Introduction: Desktop Wire Winder
ANNOUNCEMENT
Hello, one of the creators here. This Instructable is linked to my school account which will be deleted soon. Download the PDF if you'd like to save the designs. Thanks!
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A wire winder is tool that simplifies storing and shortening a wire in a neat way. By placing a wire through a knob and rotating it, the wire is wound around the knob. We decided to redesign a wire winder because cable management is often ugly or expensive.
Supplies
1.) CAD software
2.) Slicing software
3.) 3D printer
4.) Preferred filament color
Step 1: Define Your Needs
We have created three designs based on your needs. Choose the one that you connect with best. Remember, we are only providing basic dimensions (in inches). You can customize your winder further.
Minimalistic
Function over fashion. A simple design that focuses on ease of creation, printing, and use.
If you chose this design, see step 2.
Cute
Fashion over function. A cute design that hides the mechanics of the winder.
If you chose this design, see step 3.
Maximalist
Function and fashion. A complex design that balances appearance and experience.
If you chose this design, see step 4.
Step 2: Minimalistic
Note: It's hard to describe each part, so see pictures for guidance.
Base
Diameter: 2.5 in
Hole diameter: 0.55 in
Height: 1.2 in
Wire input/output slit: 0.3 in wide, 0.75 in height
Wall thickness: 0.2 in
Lid
Diameter: 2.5 in
Hole diameter: 0.75 in
Snaps: 0.3 in wide, 0.2 in long, 0.1 in height
Thickness: 0.2 in
Spindle
Bottom pin: 0.45 in diameter, 0.2 in height
Body (the part inside the winder): 1 in diameter, 0.95 in height
Top pin: 0.65 in diameter, 0.75 in height
Slit: Cut 0.3 in length through entire body and top pin, leaving 0.2 in on bottom of body
Use fillet tool to round edges of body's slit
Print with supports
Note: choose the t-bar that suits your needs.
Elevated T-Bar
Length: 2.5 in
Width: 0.577 in
Height: 0.3 in
Pin: 0.577 in width, 0.3 in length, 0.2 in height
Side supports: 0.1 in width, 0.5 in length, 0.2 in height (centered around bottom of pin), use 3D sketching and loft to create triangular prism, use mirror tool to copy to other side
Use fillet tool to round edges as needed around entire component.
Flush T-Bar
Length: 2.5 in
Width: 0.3 in
Supports: donut around top pin, 0.1 width
Height: 0.5 in in
Use fillet tool on ends of bar to round edges as needed
Step 3: Cute
Base 1
Length: 3.5 in
Knob slot diameter (larger): 1.308 in
Knob slot diameter (smaller): 1.093 in
Outer wall thickness: 0.115 in
Inner wall thickness: 0.063 in
Outer wall length: 1.25 in
Inner wall length: 1.05 in
"Floor" thickness: 0.35 in
Wire hole diameter: 0.441 in
Base 2
Length: 3.5 in
Outer wall thickness: 0.135 in
Inner wall thickness: 0.134 in
"Floor" thickness: 0.35 in
Outer wall length: 1.3 in
Inner wall length: 1.5 in
Knob
Slot Diameter (larger): 1.308 in
Slot Diameter (smaller): 0.913 in
Knob Diameter: 0.924 in
Wire holder thickness: 0.368 in
Wire holder length: 2.05 in
Wire holder arc radius: 1.771 in
Step 4: Maximalist
Bottom
Main Circle Outer Wall Diameter: 3 in
Main Circle Inner Wall Diameter: 2.75 in
Gear Teeth Length: 0.3785 in
Gear Teeth Width: 0.5 in
Gear Teeth Channel Width: 0.35 in
Number of Teeth: 10
Height: 0.95 in
"Floor" Thickness: 0.15 in
"Floor" (Indented Circle) Thickness: 0.1 in
Use fillet tool to round outer edges
Top
Main Circle Diameter: 3 in
Gear Teeth Length: 0.3785 in
Gear Teeth Width: 0.5 in
Gear Teeth Raised Attachment Point Width: 0.35 in
Gear Teeth Raised Attachment Point Height: 0.15 in
Number of Teeth: 10
Overall Height: 0.3 in
"Ceiling" Thickness: 0.1 in
Raised Portions of the Design: 0.05 in
Use fillet tool to round outer edges
Center
Bottom Cylinder Diameter: 0.45 in
Bottom Cylinder Height: 0.075 in
Middle Cylinder Diameter: 1.125 in
Middle Cylinder Height: 0.71
Top Cylinder Diameter: 0.95 in
Top Cylinder Height: 0.165 in
Wire Slot Width: 0.25 in
Wire Slot Depth: 0.6 in
Finger Well Diameter: 0.75 in
Finger Well Depth: 0.25 in
Turning Handle Height (From Bottom of Finger Well): 0.6 in
Use fillet tool to round edges of the turning handle
