3D Printed Bambu Spool Tool

[@FunctionalPrintFriday]

Thx for watching! Bambu has a huge sale going on right now, including my all-time favorite printer, the P1S: fpfdesigns.com/r/p1s

[@Rakshasa84]

The petghf link in your description is a 404 not found.

[@lroyson]

This is a great functional print. I have had this problem, and I will be using this in the future. Thank you.

[@FunctionalPrintFriday]

@@Rakshasa84thx! Fixed

[@sledbomb]

You should try out the AMS lite spool removal tool on maker world.

[@anthonymatsushino6997]

I would love the stl for the holder tool, I literally only have one arm and could mount the holder on my workbench.

[@stubbyninja_]

I am a one-handed person, born without a right hand, and I can't tell you how cool it is to see so many prints that help people like me. Even if it's not the primary purpose of the print, there is a print for just about everything I could need. I got a printer less than a month ago, and I'm having the time of my life.

[@ThirrinDiamond]

That's so lovely! I'm planning to print things for my wheelchair soon ^__^ 🤝

[@sledbomb]

kzbin.infoDkPfuNy38CQ?si=rY9w0tjPVv70fPLE

[@sledbomb]

I have created a one handed spool removal tool for the AMS lite

[@sledbomb]

@@stubbyninja_ look up spool removal tool in maker world

[@TheBudgetTechnician]

Just at the 2:43 mark right now and was about to post a comment saying that the tool he built could probably be very easily adapted to mount to a table for people who only have the use of one hand for whatever reason it is.

[@Plazman]

I'm glad you included your various iterations. As they say, "you learn more from your mistakes." Great job! I love pressing the raw filament in there as a guide rather than printing it.

[@Mykeelk]

I love how you walk us through your whole thought process on the design, step by step! I've been printing for over a decade now, but have never considered using a piece of filament as a marker like that! It looks so cleaner than multicolor printing, and doesn't require a bunch of extra print hours and wasted filament clearing the nozzle between colors!

[@FunctionalPrintFriday]

thank you!

[@ThePiitteri]

That hammer to place indicator was eye opening. I have avoided multicolor prints but this one I could do. Thanks

[@Ghust2]

I'm not really looking for a spool replacement tool, but I was just casually following along. When I saw that notch for the filament I immediately screenshotted this to a friend with a caption like "THIS IS GENIUS" This is what separates a good design from the true next level stuff. Well done

[@FunctionalPrintFriday]

@@Ghust2 thx!

[@carltonwbrooks]

Tool for spool would be great. I have very bad arthritis that has deformed my fingers. I have a hard time pulling them apart. Always have to ask the wife.

[@FunctionalPrintFriday]

I'll get it updated and added over the weekend EDIT: I'm improving it, and will release a brief follow-up video. I'll still try to get it out today, but may be tomorrow (Monday)

[@odditythreeD]

@@FunctionalPrintFriday Thank-you for this, same problem!

[@Bossen-DK]

THX for this "Must have" tools! I certainly want the stl's for it! So much appreciated! 👍👍👍 BR. Bossen

[@jayc6139]

We would also love this tool! We received a problem spool from Bambu last week where this would have been a lifesaver

[@kronisknatur]

I can really use your tool to open the spool with. I only have 3 fingers on one hand and this will help me a lot

[@lukedukeuk6497]

I just loaded my first Bambu refill a few hours ago and saw this issue coming a mile off. I first thought about using a deburring tool to cut it back then the idea of mandrel to straighten it out. Didn't think a few hours later KZbin would auto play a new KZbinr to me with an elegant solution for the problem I was just thinking about. Kudos to the design!

[@Forcelord50]

Great job getting this to it's final iteration. Simple, effective, and easy to use. Absolutely perfect.

[@pauly7218]

Mad respect for the effort to make this for us even while fighting an injury. You've earned this new subscriber!

