I'm new to RepRaps and I'm curious about the costs

I'm looking for some advice on what I should buy, how much should I spend, and what mods are recommended for my needs.

I need a machine that can make pieces 8" x 8" x 3" in size out of durable ABS. I'm thinking about a Prusa Mendel, but I would like to keep in within a $600 budget.

Do the ladies and gentlemen of the RepRap world have a preferred beginner unit that a novice can throw together and build on?

A Prusa is about as basic as it gets and a great place to start. But as seeing you want to build large ABS parts I would recommend building a box around it as to keep in the heat (ABS tends to warp even on a heated bed when the object is large). As for the budget I would say a Prusa is about your only choice with that large of build area in kit form.

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FFF Settings Calculator	Gcode post processors	Geometric Object Deposition Tool Blog
Tantillus.org	Mini Printable Lathe	How NOT to install a Pololu driver

Thanks for the advice on using a box with the heatbed. I should have some gold heat shielding material left over that I can use on the inside of the box to reflect the heat inward.

I'm thinking about this unit with the 3mm hot-end. Anyone have an opinion on it?
[www.makergear.com]

errantvandal - you can stop by the MakerGear IRC channel and chat with people about their Prusa Kits.

Rick

I have never dealt with Makergear but from what I have read on the forums and through peoples personal blogs I would say they are one of the best RepRap companies out there ( I have never read a single bad thing about them).

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FFF Settings Calculator	Gcode post processors	Geometric Object Deposition Tool Blog
Tantillus.org	Mini Printable Lathe	How NOT to install a Pololu driver

@sublime also check out [reprapbook.appspot.com]