Spool Size Question  

Re: Spool Size Question

You can definitely use it unspooled. Just cut off a section and then let it hang off the provided spool holder somewhat loosely. In your Slicer it will tell you the approximate length you need. Add several meters just to be safe and then cut it and use it.

I've done it on several occasions with no issues. I bought a set of 5 meter loose spools in a variety pack and this is how I use them. I wouldn't recommend this for a 50 meter print or anything, but if you need 10 meters or so, you will be fine.

Re: Spool Size Question

Ya...what Phil said. But I do keep a few empty spools handy for loading some off another spool or the sample packs. JUST MAKE SURE YOU WIND IT WITHOUT TANGLES. Sorry to yell but that part is pretty important.

Neal

Re: Spool Size Question

I have the large spools now (2.3KG). I also wanted to Print the Lack enclosure parts and didn't know the 2.3KG spool was so big it would not fit the Prusa spool holder. I just set up some stepladders and G clamped a pole across to hold the spool until i had printed the parts.

I have modified this spool holder to fit the Lack enclosure. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3020026 It has bearings for the filament spool to sit on to allow less friction as the spool rotates and no chance of it falling off.

Re: Spool Size Question

You can use almost anything as a spool holder as long as it turns relatively freely.

A broom handle sitting on two chairs is a perfectly workable spool holder.

If all else fails, put the spool on its end on a lazy susan.

Re: Spool Size Question

You can definitely use it unspooled. Just cut off a section and then let it hang off the provided spool holder somewhat loosely. In your Slicer it will tell you the approximate length you need. Add several meters just to be safe and then cut it and use it.

I've done it on several occasions with no issues. I bought a set of 5 meter loose spools in a variety pack and this is how I use them. I wouldn't recommend this for a 50 meter print or anything, but if you need 10 meters or so, you will be fine.

phil.s6: Awesome. Thank you for the reply. I did see the approx length estimate and that is a good tip to add extra. I like it and is probably the simplest solution to get started.

Ya...what Phil said. But I do keep a few empty spools handy for loading some off another spool or the sample packs. JUST MAKE SURE YOU WIND IT WITHOUT TANGLES. Sorry to yell but that part is pretty important.

Neal

Neal: Gotcha and thanks for the emphasis. Should I wind it tight to the spool like how it comes neat and aligned or loose but just make sure it is untangled? I noticed that when using the Prusa spool and the filament got to the ends where a new roll starts I would loosen one or two spool wraps by hand while it was printing to ensure it would not bind on feeding, but I only did one or two wraps to ensure it would not tangle.

I have the large spools now (2.3KG). I also wanted to Print the Lack enclosure parts and didn't know the 2.3KG spool was so big it would not fit the Prusa spool holder. I just set up some stepladders and G clamped a pole across to hold the spool until i had printed the parts.

I have modified this spool holder to fit the Lack enclosure. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3020026 It has bearings for the filament spool to sit on to allow less friction as the spool rotates and no chance of it falling off.

Robin.a: Yeah, the spool actually hits the Y-axis frame because the hole in the spool is so large. That did not seem good nor like something I wanted to chance when I saw it. Oh, I like that modified spool holder. I will print that (in NGEN once I get it set up), it is handy. Thank you.

You can use almost anything as a spool holder as long as it turns relatively freely.

A broom handle sitting on two chairs is a perfectly workable spool holder.

If all else fails, put the spool on its end on a lazy susan.

Peter: Thank you. The table I have the printer sitting on has they top of the Y-axis at 4'6" from the ground and so it will need to be taller than that which is why it did not initially dawn on me 😕 😕 However, I have thought of how I will work around with this method using some chairs and height adjustment items and I do have pole/handle that can be used.

Great suggestions all, and very fast. I appreciate it.

Re: Spool Size Question

The spool holder needs to be longer than the one on thingyverse. That one is for 73mm wide for small spools. I have altered it to 101mm wide for the larger 2.3kg spool. I'll put the files onto thingyverse when i have time.

Re: Spool Size Question

I haven't had any trouble with it being loose wound. Unless you really crank up the speed and it starts to jerk as it pulls tight and then the spool turns. Usually the spools have a hole to put the first bit of filament in and hold it secure while you wind it. I don't really like those because they usually make the spool jump on the holder. Use a little tape to get it started and you should be good to go.

Neal

Re: Spool Size Question

Update

Thank you everyone for the help!!

I rigged up a temporary thing and started by unspooling an estimate of the meters required and put on the temp spool holder to start. It worked but required maintenance to ensure it would not tangle and I had an instance where I had to add filament on the fly as my estimate was off 😮 😮 😮 . Good times , good times. I then just used the spool directly on the rigged platform and it has been working superbly and I am almost through with the cabinet parts.

Attached pictures for others to have as a reference. - apparently you have to take pictures in landscape mode like a caveman or they show up sideways... apologies.

Unspooled setup

Spool Setup

PSU Brace

Re: Spool Size Question

Nice work. Just a suggestion though. If you are going to use loose filament don't secure the off end like that. You still want the filament to unroll even if not on a spool. A long unattended print and that will tighten on the rod holding it.

Neal

Re: Spool Size Question

Any body have a winding jig?

Re: Spool Size Question

Nice work. Just a suggestion though. If you are going to use loose filament don't secure the off end like that. You still want the filament to unroll even if not on a spool. A long unattended print and that will tighten on the rod holding it.

Neal

Neal: Thanks, yes I did experience that. I noticed the loose filament would create this ball like structure and since there was so much, it was not a problem because I was closely monitoring it as I feared a tangle-snag happening.. I do not plan to do that with larger prints int he future if I can help it.