the carrier.
Slide on the tube guide over the carrier and secure with a single M3x8 screw and washer.
Install the gears into the side of the frame. You may need to pull the barrel cam out a small amount to align the teeth of the gears.   If you are using the drill option, be sure to install the correct part for the drive axel now.
Install the gearbox cover. There are five screws that need installing from the opposite side.   On the left of the gearbox as pictured the two screws should be M3x25, and the three on the right should be M3x16, use washers also.

Handle

This step should not be carried out if you are using the drill/screwdriver gear.

Install an M3 insert into the hole pictured in the arm.
Install an M3 insert in the hole in the end of the handle.
Fit the handle into the hole on the arm, and fit the handle retainer on the opposite side. Connect with an M3x8 screw and washer.
Slide the handle into the end of the axel so the ruthex hole lines up with the hole in the axel.   Connect this with an M3x8 screw and washer.

Final Step

This part should be left over. Ensure you have removed all the supports from the back cleanly to ensure that it runs as true as possible.
The cross in the back should be aligned with the cross on the drive shaft.
This screw for this part is known to slowly come loose and should be periodically checked, or a tiny amount of Loctite Blue on the end of the screw should secure it. Do not use Loctite Red.   You can use the handle to hold the axel stable. Screw in an M3x14 screw and washer and check to make sure it is fixed and runs true.

Congratulations! It was a long build but you should now have a working V-Spooler Mini!