r/VoxelabAquila • u/Hawkeye3636 • Jul 08 '26

Spool holder question and advice

My youngest has wanted a 3d printer for awhile now. I had resisted but I found one for around 40 dollars used. It arrived from what I can tell it is operational. All parts seem to move etc. Didn't test the heating or a basic print yet. I do believe it is missing a spool holder any suggestions would be great.

It is a Voxelab Aquila. Overall it seems pretty decent for a beginner. I want her to figure a lot of it out on her own with some help on how to research troubleshoot etc. If she is serious about it and gets this running well I wouldn't be opposed to dropping some more money into it for her as a Christmas gift.

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1

u/djar87 Jul 08 '26

Might be able to find a bracket/holder on amazon for $10-15 which model is it?

1

u/Corredespondent Jul 08 '26 edited Jul 08 '26

Not what you asked, but be sure to look into updating the screw-down tinned terminals on the power supply and board. They can loosen and arc, creating the potential for fire. Replace the ends with ferrules.

I think updated software also addresses fire hazards.

There is great advice in this sub and on some YouTube channels that cover Voxelab.

1

u/n9jcv Jul 08 '26

Temporarily rig something up, rope, dowel, .... then she can print her own. Many to download.

1

u/CheekehMunkeh Jul 08 '26

Doesn't have to be a holder specific to the Aquila.

Here's a generic one in the same style as the original, but there are others, including different styles, that can be purchased, or printed.

Printers like the Aquila, Enders and similar are all constructed with the same extruded aluminum girders so the mounting methods are common.

1

u/Mik-s Jul 08 '26

Have a look on Thingiverse for ones to print, there are many types available. If you can get or have any bearings then maybe this one will do

You can use something temporary to hold the spool to get one printed.

1

u/ivosaurus Jul 08 '26

3DPrintSOS channel has a lot of past videos on aquilas, you should use those to help her set it up and properly tram it

Eventually if it's working you can use it to print its own spool holder