[@FunctionalPrintFriday]

thx

[@NineKeysDown]

That first tool would be super helpful for anyone who needs a little help! For sure publish it! Never know when an accessibility tool is needed until it's needed :)

[@FunctionalPrintFriday]

just published a new vid with the design for the wrench

[@BryantAvant]

It’s definitely a gift and a curse that people like us would rather come up with time consuming, complicated solutions to problems the manufacturer created and could solve by making a simple tweak to a machine.

[@ethancohen6005]

Python AMS. It's a complicated build and difficult for a beginner. But works for anything. Cardboard spools do work

[@slaw11975]

What a great idea and well thought out tool! Will definitely be printing one out . Thank you for all your time and effort you’ve put into this problem that I’m sure we are not the only ones having with a quality control issue Bambu seems to be having.

[@gordonwallace7245]

Thx for the reusable tool. I'm 84 young learning 3D Printing, have an A1 & A1 mini, both with AMS Light. Printing in right now & will use with the new filament that came today. Subscribed and look forward to learning from you as well. Gordon

[@FunctionalPrintFriday]

welcome to the channel!

[@holy_moly]

Hello, I recently switched to bamboo spools for the same reasons and just yesterday I faced the same problem. Your video comes at just the right time.

[@Ed_Stoddard]

Amazing idea. I love that other people end up with 'several' iterations of their practical designs. I now don't fee so all alone in that area. Thanks.

[@joshuafredrickson9719]

Never should have even crossed your mind. Think about it. 3D printers are all about rapid prototyping. PROTOTYPING. You're doing it right.

[@czummo76]

Engenius!!! I just started learning 3D and bought a X1C (go big or go home right?) and i just respooled my first spool refill today. I can't say i experience your issue but it was an awfully snug fit and it was a slight challenge (with two good hands) to get it lined up and seated properly... I am definitely going to print out your invention as i want to get my wife engaged in the printing side of things and this tool will absolutely help!!! Thank You!!

[@6884nfghfjk]

Really glad I came across your video today. I just received four refills from Bambo Labs and had no idea the spools could be damaged. That quite is an amazing invention you came up with. Thanks for the info.

[@gregoyler944]

I ordered my first batch of filament from Bambu labs yesterday. Great timing on this video. I now know what tomorrow’s project will be! Thank you for the great videos!!!

[@rsquaredinnovations]

I have cursed this situation many times! I normally butcher the cardboard worse trying to shave it! I quit buying refills! Thanks for addressing this issue. Take it very easy on that wrist, I wish you a speedy recovery!

[@DaveA-sb7ue]

Recently found your channel and instantly subscribed. Hope your arm is coming along. Thanks for the great content and instructions. Love the way you work out the different issues we all face. Thank you for all your hard work and I will be printing this one out so thank you for the fix!

[@sethstenzel]

It is certainly worth putting that lever print out, my kids are very into 3D printing and I'm very much a dad who tries to make them do as much of a process themselves as possible, at least a few times, for the experience, to appreciate the effort that goes into a process, and for the sense of accomplishment.

[@FunctionalPrintFriday]

just published a new vid with the design for the wrench

[@Marcus_Caius]

Very nice and functional design. Thanks for sharing 👍 To clean out the cardboard you can also use a deburring tool... carefully to not break the cellophane strips.

[@lmaoroflcopter]

Absolutely genius. Been getting so many rolls with rounded over cardboard here too. Great idea! I've been cutting it off but like you say it's a complete mess and more than once the plastic straps have snapped or I've slipped and cut them.

[@twithheldmwithheld8938]

Great video. Love the detail you put into making that tool. This is what 3D printing is for me, practical and functional items!

[@JustInTime0525]

That's a great idea! One change I would make is to cut down the height even more, so you can push down all in one go without needing to remove the too first, and also reduce the filament needed to print, cheers 🎉

[@alphonsesuitperson]

Love it, I swear every one of my spools had this problem with being snug, and I just thought it was normal. going to print this now!

