http://www.mcmaster.com/#conveyor-brushes/=qx20gv

The cnc router allows me to design parts not possible with 3D printing which I'm putting to good use.

I've been planning this for a while and finally got around to it. Stupid thing was it only took a couple of hours from start of design to finish.

This prototype had one or two rough edges from me rushing, but overall I'm very happy with the part and would consider selling SD2 and SD3 versions if there was enough demand.

Features:

- Sits on top of Solidoodle, held in place by gravity and four tabs which sits inside metal frame
- Two bearing mounted rollers to hold filament rolls and feed them into the extruder from above
- Room for two narrower spools side by side or one wide one (like Solidoodle spools)
- As spool sits on rollers, it is impossible for filament to escape feeding area and tangle on anything else
- Slight increase in heat retention in build chamber
- Typical spools can fit sideways through opening so the lid can be removed without removing filament from the extruder

Parts:

- Laser cut/CNC routed acrylic top piece
- 16mm OD aluminium pipe x 2
- 3/16 threaded rod x 2
- 3/16 nut x 4
- F695ZZ bearing x 4

Method:

1. Cut out acrylic piece
2. Heat and bend 4 tabs downwards
3. Heat and bend roller mounts upwards
4. Cut pipe and thread rod to length
5. Screw together

Pics: