You are correct. The slick plastic axle is terrible on its own. The print instructions recommend lightly sanding the axle in the center to give it a wood-like feel. Doing the same on the shells could have a similar effect.
I’ll print a few more versions and see how it goes. 
Is this a design you got of Thingiverse or another similar stl site?
I read the instructions and didn’t quite understand what you meant with sanding it with dremel. I was sanding the tip just so I could get it into the shells on either side. They are a really tight fit which looked to be a few mm’s in difference, was that intentional ?
Thanks for the tip with the pads, I happened to have some extras I just ripped out from my b-grade and old YYF throws from last months yard sale 
You want to lightly rough up the part of the axle that the string loops around to simulate the feel of a wood axle. The axle should push fit into the shells without sanding, but that said, tolerances on 3d printers are all slightly different so ymmv.
It’s a yoyo I designed and posted here a few weeks ago. Let’s talk 3D printing - #601 by antman
Available on cults3d. Free STL file Fixed Axle Yoyo 🧩 ・Template to download and 3D print・Cults
I like your gap shim tool. I’ve been printing mostly circular shim tools with slots cut in them for setting gaps, but was debating going for a playing card sized so I can more easily remove them.
Made some YYF 444 weight rings if anyone wants em. Brings the total weight up to 48g it feels much more stable to play with.
Ohh neat thank you
Dude i need the files for that
Been wondering if anyone made a timber axle thing
We’ve been talking about it on the Fixed Axle Collective Discord. I don’t think I’m confident enough in the PLA’s strength to risk a TMBR on one so I’m mostly just testing for fit and seeing if my model is good. I think it would have to be made of a stronger material.
If you are going to print one I would try to print the axel on its side. It’ll make the surface rougher, but it won’t snap on the layer lines when you apply a force.
I am trying this now. The first one was just for fit, not for play. Honestly none of them might be for play…
Still very kool
And in action!
Very cool! Been busy and haven’t checked in on discord in a while. Glad this happened.
Very nice and showing off those kickflip skiilz
Did you notice any difference in your response vs wood? Was it less responsive with the 3d printed axle?
