3D-printed Spindle

Description

This 3D-printed spindle was designed with beginners in mind. It’s lightweight, sturdy, well-balanced, and comfortable to use – everything you want when you’re just starting to spin.

Instead of printing the entire spindle, I chose to make the shaft out of wood. That may seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference. It’s stronger, more durable in use, and simply feels better in your hand.

The shape and size are identical to my wooden Athena in size 3. It’s a tried-and-true model that spins smoothly and stays nicely balanced. At around 25 grams, it’s light enough for a beginner but has enough momentum for longer spin times. Perfect if you’re moving from park-and-draft to spinning freely. You can create a wide range of yarns with it, from light fingering to about worsted weight — think needle sizes between 2.5 and 4 to 4.5 mm.

Why this spindle?

Maybe you’re just getting curious about spinning, but not ready to invest in a wooden spindle. This 3D version is budget-friendly, spins beautifully, and comes with a bonus: color. PLA lets you play with shades and tones you simply can’t get from wood.

Details:

• Model: Athena (size 3)
• Weight: approx. 25 grams
• Arms: PLA (3D-printed)
• Shaft: hickory wood
• Colors: varies
• Only available as part of the Start & Spin kit

Not silky smooth, but smooth enough to spin

Since it’s 3D-printed, the surface has visible print lines and the occasional quirk. That’s part of the process. You won’t get a polished wood finish, but you will get a well-balanced, reliable spindle that’s great to learn on.