Build Suggestions. Hello all! I'm new to the RepRap community as I don't have a 3D printer to begin with. I'm quite interested in building my very own RapRap and have been looking into 3D printers for some time now. Put simply: I don't know where to start. I've read the Wiki page and am still wondering what I should do. As a newly graduated high school kid money isn't exactly easy to some by so I'm wondering just what kind of build I am capable of doing with the cash I have. If at all possible I was looking at the possibility of recycling some old ink jet printers I have lying around and scavenging some motors or belts depending on what it has to offer. Where do I get parts? Any suggestions? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,212700,212700#msg-212700 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 02:45:57 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,212700,213074#msg-213074 Re: Build Suggestions. https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,212700,213074#msg-213074 Maxx Mayhem Reprappers Tue, 28 May 2013 18:19:13 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,212700,213023#msg-213023 Re: Build Suggestions. https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,212700,213023#msg-213023 ungluedflyer Reprappers Tue, 28 May 2013 16:34:57 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,212700,212881#msg-212881 Re: Build Suggestions. https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,212700,212881#msg-212881 - you must be a handyman and have the basic tools. Cutting threaded rods and filing the ends to put the nuts.
- you must know basic electronics and have the tools. You will solder wires and crimp molex pins.
- you will use a voltmeter to measure ohms and volts.
- you have to be patient. There will be lots of frustrations.
- you need to search the internet for information and READ A LOT.
- It's better to buy a kit and have the vendor support you in building it. Make sure you ask the vendor
what is required to build their kit. What tools are needed? Some kits are plug and play.
Some are DIY kits and you still do a lot.
- It's better to get the bigger printer if you can afford it.
- 3D Printing is still in development. Printing 3D is an art that may need tweaking at times.
- There is a lot of 3D models you can print out there but making a 3D model is another challenge.
- Making a model out of FREE Google SketchUp is okay but not accurate and limited in tools. To print
accurate measurements, you may need a real 3D software.
- All of it needs a lot of time and money.
- There is a lot of video in youtube like introduction to 3D printing.

Find someone near you who have a 3D printer and see if you can watch him print a 3D model.
Then you can decide if you want to do it.

Cheers!
Manny]]> esvalencia Reprappers Tue, 28 May 2013 11:10:36 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,212700,212700#msg-212700 Build Suggestions. https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,212700,212700#msg-212700 ungluedflyer Reprappers Mon, 27 May 2013 21:02:03 -0400