[@dilkashgungabir5607]

I don't have a 3d printer yet but I was browsing for possible problems and found this. Really appreciate the time you took to create a perfect solution. Liked and subscribed. Looking forward to watching more of your videos

[@nickbutler7935]

I've not encountered this problem yet here in the U.K. ( mainly because I'm only a month into my new Hobby ), but I shall be printing this off just in case. Many thanks for all your time and effort. Cheers from the U.K.

[@gbspikyfish]

Same here; bought loads of refills without issue, so maybe there's a different factory producing the spools in the UK. Regardless, it's a great idea and a useful tool.

[@nickbutler7935]

@@gbspikyfish I have just this moment finished printing it in PLA. A lot went into this design. Hope we never need it.

[@chrisgill5692]

Have bought 3 or 4 batches of Bambu refillls in UK and they all had this issue; have also had a spool unclipping mid print, although don't think was related to this QC issue. Otherwise Bambu filament refills have been great value.

[@wileymarm0t]

Boy I could use that spool splitter tool! I was fighting to get two sides put together with refill and your tool would have saved me 10 minutes!

[@FunctionalPrintFriday]

just published a new vid with the design for the wrench

[@gerardwiesel559]

You put a lot of work into the design of the spool tool! Wish I had your design abilities. I haven't yet run into a refill that has the same problems that you have found. But I did download your tool for print if I get any in the same condition. Thanks for all the work on this!! Gerry

[@aberodriguez4149]

Thanks for sharing this whole creation process it was very enlightening. I don't have a Bambu printer yet but I am going to definitely have to print this tool.

[@joell439]

What a great idea. Thanks for all the effort and iterations to get it fool proof. Having the handle too will help with those stubborn spools. I’ll definitely be making them. 👍👍😎👍👍

[@FunctionalPrintFriday]

I published a vid with the wrench handle

[@jpcrawford3860]

Love this practical solution! Really enjoyed the video, thanks for sharing your process! I don’t know about anyone else but I was dying to see that refill finally installed nicely in the spool! Haha

[@danglecier9462]

Great helpful tool. Anyone that is a perfectionist like you connects with us. New subscriber.

[@Craigstoytrains]

Thanks for your videos. I really enjoy watching and hearing your thought process for designing the items you make, I learn a lot from these videos. I am trying to work up the courage and patience to learn how to design something from scratch instead of just printing Stl files.

[@EdGodoyPlana]

I have not yet printed thus yet but plan on printing it tomorrow! I have had a couple of Bambu refills with the issue and was frustrating to get them to luck! I will be printing it tomorrow morning! I just sent it to my son who also has a X1C. I suggest you upload your design to Bambu Lab Makersworld so that all Bambu Lab users get easier access to the file! You should consider linking this KZbin video to it! I would also love to print the adapter you designed ti help you locking the Bambu Lab reusable spools! If you make it available you might want to also upload it to Bambu Lab Makersworld! Thanks a million! I follow all your KZbin video every Friday and love them all although the print you designed don’t resolve an issue for me since they are specific to the issue you have! Until today since I do have this issue on occasion and you are solving my problem! Thanks again! I wish I could learn how to design this like you do! Love your KZbin videos!

[@apollos5184]

Thank you for sharing that design. I'd given up of refillable spools (though I did save a lot of them). Maybe now I can give it a shot again. Hope your wrist feels better soon. I know your pain with 7 broken bones (3 in the wrist and 4 in the hand). Great channel and keep up the good work!

[@claylinco]

This is great man!!! I've had this frustration ever since my first refill spool from Bambulab. It's a great concept and well thought out from Bambulab but apparently the QC on the refills is not to the level that it should be. Thanks so much FPF!! 👏

[@FunctionalPrintFriday]

Glad it helped!

[@_djengis]

Glad to see that i'm not the only one struggling with those badly cutted rolls. Got 10 of them, always a "joy" to put them together.

[@ph0t0dave]

This is the first time I have seen your channel and love the spool buddy and spool wrench! I have arthritis in both hands and I think both of these tools would make it much easier for someone like me to change the refills in the Bambu spools. Great job! Im off to view more of your videos! :)

[@FunctionalPrintFriday]

thx, and welcome aboard!

[@Talondale]

Timely video. I just received my first four refill spools from Bambu. Thanks

[@advancedleveldiagnostics]

I just ordered my first refills. I don't know yet if I'm going to need the tool, but thanks for sharing!

[@steveriggsartandanimation8473]

What a great video and such a handy tool. Printing it now whilst waiting for my filament delivery. Thank you so much.

[@David_Kelly_SF]

Nice solution to an awkward problem. Thanks for sharing! I only just got my printer and haven't seen the problem yet, but I have ordered some refills so I'm sure I will 🙂

[@confoojed]

Fantastic design and video again as usual. Glad to see the numerous iteration ideas and ‘almost got it’ prints along the way…more relatable to my designs.

[@JimRimS4S]

Funny, I have been dealing with the same issues as you. I had a brand new refill loaded into a bambu refill spool and I didn't pay enough attention to the notch and making sure it was lined up. I'm sure you see what's coming, I came apart in my AMS. I have never notice any cardboard tubes like yours, mind you I'm up here in Canuckistan so it wouldn't be the same batch. hopefully its just an anomaly, but you should let Bambu know. great channel

[@radmin2]

I always appreciate built-in break-away supports. Nice!

[@on7fdk]

I have the same issue with some of the refills. This is a great design, thank you for sharing! Now I need to figure out how to remove the empty ones from the spool, as they are very tightly attached.

[@kunicross]

Just started 3D Printing and the Bambu spools are just very nice, kinda glad I never had to deal with all the waste. (probably will try our other filaments through if only for price and to have a decent comparison)

[@MarcoAntonioButron]

Excellent design, thank you very much for sharing! I can't buy the Bambu or Sunlu refills in Mexico yet, but once I can I'll certainly printy this tool

[@thejedijohn]

This was an awesome video. Thanks for sharing the process and the eventual success.

[@pavelkolar9543]

Your designs are everytime absolutely smart created. I wish i had your skill and thinking about designing.

[@oljobo]

I love the Spool Buddy 👍🙂 One thought though: You demonstrated a totally fine spool with undamaged cardboard center. That came easily on and off the spool holder, and was easily rotatable. That probably means the inner diameter of the cardboard is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the spool holder core. So.. to me that means that the Spool Buddy should NOT be the same diameter as the spool holder core, BUT bit larger - the same diameter as the inner diameter of the cardboard. First THEN the Spool Buddy will actually repair the cardboard damage ALL the way, and not just half way.

[@FredSchmitthammer]

Thank you for this. The spool wrench would be awesome to have too.

[@Conranos]

Late to this, but a suggestion. Since the cardboard is rolled inwards, the mandrill will likely make it roll more and will probably make removal difficult. What could be done instead is to have a short portion at the bottom that is the same OD as the spool, put the spool on backwards using the mandrill to reform the cardboard, then flip the spool and install as shown.

[@whatsup3d]

That is something I'm going to print right now, Super useful, thankyou!.

[@FunctionalPrintFriday]

You're welcome! Genuinely hope this helps as many people as possible. I wonder how many rolls have just gone into the garbage due to frustration

[@brianswille]

Great tool. Great video. The lever tool would be a great file/tool to have. Especially if it had holes in it for a more permanent "bench mount" version.

[@stevemisher7197]

Really great idea! I have had a few refills like that, but this tool will solve the problem for sure! Thank you for sharing!

[@MilanD...]

I do not have Bambu, but still looked it to the end. Very nice done design.

[@S.A.S.H.]

I don't have the hand issues that you have, but regardless that spool tool is brilliant. I would definitely print and use it.

[@MADHalloween1031]

great job! this will be a tremendous help being disabled. My problem with Bambu refills is bad spool winding which is why I'm switching away from bambu refills. At least 3 out of 10 spools I order are trashed because of bad winding. thanks for the print though it will be very helpful if I go back to Bambu refills!

