Update 2025-06-01: Added STL files for a spool column to allow spool stacking. They're sized to allow for a wide variance in spool widths and hub diameters.
I've got a bunch of filament spools sitting around, and wanted to turn them into cabinets. The problem, though, is each one I have seems to be a slightly different size. The hub diameter is a bit bigger or smaller, or the gap between the rims is just slightly off.
And, yeah, I know there are a bunch of models out there for spool drawers, but I wanted:
configurable to fit any spool
removable drawers (no hinges)
specify number of drawers
mix and match drawer sizes
easy to print
no extra hardware or modifications required
So, here's my take on that…
NOTE: The STL files posted here are just examples. These are what I used for a Hatchbox spool I had. They almost certainly won't fit whatever you've got.
Measurements
To get ones that fit, you'll need to do some measurements:
od: This is the diameter of the rim. It's probably about 200mm.
id: This is the diameter of the hub. Probably around 80mm. Measure this carefully and, if uncertain, use a number that's a bit larger than what you measured.
ht: This is the distance between the rims. Probably around 60mm. Measure this carefully and, if uncertain, use a number that's a bit smaller than what you measured.
Plug these numbers into OpenSCAD:
Now, you've got a number of other parameters you can play with:
n (number of drawers) - this can be anywhere from 3 to 12, depending on the size of drawer you want
th - wall thickness of the drawer; defaults to 1.2mm
r - radius of the drawer corners; defaults to 6mm
gap - the space left around each drawer; defaults to 1mm; NOTE: the distance between adjacent drawers will be double this value
Generating Models
The part parameter specifies which model is rendered. There are several options:
drawer - renders a single drawer
spider - renders a full circle of drawer rails
rail - renders a single rail (useful if you want to mix and match different drawer sizes)
set - a single drawer plus its rail
assembled - a spider plus a full set of drawers; this could technically be printed in place (I haven't tried this, so use at your own risk)
exploded - a full set with one drawer open; for visualization purposes
Printing
The models don't require any support material. PLA is fine.
Assembly
The spider has a tiny gap in it. This allows you to slip it around the hub and glue it in place (I used a couple drops of superglue). I used a zip tie to clamp it to the hub while the glue set.
Once the glue is set, you can slide the drawers into place.
Future Enhancements
There are a few things I can think of that might be useful:
alter the rail geometry so that the drawers click closed
Steve DeGroof
