I have been considering spending ~$600 on a 3d printer to learn. I have used Makerbots before and know the toolchain but I want to get my hands dirty so I can really learn and improve.
I see that the Solidoodle 4 is available for $600. Would that be a good model to get? I like the Printr Bot Metal Plus Kit but that costs $1000. Is $600 too low of a price point to consider a DIY printer that produces better results than Makerbots?
http://www.solidoodle.com/Solidoodle4
why not just get the Printrbot Simple Metal (not the Plus)? it is right at the $600 price point from @Adafruit_Industries
If you really want to learn, build your own printer !
I’m building a Quadrap 500x 500 x 500mm too.
I use OpenBuilds profiles, in Germany very exspensive.
Calculated nearly 500 Bucks for this project.
Pictures: https://plus.google.com/communities/103539262895202172380/photos/all?hl=DE
You could probably get one from Houston with the highest quality parts and not pay shipping to counter and hit the same price point. I know a guy…
indeed, I am at a pickle though. I need some 3d printed part to complete my router cnc but I need to fabricate parts to build my own 3d printer using openbuilds components. My end goal is still to have both machines, just a little chicken and egg. 
Ha!. Well, I’m always happy to assist.
@Dat_Chu based on Make Magazine 3d printer round up, the simple Metal was tied for 2nd in print quality, even when compared to much much higher priced units, so if you need to buy versus build, I would go with that printer. Lots of good features, check out the last issue (42) should be on news stands now.
At $600 I wouldn’t think twice. Buy the printrbot simple metal. It kicks butt at pretty much every aspect. The quality is crazy good and is extremely well built and thought out. Plus you will get an awesome hotend!!
@Erich_HaHaOh are you following an established build or doing this as your design?
Yea, if you wanna get your hands dirty, with probably a better result for that money, build your own. Makerbots on average are complete shit and other pro-sumer grade ones that are better are still in the $1-2K range. You will learn a bit more form the whole experience.
@Bruce_Lunde
The original design is from Shauki B(agdadi)
I only rebuild it!
Either built or buy a printrbot. Those are the best options!!
As a Solidoodle owner, I would say, do not buy a Solidoodle, ever. You will end up replacing all the internals of the printer just to get passable quality out of it, and with the extra expense, you could’ve just bought a better printer and saved the aggravation.
I’ve heard good things about the Printrbots, so I second that suggestion.
^As a Solidoodle owner, I would recommend getting a different printer. My heat bed connector caught on fire and I have been printing with PLA ever since. The price for a new heat bed is 50$ + 40$ in shipping and handling fee’s. It will nickle and dime you. Getting a printer that won’t, would be wise.
Printbot simple metal or Prusa i3. I would stay away from the Solidoodle.
Bukito, really simple build but offers killer speed + quality for hr small package. Plus it can run on a battery!