Spool Shelf using 3/4" EMT & 8x10 Metal Shelf Brackets

thingiverse

I updated the two-part version to February 6, 2017. The update ensures that the bracket doesn't extend beyond the widest part of the metal bracket. The two-part brackets fit on a print bed of 110mm x 110mm or larger, while the one-part version fits on an 180mm x 170mm print bed or larger. I was tired of having my spools scattered across a shelf and decided to utilize the space above the door with a three-foot shelf. I started by remixing http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6544, but I wasn't sure about using 1/2" or 3/4" Electrical Conduit due to its plastic corners holding up under weight. As I thought of ideas, it occurred to me that I could use inexpensive 8"x10" shelf brackets from Walmart. I initially made each bracket in two parts, but ended up using a single piece after one of my brackets didn't fit in the corner unless I moved it half an inch away. The two-part brackets extend about five to six millimeters beyond the edge of the bracket for a dovetail joint. Originally, I was going to use 1/2" EMT, but thought it might flex in the middle. Since I had some 3/4" EMT from my CNC project, I decided to use that instead. The attached OpenSCAD files allow you to change the size of the bracket using different materials. After test fitting the one-piece version, I added a little ridge support on the outer edges of the middle of the bracket for extra stability. For the dovetail joints, I used a clearance of 0.3mm but provided options for 0.4 or 0.2mm clearance by changing the variable Dove_Size. There are three types of dovetail joints: Clamped, NoClamp, and HalfHt. I used Clamped on one end and NoClamp on the other, while HalfHt is suitable for middle brackets in long shelves. The hardware required includes six M5x10mm Socket Head Cap Screws, six #10 x 1-1/2" wood screws, two 3/4"x36" EMT, and two M3x20mm Socket Head Cap Screws with locknuts if using the Tightening clamp option.