Beta 4 is available! This update contains the following changes:
V-Spooler Mini is available on Makerworld, however it would be great if you can support me by buying it here. An alternative that is cheaper is to join my club for at least a month, which also gives you access to this and some other models for the duration of membership.
V-Spooler Mini is a re-spooler based on V-Spooler which has been reduced to the components needed so that it is smaller, for spooling from large external spools. I had a few requests from people using 10kg spools to make this!
It is optimised to spool to Bambu spools, although a generic clamp is also provided via a separate profile as well as an option for Extrudr spools. There are also after-market options available by searching for “V-Spooler” here or on Makerworld. Please note the drill option, handle option and desk mounts are now included by default.
I designed the gears in FreeCAD and did the rest of the project in Shapr3D. The model above was printed using Extrudr PLA NX2, in signal green, white and grey.
Which V-Spooler Should I Print?
V-Spooler Mini | V-Spooler | V-Spooler X |
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You Want To Print A New V-Spooler Mini
V-Spooler Mini Beta 1 is the main file for this model. The main file is updated with every release to include the changes, so you do not have to incrementally upgrade when printing a new V-Spooler Mini from scratch.
You Want To Print A V-Spooler Mini Option
Look at the options section below and pick one, then go to the files area and choose either the Bambu or Generic 3MFs depending on your preference and print the matching file.
You Want To Upgrade V-Spooler Mini
Lets say you are on Beta 3 and you want to upgrade to Beta 5. As maintaining upgrade files is getting messy, we only provide incremental upgrades between each release.
So to move from Beta 3 to Beta 5, you need to do the “Beta 3 to Beta 4” upgrade, then the “Beta 4 to Beta 5” upgrade.
The options are provided in separate 3MF downloads.
Extrudr 1kg & 1.1kg Clamp & Spindle - An optional clamp and spindle that fits Extrudr 1kg and 1.1kg spools perfectly, as used in their NX2 PLA, PETG and various other plastics.
Generic Clamp & Spindle - V-Spooler Mini comes with a clamp & spindle very specifically optimised for Bambu Labs spools, as most people are spooling to these spools. The generic clamp & spindle option is designed to be narrow to potentially fit more third party spools.
If you are building V-Spooler Mini using the Bambu Lab A1 Mini, you will also need the extra following bits:
At least one of the screws as detailed in the instructions benefits from Loctite Threadlocker Blue. Do not use the red Loctite, it is too strong for plastic parts with inserts.
When you use Loctite Blue put a very small amount of it on the end before screwing it in. This is important for future removal. Please do not use this all over the model for ease of maintenance.
PTFE Lubricant
Plastic parts susceptible to friction benefit from lubrication. If you have a PTFE lubricant or other lubricant that is compatible with your choice of plastic, when final assembly has been completed a light greasing of the lead screw will help operation.
The main body of the spool clamp is fine being supported by whatever materiel it is printed in. It should be printed in the orientation as pictured using tree supports to support the upper sticky-outy bits at the top. | ![]() |
The inner part of the spool clamp requires supporting. It should be printed in the orientation as pictured using the default supports. | ![]() |
The front arch should be printed with the hoops pointing upwards. These hoops benefit from hybrid tree supports on the build plate only. | ![]() |
This part benefits from hybrid tree supports on the build plate only. | ![]() |
These instructions have yet to be tested by a third party, so apologies for any small errors - please let me know and I will fix them.
If you are building V-Spooler Mini on the A1 mini, follow this short section now. Else, skip down to the “Spool Clamp” section below.
