MakerFarm Prusa i3 Need some advice...I'm doing my research now for a new 3D printer. I'm pretty cost sensitive, so I've been trying to get the very best bang for the buck, yet wind up with an excellent printer in the end. The Prusa i3, though a fairly new and evolving design, seems to be the best cost/performance option out there. So, I've spent the last 2 weeks attempting to source parts for it in the US. And yes, I need to stay with US sourced parts, since international shipping costs are a killer. Looking at the whole picture, I've concluded that I'm looking at a total BOM cost of about $500 to $600 w/shipping (not including tools) as the very best case. I'm also having to factor in that there is some risk of purchasing poor quality and/or incorrect parts, since I'm rather new to this. So, looking at complete DIY kits available, the hands down winner on the cost front is the Prusa i3 kit from Maker Farm. The complete kit is about the cost of the parts sourced individually (it'll run a small bit over $600)...with a very small, single shipping bill. Does anybody have experience with this kit and/or Makerfarm? The kit looks very well made and they have some nice 'extras'. It is also clear that they've paid attention to quality (using GT2 pulley's and belts). This just seems to be the clear choice from a price/performance standpoint...also, I love the idea of building it myself. Any thoughts would be appreciated. UPDATE: One drawback I do see with this particular model is that it has a relatively small build volume at 6 in x 3 (about 150 mm). I'm not sure what it is for other Prusa i3 kits/DIY, but I thought 200m x 3 was more or less standard. https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,199434#msg-199434 Fri, 04 Sep 2026 09:44:42 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,430450#msg-430450 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,430450#msg-430450 Stigern General Mendel Topics Mon, 10 Nov 2014 17:12:33 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,277915#msg-277915 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,277915#msg-277915 Antslake General Mendel Topics Tue, 10 Dec 2013 00:18:41 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,277854#msg-277854 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,277854#msg-277854 uncle_bob General Mendel Topics Mon, 09 Dec 2013 18:40:38 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,277548#msg-277548 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,277548#msg-277548
I have just come inside from the workshop where I was fixing the endstop problem.

I contacted Colin and he directed me to the system schematic in the build notes. The problem was that I had connected the endstop plugs to the wrong sets of pins on the RAMPS board. A careful study of the schematic showed that the connectors have to join specific sets of pins. There are two sets of pins for each axis. If you put the connector on the wrong set, it don't work.

Also, the Troubleshooting section of the Build Notes has been extended to show how to check if the endstops are wired correctly.

When I connected the steppers to the board, I had the blue wire towards the top of the set of pins. This was back-to-front so I've changed them so the red wire is to the top, and everything moves in the correct direction.

My next problem is to make a secure join between the Z-axis stepper shafts and the threaded rods. Mine were winding off, so I used a cable tie to clamp the plastic tube to the shafts and rods. I have a physical interference problem with the left hand assembly. That is bi big problem. I'll probably use some fine safety wire.

Maybe I'll get printing this weekend - Christmas decorations and light permitting.

Old Man Emu]]> old man emu General Mendel Topics Mon, 09 Dec 2013 05:34:58 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,277234#msg-277234 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,277234#msg-277234
ABS is not a single material (it's not like water). It's a mix of this and that. The amount of smell varies a *lot* between vendors. I do believe that some of it is offensive. I have yet to find any that creates an issue printing indoors. The cheap stuff seems to be more noticeable than the more expensive stuff (big surprise there ...(:P))]]> uncle_bob General Mendel Topics Sun, 08 Dec 2013 11:08:22 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,277208#msg-277208 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,277208#msg-277208
I also want to say another thing about the MakerFarm Prusa i3 build...

Some people mentioned that the Y end stop bracket was too short and didn't make a proper connection. The kit I got recently came with TWO Y end stop mounting brackets. One of them is about 8.5mm longer than the original and allows the Y bed to stop in the right place. I think Colin is doing a great job listening to his customers and changing the design as quickly as possible. You can see the difference in the photo below.



Another thing I was worried about was the fumes and proper ventilation. I was originally going to put this in my home office, until I started reading about people getting headaches from the ABS fumes. I decided to put this in the garage and build a ventilation fan system. While looking for parts for this, I ended up buying a cheap bathroom fan from home depot ($13) and a 20' piece of 3" flexible duct to run out of the garage door vents. In total, the vent system cost me about $22. I did a hack job mounting it for now to see if it is effective enough to be a permanent solution before I build a more elaborate mount or enclosure. I have to say that I am very happy with this little bathroom fan. I can't smell any ABS fumes in the garage and there is only an extremely light scent when you get close to the printer.

I'd be happy to post a photo of my setup if anyone is interested.