[@NWGR]

Amazing job dude, well done! 🍻 Adding the spool buddy to the print tool arsenal. I'm stocking up on filament too, so I'll use your link for that.

[@dankvwguy]

great video. about to print one of these up now. thankfully all my refills have been clean so far, id rather have the tool on hand if i do run into a messy cardboard bit. thanks for the tool!!!

[@jw200]

New to the channel and subscribed/liked. Just got my Bambulab P1s, amazing prints out of the box. Now after calibrations it's even better 😊

[@hot_wheelz]

Was going to say, yes, I must spend an hour trimming the edge of the cardboard hubs everything I get a fresh batch of refill spools. Glad to see that I'm not the only one that has this problem, but by the same token, if this is as widespread as it appears to be then they really need to do better.

[@hot_wheelz]

As someone who has a spinal cord injury that means I have significantly impaired hand and wrist strength and function, yes, absolutely, please make the stl available for that spool wrench!

[@FunctionalPrintFriday]

I published a new vid with the wrench handle

[@vijo2616]

Haven't bought any refills yet, but now I will be ready ! Thankyou :)

[@thorsten5052]

Some sort of oversized countersink to angle the edge of the cardboard core might also work. I like the idea of putting a string of colored filament in (of course, a Sharpie/color pen mark would also work)

[@ChinaAl]

Thank you very much. I just received my A1, got it set up and printing and got the WiFi working. this printer does an amazing job. I Was thinking about these reusable Spools.

[@bokjekross1645]

Thank you for creating this. Great work!

[@christophec.482]

I think this is great !! Being healthy, it did not come to my mind that someone with some disability (temporary or permanent) might be having trouble with this. So, yes. Improving accessibility = awesome !!

[@IanBradbury]

It's great to see someone else working through so many prototypes. I guess that just how the greats work. ;)

[@mitchellvanwagoner8119]

I think if you used the mandrel to push the cardboard back to it's original shape it would be a lot easier to use. Rather than trying to compress the cardboard into it's new shape, just push it back. Then it would be easier to take off too.

[@AlexSwavely]

Another vote for releasing the spanner. It would be helpful for many. I have arthuritis and other grip issues, so I end up working one handed often.

[@chrisgill5692]

Great video - solves the exact problem I've been having with bambu refills. The spools also have a habit of unclipping mid-print, so I printed some sleeves that hold the two halves together. Some dude on Printables also came up with a "Spool Saver", but it's not the best design and uses a lot of filament.

[@rj7855]

I had that happen today, care to share your sleeves?

[@chrisgill5692]

@@rj7855 whatever I type YT police knocks out my comments... P8ateables jeff_1895823.

[@chrisgill5692]

@@rj7855 whatever I type here, YT police knock out my comments.... arghhhh...

[@seanmcne]

Wow nice work, this was a really great idea and design (and brilliant execution) - impressive!

[@FunctionalPrintFriday]

thx

[@huntliba]

Nicely done m8! Refills are the way to go imo... bambu ones are little too expensive over here, but still... well done m8!

[@jiidee]

I think you might be underestimating the utility of tools to make the 3d printing experience easier for people with dexterity issues. I know people don't talk about it much but it seems like a sleeper/niche area that isn't being catered to. Each time you come up with a tool to help people do things one handed it could end up being very useful to some people out there.

[@xdevs23]

So cool! I love seeing how this was made. Very thought out!

[@mrlithium69]

you're very thorough. I have a lot of questions, including whether Bambu knows people are going to such lengths to save 88 cents

[@TynamM]

In my country it's more like two dollars. It adds up fast.

