Cheap & Easy to Build Steel Filament Storage Rack - Store 80 Spools or more!

cults3d

I've been searching for a heavy-duty rack that can store my filament rolls without breaking the bank. Today, I'm excited to share my solution that I've fallen in love with and wanted to showcase here on Thingiverse. My solution was assembling a sturdy rack using steel electrical handy boxes and 1/2in EMT conduit. It's incredibly rugged, works perfectly, and is extremely affordable to make. You can build a rack in about 10 minutes that holds up to 20 spools with just $6.15 in parts. Once made, you can set it on a table, shelf, or mount it to a wall - the possibilities are endless. Basic Rack - Total Cost $6.15 - Holds up to 20 Spools 2x #5836134 Handy Boxes $0.89ea (Link: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Single-Gang-Drawn-Handy-Box-1-7-8-in-Deep-with-1-2-in-KO-s-8660/100560024) 4x #97271 1/2in EMT Connectors $0.44ea (Link: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Halex-1-2-in-Electrical-Metallic-Tube-EMT-Set-Screw-Connector-96271/100204006) 1x #101543 10' section 1/2in EMT $2.61ea (Link: https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-2-in-EMT-Conduit-101543/100400405) 2x2 Rack - Total Cost $29.76 - Holds up to 80 Spools 8x #5836134 Handy Boxes $0.89ea (Link: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Single-Gang-Drawn-Handy-Box-1-7-8-in-Deep-with-1-2-in-KO-s-8660/100560024) 1x #2122 50pc 1/2in EMT Connectors $9.47ea (Link: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RACO-EMT-1-2-in-Insulated-Set-Screw-Connector-50-Pack-2122/203637583) 5x #101543 10' section 1/2in EMT $2.61ea (Link: https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-2-in-EMT-Conduit-101543/100400405) Tools to Assemble: Hammer Flathead Screwdriver Pliers Hand Saw For those unfamiliar with using conduit with electrical boxes, check out this video that demonstrates how to install the connectors in the box. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4pH4hUCT7g) Once all the connectors are installed in the boxes, simply cut the 1/2 EMT to length, install it in the connectors, and tighten the screws. For my 2x2 rack pictured above, I assembled eight of the boxes with connectors - four similar to the one shown in the video, and four with two inside connectors on the opposite side. I then cut eight sections at 28in, four sections at 9in, and four sections at 6in. Then, just put it all together. The nice thing about this design is that you can use any length you want for the conduit, making it easy to make it fit the rack anywhere. If anyone wants to take it further and build multiple tiers, you can use a Handy Box plate with a 1/2 Knockout: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RACO-Single-Gang-Handy-Box-Cover-with-1-2-in-Knockouts-25-Pack-861/202058330. Just keep going up! The two STL files are for anyone who wants to add a blank plate to the handy box. One is a basic plate, and the second has a spot where you can store your filament clips so you don't lose them. Each plate will need two #6 screws to attach it to the box. Important! Please keep in mind that the box edges are sharp and can cut you. Also, I recommend wiping everything down with alcohol when done to get all the oil off. Definitely don't want oil getting on your filament. Happy Building!