Pastamatic Filament Re-spooler: Assembly Guide

The Pastamatic by GekoPrime is the best filament re-spooler I've used, and it's free. It's designed to be a tool, not a project: the only thing you buy is a few skateboard bearings, and its self-reversing lead screw winds a neat, even spool every time. Here's how to put it together.

The quick version

• Use it to move filament onto a new spool: rewinding from cardboard to plastic spools, splitting rolls, or fitting spools to an AMS.
• You need 14 × 608 2RS bearings, a drill with a 1/4" hex bit, and a short piece of Bowden tube.
• Print it in PLA, with the wipers optionally in TPU. I'd skip ABS.
• It fits on nearly any build plate.

Assembly

1. Bearings into the gears

Press a bearing into each gear by hand, or tap them in with a rubber mallet.

2. Rear frames

Lay the frame parts out so they all point to the right, so the bearing pins end up in the right place. Put bearings in the open side compartments and push in the short pins. Repeat for the matching part, then do the same on the other side of the frame.

3. Gears

Fit the gears onto the frame in order. The video shows the exact sequence.

4. First frame rod

Insert the first frame rod to join the two rear frames together.

5. Lead screw

This is the part that spreads the filament evenly across the new spool. Slide the lead screw block on to where it meets the reversing thread, seat the screw guide in the block so it sits flush, add the compression block to hold it, then place the whole assembly into the rear frame.

6. Filament guides and wipers

Slide the two filament guides onto the rod, then fit the TPU wipers. Where they sit depends on the size of your spool.

7. Front frame

Slide on both sides of the front frame and the Pastamatic is built.

Loading filament

1. Mount the full spool

Attach the full spool with the spool holders. If your spool doesn't fit them, print a spool adapter (there are plenty on Thingiverse). The filament should come off the bottom.

2. Bowden tube and filament

Adjust the wipers, push the Bowden tube into the filament guide (trim it if it's too long) and thread the filament through.

3. The empty spool

Insert the lead screw pin, then mount the empty spool, again winding from underneath.

4. Secure the end and wind

Secure the filament end to the new spool. I push it into a small hole at the base and kink the end so it can't slip out. Wind about a metre by hand first, then drive it with the drill and hex bit.

There are plenty of free add-ons for it too, including a motor attachment. Thanks to GekoPrime for making it free, and to everyone who's designed add-ons.

What you'll need

Questions? Ask in the video comments, or join the community.

More guides

Scrubbler Nozzle Wiper for Bambu Lab P1S: Install Guide and Fix Bambu Lab Prints Not Sticking? How to Fix Bed Adhesion How to Tell If Filament Is Wet, and the Best Ways to Dry It

Common questions

What do I need to build the Pastamatic?

Fourteen 608 2RS bearings, a drill with a 1/4 inch hex bit, a short piece of Bowden tube, and the printed parts in PLA, with the wipers optionally in TPU.

How does the Pastamatic wind filament evenly?

Its self-reversing lead screw moves the filament guide back and forth across the spool, so it winds a neat, even spool every time.

Is the Pastamatic free?

Yes. The Pastamatic by GekoPrime is a free download on Printables, and there are free add-ons like a motor attachment.

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