All in one filament storage and spool holder

thingiverse

I wanted something simple and convenient for switching out color filament. So, I created a storage system that serves double duty as my spool holder. Tom's video at YouTube here inspired me to build it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY5n9q-wS7k. A note: the hot glue technique he used didn't work for me, so I opted for screwing in my dowel holders instead. After using this system for a while, I noticed there was too much drag on the filament coming through the hole in the box. To resolve this issue, I built a stand that tilts the box at about 45 degrees. This tweak worked perfectly. Here are some details you'll need to build your own: You'll require a 1/2" diameter dowel with a width matching your storage box. To mount the various pieces, use miscellaneous screws. I used longer screws for attaching the dowel holder so that the screw tips would protrude through the holder and into the dowel slightly. I drilled a small hole at the end of the dowel to ensure the screw penetrated it securely, keeping the dowel in place. To remove the dowel and load new filament, simply pull on the side of the container gently; the dowel will come out easily. Get about 5 feet of 3/4" x 1/5" wood strips cut to lengths and angles as indicated in the included drawing. The cross-member between the two sides should be approximately 10". I mounted a hygrometer and thermometer inside the box for monitoring purposes. A holder for it is included here. I'm using an AMIR Indoor Digital Hygrometer Thermometer, Humidity Monitor with Temperature Gauge (https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B017UCH2MY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). The storage box itself is a Rubbermaid box measuring about 16x11.5x9.5". You can find similar ones at Walmart, although the exact model I use doesn't appear to be on their website (https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/sterilite-189-liter-white-storage-box/6000083829998). To keep moisture out, I applied weatherstripping under the lid and around the holes where the filament exits. I also loaded the box with silica packets to absorb any moisture that may get in. Although not strictly necessary, I created a clip to hold the filament from being sucked back into the box and tangled. This makes it easy to grab and load. I have two boxes like this set up to accommodate 8 open spools at a time; simply swap which box you want to put on the stand, load, and go! This setup sits atop my laser enclosure and feeds the filament through a hole in the top. I use this guide (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2458298) and it works great. To minimize friction from feeding at an angle, align the box so that the spool you're using lines up with the feed hole. I hope you find this as useful as I do!