Well, I first have to thank all those who responded to my two latest post on my fabrication of a 3D printer from an old large format scanner. Your suggestions and offers to help me in this effort are greatly appreciated. But with that said one thing I learned many years ago in engineering school was that when it come to projects whether they be small like this or a $100,000,000 chemical plant, you do not look at the time and effort you have already put in, but the time and effort it will take to get to the desired result from this point on. Using that rational I have decided to swallow my pride, salvage the new parts I have already purchased, hot end, extruder, PrintrBoard, power supply, stepper motors, and heat bed and incorporate them into a standard proven design. Luckily the people at MakerFarm from which I purchased these parts from have a kit one can purchase for about $200 that will allow me to incorporate items I already have. Thus the ScannerStrap will be abandoned and the parts turned into a Prusa 8" i3v. The leftover superstructure from my original attempt will be disassembled. I can always find a use for some 2x4s, plywood, and various nuts, bolts, and washers. What would remain is simply some steel framing and some plastic gears all of which can be recycled. That will be the destination of the superstructure this weekend. If there is anyone in the Seattle area that would like the simple superstructure drop me a note prior to this weekend. I hope to post my Prusa 8" i3v build here in the future. Sometimes failures are the tasks that teach you the most!
I love that you are plowing ahead! Best of luck
Brook
You could also check eBay for some lots of rods and printed parts. Might get off a little cheaper than makerfarm but I know their stuff is high quality so it’s a trade off. Best of luck and keep us posted on the new build!
I have an 8" I3v and I am very happy with it.