Find this part and install two of the M3 inserts in the holes in the central post pictured here. | ![]() |
Now install the upper section using two M3x14 screws and washers. | ![]() |
Install two M3 ruthex inserts into the end of the spool clamp. | ![]() |
Screw on the retainer, note that it is a reverse thread. This is so it is less likely to undo due to the rotation. | ![]() |
Install the handle on the end with two M3x16 screws and washers. | ![]() |
Install an M3 ruthex insert into the end of the gear as pictured. | ![]() |
Install the axel extension on the end with an M3x12 screw and washer. Note that this uses one of the smaller axel extension parts. | ![]() |
Take the gear that looks like this. | ![]() |
Install an M3 ruthex insert in the hole on this side as pictured. | ![]() |
Install the axel extension on the end with an M3x12 screw and washer. Note that this uses one of the smaller axel extension parts. | ![]() |
Take the final large gear and install an M3 ruthex in the middle. | ![]() |
Install the axel extension on the end with an M3x16 screw and washer. This uses the larger axel extension part. | ![]() |
Install an M3 ruthex into the end of the drive axel. | ![]() |
Take the lower left section of the frame. There are two holes in each end. Install two M3 inserts in each end. | ![]() |
Install a bearing in the larger hole in the front arch. | ![]() |
Place the front and rear arches as pictured, and then align the outer braces at the bottom. If you are using the desk mount option, these should be used instead of the outer braces. Connect with two M3x20 screws and washers on each end. | ![]() |
Take the central right part of the frame. There are four holes in each end. Install four M3 inserts into each side. | ![]() |
Install two M3 inserts into this retainer on this side as pictured. | ![]() |
Insert 3x 608 bearings on to the three posts. | ![]() |
Install the retainer over the bearings as pictured. | ![]() |
Supporting the retainer, on the opposite side install 2x M3x8 screws and washers. | ![]() |
Take the two rollers and install a 608 bearing in each end of both. | ![]() |
Slide the rollers onto the left side of the frame and align the central right part of the frame with the rest of the model as pictured. Connect the lower two holes on each side with two M3x20 screws and washers on each end. Connect the upper section using two M3x16 screws on each side. | ![]() |
This part has two holes, install an M3 insert in each of them. | ![]() |
Install the part as pictured with the slot facing upwards using two M3x16 screws and washers. | ![]() |
Insert two 608 bearings into these holes in the frame. | ![]() |
Lay out the gearbox flat on its back. There are eight holes available to install M3 inserts. | ![]() |
Install three 608 bearings on to the posts. | ![]() |
Install the retainer over the bearings with three M3x8 screws and washers. | ![]() |
Install bearings in the three other holes in the gearbox cover. | ![]() |
Install an M3 insert into the hole in the top of the carrier. | ![]() |
Rest the carrier in the slot. | ![]() |
Insert the barrel cam. | ![]() |
Insert some PTFE tube into the guide. It should stick out slightly under 1cm on the far side. You may choose to have a longer piece on the side as pictured that stretches to your donor spool. | ![]() |
Install the tooth into the carrier. Rotate the carrier and wiggle the screw so the top of the tooth is flush with the carrier. | ![]() |
Slide on the tube guide over the carrier and secure with a single M3x8 screw and washer. | ![]() |
Install the gears into the side of the frame. You may need to pull the barrel cam out a small amount to align the teeth of the gears. If you are using the drill option, be sure to install the correct part for the drive axel now. | ![]() |
Install the gearbox cover. There are five screws that need installing from the opposite side. On the left of the gearbox as pictured the two screws should be M3x25, and the three on the right should be M3x16, use washers also. | ![]() |
This step should not be carried out if you are using the drill/screwdriver gear.
Install an M3 insert into the hole pictured in the arm. | ![]() |
Install an M3 insert in the hole in the end of the handle. | ![]() |
Fit the handle into the hole on the arm, and fit the handle retainer on the opposite side. Connect with an M3x8 screw and washer. | ![]() |
Slide the handle into the end of the axel so the ruthex hole lines up with the hole in the axel. Connect this with an M3x8 screw and washer. | ![]() |
This part should be left over. Ensure you have removed all the supports from the back cleanly to ensure that it runs as true as possible. | ![]() |
The cross in the back should be aligned with the cross on the drive shaft. | ![]() |
This screw for this part is known to slowly come loose and should be periodically checked, or a tiny amount of Loctite Blue on the end of the screw should secure it. Do not use Loctite Red. You can use the handle to hold the axel stable. Screw in an M3x14 screw and washer and check to make sure it is fixed and runs true. | ![]() |
Congratulations! It was a long build but you should now have a working V-Spooler Mini!
The author marked this model as their own original creation.