Dave
]]> dknell General Mendel Topics Sun, 08 Dec 2013 09:49:29 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,270794#msg-270794 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,270794#msg-270794
1) A bum wire
2) A bad connector
3) A bad solder joint on the Ramps board
4) A bad switch

You can quickly check most of those by putting hooking your ohm meter to the connector on the end and seeing what the switch does when you poke it.

-----------

back to trying to extend servo leads ....]]> uncle_bob General Mendel Topics Fri, 22 Nov 2013 19:39:59 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,270780#msg-270780 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,270780#msg-270780
Do not forget to enable the pullups (should be already turned on in the "stock" makerfarm firmware)

Best Regards.]]> AlexBorro General Mendel Topics Fri, 22 Nov 2013 18:32:13 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,270778#msg-270778 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,270778#msg-270778
Are the end stop switches for the 8" different from the ones on the 6"?

According to the narrative of the video, the switches should be wired "Normally Closed", but the video shows them wired "Normally Open" (which seems correct to me) What is the stepper trying to do - always have current running through it, or only allowing current to flow when the switch is closed?

Until I get this sorted, I can't use my machine, and I've had it nearly 3 months without a single print :(

Old Man Emu]]> old man emu General Mendel Topics Fri, 22 Nov 2013 18:23:02 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,260897#msg-260897 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,260897#msg-260897 uncle_bob General Mendel Topics Tue, 29 Oct 2013 18:10:02 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,260800#msg-260800 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,260800#msg-260800 msmone General Mendel Topics Tue, 29 Oct 2013 13:21:44 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,257883#msg-257883 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,257883#msg-257883 uncle_bob General Mendel Topics Tue, 22 Oct 2013 21:52:36 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,255227#msg-255227 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,255227#msg-255227 uncle_bob General Mendel Topics Tue, 15 Oct 2013 12:36:54 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,254880#msg-254880 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,254880#msg-254880 maybe i just got lucky with mine.]]> Hårball General Mendel Topics Mon, 14 Oct 2013 13:56:20 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,254590#msg-254590 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,254590#msg-254590 Maybe a decent room temprature and it would still work,

Here its aprox 15c and it still goes to 110, Its hard, But after a few min it does get up there.
(Also got a Makerfarm btw)


Well magma doesnt work with PLA, Well ive heard it does, with some hacking and tweaking.
Oh well i am happy its working for you that well ^^]]> luigi General Mendel Topics Sun, 13 Oct 2013 16:11:33 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,254046#msg-254046 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,254046#msg-254046 uncle_bob General Mendel Topics Fri, 11 Oct 2013 20:54:15 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,254016#msg-254016 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,254016#msg-254016
this is on ABS, im not shure im gonna try PLA yet, as i like the charactheristics of ABS.

anyone else have success running the magma without a fan?]]> Hårball General Mendel Topics Fri, 11 Oct 2013 17:46:48 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,252687#msg-252687 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,252687#msg-252687 uncle_bob General Mendel Topics Mon, 07 Oct 2013 21:38:47 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,247778#msg-247778 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,247778#msg-247778
I forgot to add: I have the Magma end and it has worked flawlessly but I only print in ABS.]]> Mfarm user General Mendel Topics Mon, 23 Sep 2013 02:53:57 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,241345#msg-241345 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,241345#msg-241345
Do you guys also need to recalibirate this machine alot?
In the Z and the carriage.

and the Z screw is getting quiet loose, its not like in the start that it had alot of grip :P (Yet i never seen it move when you compare it from start to end of a print)
But for that there is normaly a Thingiverse solution so thats no big deal i guess.]]> luigi General Mendel Topics Fri, 30 Aug 2013 17:17:41 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,241293#msg-241293 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,241293#msg-241293 AlexBorro General Mendel Topics Fri, 30 Aug 2013 13:32:44 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,241292#msg-241292 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,241292#msg-241292 if not how did you fix it,
Due well it seems mine stay hot and its normal but just as confirm ^^]]> luigi General Mendel Topics Fri, 30 Aug 2013 13:26:23 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,241053#msg-241053 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,241053#msg-241053 always inspirates what i should do/make next on my printer ^^

I also use that for my spool atm, works like a charm,

Back to topic, if you wanna have a good printer bang on buck, just get the makerfarm,
But i would suggest a Jhead since that can do ABS and PLA,
When the magma seems to struggle, on PLA i have heard.

Also full metal hotends all kinda have there bugs,
If you wanna make those plastics that need more heat, get the magma, if you want PLA i wouldnt take that one.
Or if you know someone who actualy got it working on it, I can only say what i've read ^^

Also i use atm the speeds in cura as: 60 mm/s print speed, 80 infill.
I would never been able to get these speeds without some anti vibirating feet for on the prusa,
Now it has a way to escape. so less noise and less vibiration.
Before i had these pads my max speed was like 30 printing and 40 infill.

