I'm working on designing/building a repstrap. Basically, I plan to use lasercut plywood for the cartesian bot, using the "better belt drive" mechanism nophead referenced in [
forums.reprap.org]. The idea is to have the X and Y steppers on one side, and use a rod to connect the geared pulleys at both sides.
My biggest question is: what size should the work area be to produce all parts for the Darwin? Would 6 by 8 inches be sufficient, or would I really be too constrained, or should I plan on a larger size to produce a number of parts in one go?
The reason I'm asking is that for lasercutting size pretty directly equals cost, and I try to find a balance to make a useful repstrap and keeping the ultimate goal of producing a Darwin/Mendell in mind.
-Geert
