Parametric Spool Drawers

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
• add options for different drawer pull types
• add a stacking coupler
• add a turntable base