, atm still experimenting if it can go faster.


Only issue i've got is that i almost have to redo my calibiration every day,

This includes the carriage and z endstop.]]> luigi General Mendel Topics Thu, 29 Aug 2013 17:20:10 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,240991#msg-240991 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,240991#msg-240991
[www.youtube.com]

I've updated my printer with latest Marlin firmware and did some updates. Attached is the source code.

1) X axis direction corrected: Now the 0 position starts on left as usual.

2) PID enabled for Bed and Magma 0.4. During all the print, the extruder temp has a max deviation of 0.2ºC (for 230ºC, it keep in range of 229.8º and 230.2ºC).

3) The Extruder cooler runs only when hotend temperature is over 50ºC. This makes less noise and helps the bed warming (since the cooler cools the bed as well). The cooler speed was reduced to 50%... then it makes less noise, less bed cooling and still works fine to avoid magma clogging.

You will need to small hardware changes:

1) The X endstop is now connected to X_MAX instead of X_MIN, since this sensor becomes the max position sensor (X = 200)

2) The extruder fan is connected to D9 port (between bed and extruder heaters). This port is configured to send a 50% duty cycle PWM when hotend temp is over 50ºC

Check a HD video I'm printing a Spool Support at double regular speed:
[www.youtube.com]

Now I'm porting an Auto Bed Leveling feature to Marlin. This feature makes the printer capable of adapt itself to a not level bed.. I mean, you can rise on side of the bed 1mm and the software will compensate such issue and the print will be fine.

BTW, guys here in Brazil are using PVC pipe glue over the bed... it creates a vinyl film that sticks the ABS like a hell!! And the print just pop off when cooled. You don't even need a heated bed with this glue..]]> AlexBorro General Mendel Topics Thu, 29 Aug 2013 13:27:13 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,239268#msg-239268 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,239268#msg-239268
I replaced the stainless piece with a machined PEEK piece. Since I will only really be printing PLA I don't think the temperatures will be an issue. I can't say I have much testing done other than a basic print on it but I did accidently leave the printer at 185deg C for around 6 hours without printing and the printer resumed extrusion without any issues.

I'll keep you guys posted.]]> dankarofl General Mendel Topics Sat, 24 Aug 2013 14:54:46 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,239088#msg-239088 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,239088#msg-239088 To be honest, I have ordered a new hotend, I'm just waiting it knock my door so I can put this magma aside.

Best Regards.

Alex.]]> AlexBorro General Mendel Topics Sat, 24 Aug 2013 01:38:12 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,238500#msg-238500 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,238500#msg-238500
Old Man Emu]]> old man emu General Mendel Topics Thu, 22 Aug 2013 09:48:08 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,238180#msg-238180 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,238180#msg-238180
Thank you very much for the reply. I would still need a fan blowing on the j-head correct?

The only experience I have with 3d printing is using/maintaining a makerbot rep2, which prints exclusively in PLA. The hot end design is silimar to the magma, but uses an aluminum block on the cold end... with a huge heat sink and 40mm fan blowing directly in. After messing with my own I can see why it's there.

I would really like to use PLA, because I will be printing indoors. I hear burning ABS is toxic, or something.]]> dankarofl General Mendel Topics Wed, 21 Aug 2013 07:52:08 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,238080#msg-238080 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,238080#msg-238080 -------------------------------------------------------

> Unfortunately I haven't been able to get a
> successful print out of it. I'm using PLA and the
> magma hot end. The first layer isn't sticking to
> the bed well, then extrusion kinda just stops. The
> filament ends up getting stuck in the upper
> portion of the extruder, and requires disassembly
> to be able to yank it out hard enough. This is
> with a 190* extruder temp and 60* bed. I haven't
> tried ABS yet... but does anyone have any
> suggestions?

Start with the tried and true J-Head to get your head around what is required to print. it's not the sexiest piece of gear but it gets the job done. PLA has been problematic with other all metal hot ends besides the Magma. JollyGrimReaper has a lined version that is designed to make printing PLA more reliable.]]> vegasloki General Mendel Topics Tue, 20 Aug 2013 23:56:27 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,238031#msg-238031 Re: MakerFarm Prusa i3 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,199434,238031#msg-238031 So you need to supply BOTH inputs... you can use 2 pairs of yellow-black wires or jump one input to the other.

If you are gonna use a ATX PS, go for 2 pairs of supply...

2) Actually is not the RAMPS, but the arduino board underneath it... RAMPS send the input power to Arduino (from 6V to 20V) and this supply RAMPS with logic 5V. The heaters and step drivers are supplied with both 12V (to motors) and 5V (logic).

Best Regards.

Alex.]]> AlexBorro General Mendel Topics Tue, 20 Aug 2013 20:13:51 -0400