What do you think about this?

@Kelan Solomon,

     I think this is a good place for a beginner. Actually Ben has built a 3D printer and a CNC machine which he uses regularly. Here is a list of things to do before you start:

1. Find a good workplace to use. You will need a fair amount of time and this build has many small parts. Organize and you will do great.
2. Look around for used or old electronics parts.
3. I see a laser cutter involved. Do you have one or get someone with one?
4. Also some work using an Arduino IDE. Maybe you should play, download this software.
5. Set your expectations according to what you are making. The design is for small items.
6. Research filament and how the extruder(like a hot glue gun) work.
7. Ans the most important one... Have fun!

You will find many here with experience and insight. Feel free to ask when you need.

Clem

great thanks for the quick answer! I haven't got a laser cutter but I was thinking or cutting it with a jigsaw, would that work?

great thanks for the quick answer! I haven't got a laser cutter but I was thinking or cutting it with a jigsaw, would that work?

I would think about tolerances here. The jigsaw would have to be setup for millimeter cuts. If you can do that, should work fine. This is going to be your platform and should be firm and accurate for good builds later.

I've been dismantling computers and printers for this project and have come across a few problems:

- in two of the dvd/ cd players there is not the "normal" stepper motor ( the one with the spiral) and they only have 2 cables, are they stepper motors and usable for this project?

- in a printer that I took appart, I found some stepper motors ( can feel the steps when turned) but they too have 2 wires, but some kind of plastic disc with black lines around them on the shaft and what I think is a counter underneath ( I'm guessing to count the steps).What are the? are the stepper motors? can I use them in the project? and with or without the disc+counter? 

thank you very much!!!

Check out Radio Shack. They seem to be selling to the walls at some locations and you might end up with some stepper motors to work with. I found stuff at 70% off.

Clem

if you are in Minnesota... we have a store called AX MAN   they sell stuff exactly what you may need for such a project   at very low prices...   they are a Surplus store that sells tons of project orientated item... a Hobbyist dream store

I live in Switzerland so everything that i get online will cost loads for shipping and tax...