[@rj7855]

Save €2 .... Per spool and, for me at least, saving on plastic waste

[@practicalhome2826]

Great idea with the filament indicator , I will be using that since my printer is a single color printer. Thank you so much :)

[@caseypries7559]

I developed my own reusable spool for use with elegoo PETG that's working very well. I lay the elegoo spool on it's side, tear off the cardboard side and insert my own spool side. Then flip it over and repeat. The 2 halfs screw together. So far they're working great. The elegoo PETG prints nice, is available on Amazon and is one of the better priced filaments.

[@bardenegri21]

You could make it even shorter that it's flush when the refill is all the way in. You only need to reach the handle when it's all the way in. That way you only need to flip it around once, push all the way, flip it back, remove tool. It's really cool anyways, looks awesome too with the filament position marker.

[@jdncpa73]

I had the exact same thought. Otherwise a great idea.

[@JohnVanderbeck]

It's a trade off though. The longer it is, the less force is required and vice-versa. He may have decided the loss of leverage wasn't worth the shorter size. Or maybe he didn't test it at all :p

[@francisd.fortuin3447]

Definitely would like the STL file of the tool you’ve used. Great effort making such a well made video, hope your doing a bit better

[@luppchri]

First time here, but really loved this video. Will come back 🙂

[@rattyboots]

Genius design. Great content.

[@exodous02]

Elegoo is my favorite petg but comes on a cardboard spool. I just printed the adapters in PETG, basically rings that go around the spool, and haven't seen any cardboard dust in my AMS. There are even some adapters that replace the cardboard, you rip it off one side, replace the side, then flip it over and do the same and they lock together but the ring adapters I use require a ton less filament to print so take up less space and are cheaper and work fine.

[@darktherapy]

First time watching your videos - subscribed! I just recently got a bambulab A1 and love it.

[@FunctionalPrintFriday]

Welcome aboard!

[@DavidCousins]

Excellent design and interesting iterations.

[@angev5670]

Pretty cool idea, Thanks for sharing with us

[@blanchsb]

Sorry I got in your way as your were trying to get the refill on the spool lol. I'll make sure to move over next time! In all seriousness, great video. I love the idea of the filament for a color marker.

[@spambot7110]

2:20 in addition to making the center part taller, if you can size it to be a light friction fit into the hole, then you wouldn't need a second hand at all to keep the device stable and could operate the whole thing one handed, which would make it useful for a broader range of accessibility needs.

[@TS_Mind_Swept]

Looks like you do the same as me, create a million different iterations until it's perfect :p Kind of a shame something like this even needs to exist..., but at least we don't have to worry about finding it

[@motoformprototyping]

Great design 👍

[@andys5562]

A solution just looking for a problem. Good Job.

[@kkuenzel56]

Necessity IS the Mother of Invention. Very cool!

[@meawayfromhome]

Thanks for this, good timing I just got four refills delivered.

[@Goosefang]

Have not encountered one of these refills yet, but plan on printing it just in case. 😬 Don’t wanna have to wait for it to print if one does pop up.

[@deucedeuce1572]

I was really impressed with Jayo PLA+ Black, because of how strong it is. I haven't compared to others, but it was strong enough for my uses... so I just stayed with Jayo. I ended up needing more filament and the PLA+ was out in black (on sale), so I got PLA 2.0 in black that's supposed to be stronger. There's no doubt that I can say that it certainly prints better and looks better (more smooth) too. The problem I've been having though with the PLA+ (1 of 3 spools) and the PLA 2.0 (2 of 4 spools so far) is that near the end of the spool the filament gets jammed. It's not rolled up right and somehow the other layers/rolls of filament end up somehow being on top of the part that's feeding into the printer... so it can't unwind anymore and fails. I'm not sure why that happens and I'm wondering if anyone knows how to stop that from happening. If anyone reads this and has a clue, I'd appreciate any info or ideas. It's ruined several of my prints and unjamming it just causes it to jam up again shortly after (just one or two layers later).

[@CareyP]

Great video! I am going to print one out just to have. If i didn't you know i would get a shipment of those bad cardboard spools! maybe if I do I'll never will lmao. I think at the price of a roll Bambu Labs should not be sending out bad spools!