Hello everyone, I am considering placing my 3D printer on an IKEA Kallax shelf to create a stable yet cost-effective base. I am particularly interested in how the Kallax performs in practice as a printer stand: How stable is it really, especially during movements while printing? Are there issues with vibrations or oscillations that could affect print quality? Also, what about the load capacity if, for example, additional accessories or materials are stored on it? It would also be helpful to hear any tips on how to reinforce or modify the Kallax to make it better suited for everyday printing use. I look forward to your experiences and recommendations!
fredbar schrieb:
My printer is a Creality CR-10, weighing around 10 kg (22 lbs), plus the material and accessories I want to store in an adjacent compartment.The CR-10 is well within the weight range that a Kallax shelf can handle without much trouble, provided the shelf stands on a stable, level surface and is not overloaded.
To attach the MDF board, I recommend securing it to the back panel with wood screws about 3 to 4 cm (1.2 to 1.6 inches) long. Don’t forget to pre-drill to avoid splitting the wood. The board should cover the entire back to significantly stiffen the shelf and reduce sideways movement.
fredbar schrieb:
Are there any pitfalls to avoid here?Yes, a few points to keep in mind:
- Do not overtighten the screws to prevent damaging the wood.
- Make sure the Kallax is not placed directly on a cold, damp floor, as moisture can cause the wood to swell and later warp.
- If the shelf will be moved or transported occasionally, it’s a good idea to install the MDF board so it can be removed, for example, using wing nuts or quick-release fasteners.
fredbar schrieb:
How much do room height or temperature affect the material, especially wood?Room height does not have an effect, but temperature and especially humidity can affect wood. Wood tends to expand or contract slightly with changing conditions, which might be noticeable in high-precision applications. Under normal indoor climate conditions, the effect is manageable.
BERONAR schrieb:
Honestly: Using the Kallax shelf as a base for a printer? To me, that seems quite unstable if you really need precision.That’s certainly a valid point. However, it’s worth noting that not everyone requires maximum precision or is willing to spend significantly more for a perfectly stable foundation.
I believe it takes a bit of courage to experiment practically, because with simple means and some modifications, you can achieve quite solid results. For example, I reinforced the sides using small brackets on the left and right. This makes the shelf look less minimalist, but the vibrations become truly negligible.
fredbar schrieb:
The idea of MDF boards on the back and rubber bumpers sounds interesting. I’d also like to know how you installed them in practice.I simply attached the MDF board with regular wood screws, but positioned the screws so the board can be removed at any time. For the rubber bumpers, I used self-adhesive ones, which minimizes effort and also makes it easy to replace the bumpers.
In conclusion: You shouldn’t expect miracles, but for hobbyists with a limited budget, this is a practical option :-)
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