I'd like to build my own 3D printer since I can't afford to buy

3D Printing
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1

I’d like to build my own 3D printer since I can’t afford to buy one. Does anyone know of any good resources for a project like this? Thanks in advance for your help! :slight_smile:

2

http://reprap.org/wiki/Main_Page
FYI: It’s not always cheaper to source parts on your own. Definitely look at the cheaper offerings from @Printrbot before striking out on your own. Their kits are great, and you learn a lot by building them.

3

Thanks for the info Carlton.

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Here are several fantastic diy projects. I like our https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/103539262895202172380
Pros about 450 USD, cons metric dimensions.

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I suggest a mendal90 kit from nophead.

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As @Carlton_Dodd ​ already mentioned, it’s hard to build a cheaper printer from scratch than a kit. But it is a really good experience; sometimes frustrating, sometimes just awsome. :wink:

7

The quadrap family are a good low-cost machines, but you might do better starting out with a reputable inexpensive kit you can use to learn 3d printing.

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If I were to do again I’d get a kit. When piecing you have to make sure you get the right bill of materials.

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How big is your budget? At some point DIY becomes cheaper then kits but it’s usually upper most bidget

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What @Dale_Dunn ​ said. Steer clear of printer designs that are still in ‘beta’. Have you looked at the printrbot simple?

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I built a Prusa i3 with wood frame. It cost around $400 in parts but priceless in experience.

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@Mark_Rehorst I can see how that would definitely be an advantage on a shoestring budget. :slight_smile:

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Thanks for all the advice and please keep it coming if you can think of anything else that might help me!

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@Shawn_E
What’s your budget?

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Seriously, building will cost you more by the time you are getting decent prints out of it. If price is the concern, a Printrbot Simple Metal is the way to go. Good function right out of the box. http://printrbot.com/shop/assembled-simple-metal/

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Result=(TimeMoneyExperience)/Complexity
Ususaly i`m using this approach :slight_smile:

Few 3D printer cases in which Result and Complexity are constant:

  1. Buy asembled printer: Experience=Complexity, Time=const
  2. Buy Full Kit: Experience=Complexity, Time<2-4days for asemble
  3. Scavanger hunt: Time depend from Experience and Money, can become infitity.
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@ff2feb968bc8137cf621 Thanks for the tip! :slight_smile:

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Goodwill or a second hand shop or some times the Local.scrap guyz

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Thanks for the tip Marc! :slight_smile: