Hi Folks my name is Dave I live in Belfast northern ireland, am a big petrol head but want to build my own 3d printer after reading about them for the past couple of years.
Ok so am sure there are a lot of these posts, but we all have to start somewhere and this is me starting here.
I know a bit about reprap, am very interested in 3d printing and i think it's an amazing technology with masses of potential, but with the reprap it brings it to the hobbiest and developer alike.
I would be a hobbiest.
Although I am mechanically minded, my electronics knowledge is poor, but i can solder and fix car wiring looms, I just want something to start making those tricky plastic bits of the cars i love, that tend to be old, snap easily and are no longer freely available.
Also as my knowledge grows I hope to be able to help and give back.
But where do I start?
Looking at all the designs I can gather, i have made some progress, but it's the Steppers, Stepper controllers, Electronics, extruder's, etc.
Every time I read an article it links to another, and another and before I know it am lost, confused, frustrated and annoyed at myself for not being able to make sense of this.
So I joined the forum because I want to start
I can wire and I can solder, so .
Is there a simple complete guide start to finish build guide and parts list?
I would like large build area, modern design.
I know i need steppers, and think i have figured them out.
But it's the other electronics, the controllers, the heater, power supply that i need guidance with,
which one is the best
can i build it myself
where can i buy the components from?
I have seen several different versions on ebay but i just need a starting point.
I have bought plastic parts for a Prusa Mendal, and think i have all the parts for the frame.
Is there a better version than this?
Sorry for the long post but I want to get started, I want to get involved, I want to build.