Modular Spool for Cables, Wires, Rope, String, Lace, etc.

Tips are appreciated and go towards creating new designs

Changelog:

- 2021-12-21: - Added experimental male-male axis connector for use with an (experimental) separator for creating multi-spools - 2022-05-07: - Added a winding aid. Use an M6 bolt or threaded rod with a nut to clamp the wire spools in and chuck them into a drill or so - 2022-05-15: - Added winding aid in 1/4 inch version. Same as M6 version, use a bolt or threaded rod with a nut or two Quite a few wires I bought only came in a bundle instead of any sort of spool which made organization as well as using them (tangled wires!) pretty annoying.

To solve the problem I designed a modular spool where you can mix and match different diameter sides with different length center axis pieces to store whatever amount of wire, ropes, string, lace, chain or whatever you have.

All spools are designed to have a 15mm center axis to put on a rod, or some sort of holder. The outer diameter of the center axis is 23mm for all spools. Sides are secured to the axis using a M20x2.5 thread whose tolerances have been tweaked to be more FDM-friendly. Furthermore all spools and axis have openings through to the hollow center of the axis which should more or less line up when screwed together. If they don't, slightly sand the small portrusions on the side pieces. These holes allow you to secure the start of whatever you're winding on the spool. Lastly, all spool sides have either 3mm or 5mm holes and channels to secure the ends of wires while still allowing the spools to stack flatly.

Currently I have sides from 40mm to 100mm diameter in 5mm steps as well as axis lengths from 20mm to 100mm in 5mm steps.

I also added STEP-files of both the axis as well as the side so you can easily modify them to suit your needs and (hopefully) keep compatibility with this set. And as always, I'm open to any suggestions for improvements or other comments you have.

Print Notes:

The sides can be printed as they are. You'll need two per spool.

The axis should be printed upright and may need a 3-5mm brim, depending on how good your adhesion is.

For stability reasons I'd recomment at least 3 shells and 10% infill, for the axis I'd say use 5 shells and thus print it pretty much solid.