Could I get some tips here?

3D Printing
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1

Could I get some tips here? (If I’m in the wrong place just let me know.)

I’m trying to RepStrap my way into the RepRap ranks, mostly DIY because I learn more that way.

So, I’ve just disassembled a printer hoping for stepper motors, and found zero. None. Sure, it was a HP, but I thought I’d get at least one. What should I be looking out for?

2

You want old EPSON ink-jet printers. These HP motors may serve for a small CNC spindle though, or you may sell them off eBay.

3

Duly noted. Thanks. :slight_smile:

4

After taking apart many printers in hope for useful parts, I found it wasn’t quite worth the effort. Sure epson printers will have a stepper (even the newer ones) but I found it too difficult to get usable smooth rods, and the motors were small and underpowered.
If you can afford it, buy the motors and rods and bearings. The rest can be made from twigs or popsicle sticks.

5

That’s the thing, I’m doing this on a shoestring budget. There’s plenty of scrapped printers, and only so much cash.

Thanks for the heads up on the rods though. Looks like I’ll need to kill a lot of printers.

I’m planning on building a filamentbot too though, so I might be able to recycle the bodies into usable filament.

6

I assume @Patrick_Charlton-O_S knows a brand-new suitable motor costs around $12-$15. I do agree with @Stephanie_A that EPSON motors are a bit underpowered but I am successfully using their smooth rods (which happen to be 8.12mm diameter) with IGUS RJMP-08 bearings (but they won’t work for LM8UU). Besides I was able to recycle their toothed pulleys and belts. My first printer is still using them.

7

Printers are good for bearing rods, and not much else, scanners are better. Compared to all the other parts you need the steppers are not the most costly. Even if you get ones that will work you will battle to get them connected to pulleys and belts. Look at saving money on other parts, i built my 1st printer with wood and a aluminum frame once printing I used it to print upgrade parts. My 1st printer cost about $400 all in I’m sure you could do it for much less today.