Who on here uses a 3D printer? If so:

1) What model printer is it ?
2) Do you print with ABS or PLA?
3) What size orifice is used on the nozzle?
4) Is it a single extruder or multiple?

 

Who on here uses a 3D printer? If so:

1) What model printer is it ?
2) Do you print with ABS or PLA?
3) What size orifice is used on the nozzle?
4) Is it a single extruder or multiple?

1) RepRap modified with linear bearings and hardened steel slides. PCB heater for build platform and Kapton covered glass build platform. Cooling fan to quickly cool filament and allow bridges without filler. Total investment less than $600

2) ABS. Natural is stronger and easier to work with vs colors

3) 0.3mm

4) single for now. Working on a second for filler (support) material.

 

I don't know that the make/model is. It belongs to a friend, and is in beta. She had built one from scratch, which is quite common just as it is with small CNC milling machines, wasn't happy with its performance, and sold it to make a down payment and buy this one. The other one worked OK, the resolution was just not quite as fine.

When I find out I'll post the links.

I do know that 3D printers are quite different that machining. I have done both, I am very impressed with 3D printing.

 

@ GopherT : What controller are you using, Rumba or the Ramps?

 

Ramps. With an LCD display and SD card reader.

 

As for the controller, I was looking at the RAMPS 1.4, but now I think I may go with the rumba since I may eventually do a triple extruder.

 

They all seem to be well supported and there are plenty of accessories available from all over the world on eBay. There are enough forums to hear positives and negatives from each accessory supplier.

Buy the hot end, don't waste your time trying to make one unless your goal is to build a better mousetrap. I like the one with the 1/2 watt resistor through the machined brass body. There is a new one with a stainless steel body and that might be better but I haven't tried it yet.

 

They all seem to be well supported and there are plenty of accessories available from all over the world on eBay. There are enough forums to hear positives and negatives from each accessory supplier.

Buy the hot end, don't waste your time trying to make one unless your goal is to build a better mousetrap. I like the one with the 1/2 watt resistor through the machined brass body. There is a new one with a stainless steel body and that might be better but I haven't tried it yet.

I am a DIY kind of guy, so I tend to make everything myself, lol. Anyway, I have designed and built my own hotend based on the RepRap Pro and Budaschnozzle hotend... I am also building my own rig....

the orifice i have on the nozzle is a .35 mm, going to be using a 40 watt heater that i got off of Ebay.


just waiting on bearings to get here and I should be almost done with all 3 axis'.

I have access to a machine shop, so building/making these kind of things is nothing new to me ....

 

I am a DIY kind of guy, so I tend to make everything myself, lol. Anyway, I have designed and built my own hotend based on the RepRap Pro and Budaschnozzle hotend... I am also building my own rig....
View attachment 60626
the orifice i have on the nozzle is a .35 mm, going to be using a 40 watt heater that i got off of Ebay.

View attachment 60627
just waiting on bearings to get here and I should be almost done with all 3 axis'.

I have access to a machine shop, so building/making these kind of things is nothing new to me ....

Ok, I should have prefaced my comment as, "unless you have access to a machine shop, ..."

It all looks really nice. Let me know if there is anything you need.

 

I was looking into building a maker bot but ran out of money and here is what I was going for ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJndXebTG9I&list=WL2B90C23AAAA81078

 

Yeah, money seems to be a big hurdle in a lot of my projects, this project has not cost me anything so far, everything was either salvaged or given to me, we have a couple of scrap yards around the area that I usually buy materials from for scrap pricing. Most people that know me will usually give me any type of electronic equipment that i would scavange parts from also.