3mm Slot Car Copper Braid Dispenser

Braid sold for slot car pick ups is often sold in one meter lengths that you need to cut yourself. These lengths are usually sold with no container, as a loose coil, which can be a PITA to put back where it goes pretty much every time you take it out to cut a couple pieces off. So, I designed this little case to hold it and easily dispense it, and it fits in a convenient place in my slot car box that I take to races.

Getting the coil started on the hub, and then putting the case together can be tricky. I'd suggest just inserting the end into the hub and folding it over, then putting it together, and rolling it up by inserting a pencil into the hole in the hub, just like we used to do with audio cassettes! (age test! ;-)

Note that the hub model has an included support ring, and should be printed in the provided orientation without additional supports. Peel the support ring off prior to assembly. To achieve the open sides, just set top and bottom layers/shells to zero, and set a suitable infill pattern and density. Increasing perimeters/walls might also be a good idea. The provided 3mf file is set up accordingly.

Update 7/29/2022 - I got some great suggestions from other slot racers so the design has been improved to include a hexagonal hole in the hub to accommodate a pencil for easy winding (thanks John Crawley). Also, adjusting the print settings to make the braid visible so you can easily see when you're running low and need to replenish your supply (thanks, Luf Linkert!). The outer dimensions remain the same, but the hub has grown. It should still be able to hold one meter of braid, but please let me know if you discover otherwise.

Update 7/30/2022 - Another great suggestion was received to add a ruler to the side (thanks Alan Lautenslager!). The latest model now includes ticks down one side at 1/8" intervals. Now you can easily make sure your braid cuts are the same length each time. I also increased the clearance between the hub and the hole in the sides.

Update 8/2/2022 - Slots added to the sides to serve as visual access to remaining braid, so you can print with normal layers and still see the braid inside (thanks Russ Pavur!). Also, the hexagonal hole in the hub was tightened up a small amount, as it seemed loose for most pencils, and a snug hub is better than a loose one. All files updated.