I would like to build my own 3d printer so I can better understand

3D Printing
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I would like to build my own 3d printer so I can better understand the entire printing process. I do not have an abundance of funds and would like to purchase a DYI kit for about $300.00. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you.

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http://printrbot.com/shop/simple-makers-kit/ - This is about as close as you’re going to get. You don’t want anything less than this, because of quality concerns.

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@ThantiK Thank you! I love this statement from the printbot site, " Printrbot does not guarantee the technical proficiency of its customers. " Wish me luck!

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I love my printrbot simple. I got the kit so I’d really know how it all works. An excellent lesson in 3d printing.

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Or you could build a reprap smartrap. It will require more work but will give you a bigger build volume. I do love the #printrbots though!

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Really depends how much you want to learn, :-). You could start at a PCB. Ha. Anthony’s suggestion is right on.

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I have been trying to get my head around how to get down to a $299 kit. I love that price point. I have some ideas to do it but haven’t finished them to test yet. It would be a true beginner’s bot and cut some corners by omitting bars, acme, acme nut, belts, gt2 pulleys, linear bearings and maybe x and y endstops. I would stick to a small build platform too. No matter what, that price point is nice to build and print upgrades to make a bigger bot… Now to find the time.
Brook

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And see, @Patty_Eyer , this awesome guy right here… @Brook_Drumm …I don’t think you’ll go wrong with a printrbot.

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After the first 10 prints and a profound knowledge off how things can go wrong with a cheap printer (search makibox) i say Printrbot Printrbot Printrbot. Just get the 49 $ it’s worth every single dime

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I a,m a click away from purchasing the Printrbot which was recommended to me by @ThantiK
Wondering if I also have to purchase the software or if it is a free download…

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Free

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@Nils_Hitze No its free. The printrbot is open source and I know a lot of people that use slic3r and pronterface with the PB(or at least thats what I have seen)