looking for a easy do it yourself 3D printer

I want a easy 3D printer that I can put together my self and I dont want to spend 1, 000 or 4, 000 doallers on a 3D printer. So I am hoping someone can help meout here.

Former Member over 11 years ago

I agree
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Former Member over 11 years ago

You can build a RepRap for under $500 USD, perhaps as low as $300 USD if you can source some of the more costly items locally (Stepper motors, etc). The big-ticket items for almost all RepRap designs will be the electronics, stepper motors, and the extruder's hot end. For the electronics, the least-costly is usually an Arduino Mega + RAMPS shield + Pololu-compatible motor controllers (the whole set should run under $50 USD if you watch for a good EBay auction), the Steppers will run around $15 USD each (you will need 4 minimum - X,y, and z axis +1 for extruder), and then the hot end will run around $75 USD for the barrel, nozzle, heater, thermocouple, etc in one set. You can source sub-components for less, but then efficiencies of scale start to make low-count runs cost more per item than the suppliers can sell them for. Check out the many variations of RepRap printers at www.reprap.org and the magazine can be downloaded here: RepRap Magazine. My co-author for the "3D Printing for Dummies" book, Richard Horne (@RichRap) is one of the contributors to the magazine and I have seen a lot of good ideas there for selecting and building your own printer.

Kirk Hausman
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Former Member over 11 years ago in reply to Former Member

Thanks a bunch. I will search around for better bargains. This will be a fun project to Rangel.
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Former Member over 11 years ago in reply to Former Member

Thanks for helping me out
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fustini over 11 years ago
I recommend the Printrbot Simple:
Printrbot Simple Named “Best Value” by MAKE Editors
Printrbot Simple: The Perfect Printer to get Started 3D Printing | MAKEhttp://www.element14.com/community/update-advanced-comment.jspa?id=105579
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Former Member over 11 years ago in reply to fustini

I understand that Element14 is selling the PrinterBot Simple printer, which my father is trying out and seems to work well enough although the bargain-basement level without the heated build plate is only going to work with PLA and maybe Nylon for now. Add the build plate and keep your options open.

Kirk Hausman
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