WickWinder: Solder Wick Dispenser with Integrated Cutter

I created this WickWinder because I was tired of dealing with loose, tangled solder wick and constantly having to hunt for a pair of scissors to cut it. I wanted a single, compact solution for winding, storing, and cutting solder wick—something that would keep it neat and accessible at all times.

Model Description

This is a Solder Wick Winder Container with an Integrated Knife, designed for 2 mm solder wick. The internal winder is printed in place and can be freed with a small twist. You can spool the solder wick onto the winder using a drill with a flat-head driver. The top cover has a slot for a small cutter blade; once inserted and glued, it serves as a built-in knife to cut the solder wick. A 9×3 mm round magnet can also be placed in the back of the container for easy magnetic mounting.

Print Guidelines

• Nozzle Size: 0.6 mm
• Layer Height: 0.15 mm
• Material: PLA 
• First Layer Calibration: Ensure the first layer is well-tuned, so the winder does not fuse to the case.
• Multicolor (optional): You can add a filament change at 0.2mm for colored text (I used a Prusa MMU for that)

(finer settings should also work)

Assembly Instructions

1. Free the Winder
   Use a flat-head screwdriver to gently loosen the winder until it spins freely.
2. Insert the Solder Wick
   Thread the solder wick through the hole in the base part.
3. Route the Wick
   Guide the wick into the “S” shape on the winder.
4. (Optional) Add the Cutter Blade
   Insert a segment of a small cutter blade into the slot on the cover. Glue it in place if desired.
5. Align the Cover
   Position the cover so that the blade (if used) lines up with the solder wick exit.
6. Press Cover onto Base
   Push the cover onto the base firmly. (It’s a very tight fit.)
7. (Optional) Insert a Magnet into the Base
   Push a 9x3 mm round Magnet into the hole in the base (gluing should not be necessary)
8. Wind the Solder Wick
   Attach a drill or use a screwdriver to wind the solder wick from your spool onto the container, ensuring the wick does not twist.
9. Winder Key
   Insert the Winder Key into the slot of the winder (snug but not too tight fit) so it can be easily turned by hand.

Finished!
Your solder wick is now ready for easy dispensing and cutting.

Enjoy convenient desoldering!