The model is made up of 3 parts, a harness to hold the spool and capture the thread when not in use, a spool, and a cap.
- The harness (file “Spool holder”) is a container with a hole on a side to allow for the thread to go through, and a fish-bone structure around which you can roll excess thread and cut exactly as much as you need. No supports needed when printing
- The spool (file “Thread spool”) is what it says on the tin. it has a hole on the side so that can be used to put the first bit of thread through, and then hold it with your second hand while respooling. Remember to cut excess thread when you are done respooling or the spool will not rotate freely. This file requires support for the top part. I use tree supports but normal supports should also work fine. One could make them 45° to avoid the need for supports, but I preferred this approach to maximise the amount of thread you can put in. I may upload another model with a supportless design later on.
- The cap (File “Cap - pressure fit”) goes on top of the harness when the spool is inside, and keeps everything together. No supports needed, but you may need to adjust the fit depending on your 3D printer's tolerance and material used. If the fit is too loose or too tight, first of all make sure your XYZE-steps are calibrated, and if that is the case, try to play with flow and/or resize to 100.1% or 99.9%. May take a little patience but it will work :)
Remember to auto-level your bed!!! Enjoy ;)