Big, Cheap Dry box

Last Update April 26, 2026

Storing your filament in a dry box while in use is needed in my experience.   I found many answers.  Some good, some not so good. 

A dry box stores already dried filament and keeps it dry.   A dryer is needed to dry filament.   A dry box does not dry filament.  

There are many 3d Printed dry boxes.  Just be aware that most 3D prints are porous.   They do not stop moisture.  If using 3D prints for a dry box, I recommend painting, to seal the 3D printed parts. 

My experiences with Dry Boxes

Single filament roll

For single rolls of filament I like the Polymaker Dry box.    With the dryer attachment these can be used to dry the filament spools.  They seal well, are tough and should last a long time.   filament can be fed directly from the box.   The limit with these is they only fit 1KG rolls.

Multi-filament Dry box #1

My first dry box with the buffer on the side.   It was not big enough to hold the buffer.  The buffer was outside.   That means some of your filament is not kept dry.  The box was not cheap and did not make a good air tight seal.  Even with the seal kit.  I had to apply silicone to better seal the joints and gaps.   It was also limited in the number of spools it could hold. 

Multi-filament Dry box #2  Everything fits inside  

I like this Tool Chest dry box that I adapted.   It is big, dry and has a tight gasket seal and simple to modify.  Compared to other solutions it was cheap in cost and time.    It includes the buffer inside, everything is sealed and dry.   Keeping filament dry and then letting it be in an open buffer for days does not make sense to me.   If it looks ugly to you, put a table cloth over it.

The Inside.  5 spools fit, even room for 2-3KG spools


More room without the buffer.  I  removed the buffer and implemented the Filamentalist Classic Re-winders.   This uses a metal one way clutch system, not a printed clutch.  It helps rewind the spool when filament is back fed.  When normal feeding it free wheels.  I added rubber feet to help them not slide on the metal floor.  The re-winders shortened the tubing and reduced drag overall without the buffer.   They have been working well.
The next step
Converting to an INDX tool changer is the next step.  No re-winder needed.  Just something to rest the spools on.   I think the box will hold 8 spools for the INDX.  I will add pictures once the INDX is here and the box is reconfigured.

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