This kite reel/winder is awesome. It'll easily hold 1000 feet of 50lbs line (I have 500ft of it in some of the photos). It's also quite easy to print and assemble! It's also a bit of a fidget toy if you don't put any line on it... It's fun to just spin it around and around!
More importantly: IT IS COMPLETELY WATERPROOF. Seriously, water (and sand to a lesser extent) won't hurt it in the slightest. It cannot rust because the bearing uses Airsoft pellets which are plastic. Enjoy a rust-free kite flying experience!
I've tested flying kites with it and it works wonderfully. "Reel fast" to bring your kites in and even small kites can pull themselves up out of the reel without much resistance (it's smoooooooth and low friction).
There's two versions of the kite winder included:
Hearts ("Airsoft Kite Winder-Bottom Outside Hearts.stl" and "Airsoft Kite Winder-Top Hearts")
Lines ("Airsoft Kite Winder-Bottom Outside Lines.stl" and "Airsoft Kite Winder-Top Lines.stl").
The bottom middle section (the part you hold on to) is the same for both. Hence it is named, "Airsoft Kite Winder-Bottom Inside Universal.stl".
I've made some videos with some assembly instructions and tips but really, it's not rocket science (you'll figure it out):
Demonstration: https://youtu.be/N0Ny52rMRNw
Tip: Sand The Seams: https://youtu.be/5QSOxoE7Y3g
Bearing Assembly: https://youtu.be/ueLuK6rByXs
Tip: Nut Insersion: https://youtu.be/KfSNv67YVxw
Tip: Locking the Reel: https://youtu.be/EKxS3LLyz3Y
Printer Brand:
Prusa
Printer:
Prusa Mk2
Rafts:
No
Supports:
No
Resolution:
0.3mm
Infill:
20%
Notes:
I recommend using 0.3mm (or thicker!) since there's nothing in these models that requires intricate details. It's all just flats and holes! Whatever infill type you want will probably be fine!
I also highly recommend sanding the seams to make it less noisy while spinning (as the pellets bump up against the seam they bounce a bit which makes a noise--it doesn't really impact how smoothly it turns).
Note about printing the line guide: Yes, it is meant to be printed on its side! I used to have it printing upright but that can result in layer separation when line tension puts force on the guide. The layers could also separate if you're using a screw eye that's larger than the hole (that's how I discovered the problem). So print it on its side... It seems strange but it's correct!
Required parts
The things you will need:
74 Airsoft pellets for the main bearing
6 Airsoft pellets for the handle because it too has a built-in bearing.
4-7 25-35mm M4 screws. Countersunk preferred but not necessary. Not too picky though--if the screws are too long they'll just stick out and be ugly (no big deal).
4 12mm M4 screws for the handle, the handle extension, and the line guide.
6-12 M4 nuts because it's all M4s!
Optional: For the line guide you'll need either a 12-14 gauge, reasonably smooth wire (no nicks that could fray the line) or a 1 3/8ths inch/35mm "screw eye". A sacrificial brass wire coat hanger would work too.
The screw holes are all tapered to accept countersunk screw heads but regular flat-head screws will work just fine. They just won't look as nice :)
Assembly
Before I say anything else I want to point out that the center part (where you hold the reel) is symmetrical. Why? Because that way it's nearly impossible to screw up the assembly! All assembly issues can be corrected afterwards by simply unscrewing and re-screwing a few things. You can reconfigure the location of the handle and the line guide any time as you see fit!
Also: Even if you don't read these instructions you'll probably put it together just fine. This is a lot of words to describe a pretty straightforward assembly
