There are 3 major benefits to using this add on.

1. This changes the ratio to 2:1. So every 1 rotation of the hex driver equals 2 rotations of the spool.
2. Instead of relying on direct drive of the spool axel, this transfers power to 2 gears at once for better power distribution to the drive train.
3. This locks all the gears in place, there by “trapping” the spool axel into the system. So the geared end won't jump out, and will allow you to reverse as well. As you can see in the third pic, I'm holding the entire unit up off the table by the spool. The only drawback to this is you will need to pull the pin on the first upper gear and slightly slide it to the side to remove the spool axel. Not a big deal IMO.

I've included two different pins on separate plates. The normal ones, just a bit longer to hold the Handwheel Sides, and M5 threaded end ones to more securely hold everything together. That is if you didn't want to superglue the sides to the main Pastamatic bodies. You'll just need washers since the head of an M5 bolt is pretty close to the same diameter as the hole. Otherwise, the only other thing you'll need is 2 more 608 bearings, press fit into the side pieces.