Stacking 'Spice Rack' Using Reclaimed Bicycle Spokes

Customizable Stacking 'Spice Rack' Using Reclaimed Bicycle Spokes & 3DPrinting.

Create exactly the shelf you need. The spice rack designs can be "modified” to accommodate from one to several shelves by simply printing the appropriate components [rack ends and spacers]. Mix and Match as desired, in both 3” and 5” shelf depth.  

3D Print the items you will need to assemble for your shelf-set

Design your shelf set: Decide how many shelves you want and measure where you intend to put them so you can insure a good fit. Narrow locations can be accommodated by simply trimming the spokes to the desired width.

For a 3" two-shelf set {Image above} using standard 24" bicycle wheel spokes, the shelves will be 10 in. wide by 10 3/8 in. tall using short spacers, or 11 3/8 in. tall if using the tall spacers. {26" spokes will get you about another inch wide.}

You need a Right and Left end for each shelf.

Alignment/Attachment holes are provided for "side by side" shelf placement using 18mm trimmed spoke bits. If you wish to get creative you can 'stack' them diagonally or even wrap the shelves around objects.

A cubby/spacer, either tall or short, can replace spacers/separators for both right and left sides. Or both if you like.

1.a. 3DPrint components: As there are a number of ways one can use these designs you will need to determine how many of which component you need for your Shelf-Set. 3” or 5” shelves, short or tall separators and or cubby units and one set of two tops.

1.b. 3DPrint shelf ends [For a single shelf you need print only ‘Bottoms’; for multiple Shelves use one Bottom set, Right & Left and two or more Mid shelf, Right and Left sets, for additional shelves as desired]. The shelf ends have both a Right and Left side.

Download the files, below, one at time or alternately you can download the files as a 'zip' from: Thingiverse

Note: Steps 1 and 2 can be done simultaneously.

Reclaim used bicycle spokes Video

You will need 5 spokes for a 3" shelves, and 7 spokes for 5" shelves, plus 4 spokes for 'uprights' per vertical stack and 3 18mm 'connector shafts' for side by side shelf designs.

2a. Remove spokes from tires

2b. Clean spokes

Assembly Instructions:

[Assembly Video: on YouTube {same as above}]

3. Assemble Shelf(s)

3a. Thread {screw in} spoke ends into a right or left shelf end {Which side to use is not critical} I recommend you use a bit of 'Gorilla Glue' or an equivalent polyurethane adhesive.

3b. Install the spoke alignment tool {Clip-On, printable STL file {listed above}: Alignment Tool}.

3c. Trim the spokes to length {an alternative “trimming method b” video is available}.

3d. Align and insert the spokes into the opposite shelf end and tap into place. Again, using adhesive is advised but not critical for light weight items {kitchen spices}.

[Assembly Video]

4. Combine/Assemble shelf and separator/spacer components

Trim spokes; removing both the ‘nub’ and threads.

4a. Starting with an assembled bottom shelf, insert and seat upright support spokes.

4b. Install either spacer/separator units and or ‘cubby’ units as desired.

4c. Attach / Install second shelf.

Repeat as required for additional shelves.

4-T - {Using tall spacers video}

5. Decorate Optional: files included; Hearts, Stars, Moons, Bears & flowers {See Notes:}

5a. 3DPrint the desired decoration, then glue the decorations in place where you want them; small indentations are provided in the right and left shelf ends designs to accommodate/assist with symmetrical placement. Though you can decorate in any fashion you like :) I recommend using standard ‘super-glue’ as the quickest and easiest method for attachment of the decorative bits.

Using Nano-Tape for Mounting Video

6. Mount the unit at the desired wall location. I use {Nano-Tape @ Amazon} as it does not damage the wall surface.

… OK, it’s not rocket science :) Stick it to the wall wherever you want. Press firmly into place if using tape or Velcro. If the items you intend to use the shelves to hold are heavy use the flange mount designs.

Notes:

You can use adhesive {Gorilla Glue Original or Superglue Gel} to assemble the units if desired; though I have not found it unnecessary when using the shelves as a kitchen spice rack. I recommend assembling Your Design without adhesive; then once you have insured Fit / Form & Function, disassembly then re-assemble using adhesive.

The Mechanical Wall Mount Option [hole/flange design] are designed for #6 or #8 screws (US, not metric). When intending to use the shelves for heavier objects I recommend the Screw/Flange design for strength. #10's will probably fit as well, but I've not tried them.

‘Cleaning-up’ 3DPrinted parts is a subject unto itself. Many videos and much reading material is available for most of the various filament types. If you are new to 3DPrinting I recommend [ALL3DP] as an excellent place to start.

Spoke clean-up, reclaiming the used spokes, is easily accomplished using soap & water and something similar to [ Scotch Brite Pads @ Amazon ] or steel wool.

If someone wishes to make a request there is a “Victorian Scroll-work Design” which can be attached to the shelf ends.

Occasionally a Hand Drill & Drill Bits @ Amazon { ϴ 1.98mm - 5/64 in. } to deburr the insides of shafts/holes in the shelf ends is useful.

You may also find a pair of tweezers, for removal of excess plastic from 3D-printed parts, is nice to have.

Additional thru holes [3 per shelf end] are provided in the rack ends to accommodate ‘stacking’ the shelves beside one another; simply use an 18mm spoke clipping as a shaft/rod to position the shelves beside each other and adhesive to secure in place {Superglue GEL or equivalent}.

Additional Videos:

Reclaiming Bicycle Spokes Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PIILtFFTgIY 

Using the Spoke Spinner Tool Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6BHbF8Qtmc0 I have found this tool necessary; some of the spokes fit quite tightly.

Using ‘Nano-Tape’ as a method to wall-mount the rack(s). https://youtu.be/ZKYWEa3kSMg

Alternate Trimming Method Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cC5cQpIuHdw Useful for 'Skinny' shelves; controlling the shelf width.

Currently there are three other videos or Instructables in this 'Up-Cycle Bike Spokes' series; with more to come :)

PE Keys Rack ► https://youtu.be/XcVnmvG9s7w

3DP Tools Rack ► https://www.instructables.com/Up-Cycle-Discarded-Bicycle-Spokes-As-Rebar-for-3D-/

Sink Rack ► https://youtu.be/xgAnfwSd41k

Ironing-Set Hanger ► In Process an 'Over the Door' Iron and board hanger

Bird Cage ... ok, so the cat got the bird already, ... poor little Tweetie :(, so this one's slipped to the bottom of the list :( ►