I just cant seem to stop building 3D printers!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eJJe-asWkg
I wish I knew all the in’s and out’s to building a printer. I just feel like I’ll miss something and it won’t work so I’ll end up wasting money or spending more than I need…
I know those feelings, I built 20 before I took a break.
It gets to be addictive after a while.
Haha - I know this. Just completed building my 3D printer/CNC type hybrid. Not fully finished and I am already thinking on another project - super fine detail 0.1 - 0.2mm nozzle, small print volume for printing miniatures:)
How much does one cost to build?
Depends on size/ setup (coreXY, Gantry, etC) - but if you go with the reprap Ramps + Atmega clone, with parts from scrap probably you can make the working printer for about 150 EUR. But if you chose to go with brand new components - then it is propably cheaper to pick a ready printer jak Anet A6 or A8. The cost of them is like cost of the components. Of course you would have to make some improvements to them - but this is relatively easy. If you want to make one with CNC milling capability - then you need to invest in strudy linear motion (at least 12mm rods) - and this bumps the price to abt 200 EUR 
Are these all custom, are any a heavily modded kit? I have not tried to build one from scratch yet…
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I’ve build one from kit that IMHO was slightly over prized. But this is the cost of lack of knowledge. This was 2yrs ago. Now I had time to complete a 50% bigger and stiffer and struduer one from scratch for the half cost of the first one.
@Kevin_Danger_Powers I started with a 2013 Printrbot Simple kit before I started designing my own.@Chris_Bigpaws_Chambe Wow! Now I feel better that I have plans for at least one more.@Eike_Decker Including ABS plastic, $250 to $400 US depending on parts choices and sourcing.
@PrintinAddiction All are my custom designs from scratch. I have some of the designs on Thingiverse ( https://www.thingiverse.com/search?sort=newest&q=rice9300&type=things&dwh=1759db69410191d ) . No build instructions yet though. Recommended for experienced builders.
You make a great work with these printers
I’ve been thinking for some time now to fit a custom 3d printer into an IKEA Samla box - simply because it maybe could provide a basic frame. I had my M3D Micro printer in such a box and it kinda was nice that everything needed was contained in there.
@Eike_Decker I think you would be more successful by using IKEA Lack table. There are many 3DPrinter designs using one as enclosure/foundation. I also use one If you buy two - and connect their feet (with one upside down) you have a perfect “box” for a huge HBot/core XY type configuration with printing head on top, and bed dropping down.
@John_Rice Wow, even more impressive!!! They are all enclosed, do you print mostly in ABS, PETG?
Out of all the kits I built the Cobblebot is the only one I didn’t get working, even after the TOS upgrades. It was a horrible kit, with sub standard parts, and a company that was the worst one I have dealt with as far as customer appreciation and support.
My kit Timeline is as follows:
QUBD 2UP
Prusa I3 Clone (Folgertech)
3UP upgrade to 2UP (3D Printed Life)
Cobblebot (Kickstarter)
Reach3D (Kickstarter) @Reach_3D_Printers_Na
Eclips3d (3D Printed Life) @3DprintedLife
Polygon Delta (Kickstarter) @Billy
K-40 Laser Cutter (Newest addition/addiction) (not really a kit, but NEEDED many upgrades)
Nice work John, I see a lot of work and creativity there. Like how you built the enclosure.
@Przemyslaw_Jakubczak Wow, I really like some of these designs. I’m tempted to design one of my RAHM printers into one. Unfortunately the nearest IKEA is 800 km away. @PrintinAddiction Mostly I print ABS but also some PETG. Triangl3d is for PLA and Ninjaflex.
Ya. I too started with one. Now I have about 8 to 10 running at the same time most days…it morphed into a business selling to schools and servicing their printers…way cool hobby and business for sure!