Parametric Shelving Brackets (Imperial)

prusaprinters

This page contains files with imperial sizes. Files with metric measurements are found on this page.I wanted to create a shelf for the open space next to my printer enclosure on my desk. I cannot move my enclosure over because of an outlet. I also knew that I wanted to make it as simple as possible while still keeping it inexpensive. I also wanted to make this hardware-free to make this as accessible as possible. I decided to use dowels and edge-glued wood boards because the price was right for me. By printing brackets to sandwich the boards between the dowels, I could make durable, easy-to-make, custom shelving. The brackets' main function is to keep all the pieces of wood in place, and they do not have much control over how strong the shelf will be. The strength of your shelf will come from the pieces of wood you choose.I also liked the idea of making the printed brackets adjustable for different parameters. I have made the file in FreeCad (RealThunder branch) so that if I need a shelf to fit into any area, I can make it with this project. The thickness of the dowels and boards can be adjusted. The angles that each bracket must form in order to fit the pieces of wood are also adjustable. With this FreeCad file, I can generate the printed parts for custom shelves in any size or shape I want.Knowing that not everyone wants to download FreeCad and learn how to work with parameters to make their own brackets, I generated a good amount of files for various thicknesses of wood. Since there are 300 files so far (235 more in metric sizes), I would recommend using the "All Model Files" button to download them all. I find that reading them on the native file explorer you have on your computer or device ends up being easier and more searchable than viewing them online. I have organized them into folders based on the diameter of the dowel. The files all contain a consistent naming scheme: ParametricShelvingBrackets_[type of connector]_[dowel diameter]_[board thickness]_[angle of board corner].stl. I also have a folder for "TestParts" with smaller models to measure against your dowels and boards to make sure that the part has the correct sizes. The small test prints take a much shorter time to print than the main pieces.For my shelf with the yellow brackets, I used:3 /4" diameter poplar dowels1" thick pine edge-glued wood boards (actual thickness was listed as 5/8"-3/4") ParametricShelvingBrackets_Ends_.75inDowel_.625inBoard_Angle90.stl (8x)ParametricShelvingBrackets_Middle_.75inDowel_.625inBoard_Angle90.stl (4x)Polymaker PETG filament, yellowI still have some of the wood and about 100g on the roll of filament leftover. After checking my receipts for the materials, my total cost for the shelf was under $50. It's sturdy and could handle the 140 pounds of weight I put on it. After printing the brackets and cutting the wood, assembly of the shelf took me only a few minutes. After the simple experience of putting two of these shelves together, I would recommend using a rubber mallet to hammer the dowels into the brackets to just make the process go a lot quicker and smoother. I made my shelves without using any hardware or glue because I wanted to be able to change the design if necessary. I also wanted to create a hardware-free shelving system to make it more accessible to those who do not want to or cannot cut the wood or use tools. Most likely, when the weather here gets warmer, I will want to apply a coat of stain to the wood and will have to take the shelves apart then. It is not necessary in order to keep the shelf together, but if adding glue to make the fit permanent makes you feel more secure, that is also an option.