Initial Thoughts after 4 days of build time

Hey all.
So i bought a repstrap kit and it was delivered on friday.
RAMPS v1.3 controller, Wades extruder, pretty basic.

First thing,
I was not expecting such lightweight and strong parts.
All the brackets and the motor holders are incredibly strong, and of decent quality.
I have been taking my time on this build because i know that the more time i take now, the quality of my parts will be better with less hassle in the long run.
So after i was through the initial shock of the endless possibilities this tool leads to, i started assembling.

I noticed that there is plenty of room for improvements on the prusa.
I dont mind that at all, because i love using my imagination to create the end product i want.

The first bit of re-engineering came when i put the PLA bushings on the print bed axis and they were hard to push,
knowing there had to be a better way, i found myself at OSH.
OSH for those outside of Cali, is a hardware store and i just happen to have one around the corner.
Which is extremely nice, cause i sure like to tinker.
Well i found a nylon bushing that fit way better then the PLA printed piece and this led me to the realization that not everything needs to be printed.
So i took all of OSHs stash of 5/16" nylon bushings and raided home depot for theres.
So the first mod was using different sliders for the axis and i am happy with the results.

The next mod i did was on the Z axis.
I didnt like how the axis was not sliding up and down as freely as i knew was possible.
I also didnt like the how the entire Z axis and the X carriage as well, was only stabilized by to smooth rods.
So i teed off of the support where the one rod was attached to and then put 2 rods just outside the all-thread that supports the top part of the stand.
I know this sounds confusing but ill get pics and a better write up done later.
I did this on both sides and has stabilized the system wonderfully.
it also slides up and down more evenly which is extremely important for a quality print.
and ultimately for quality eched PCBs, but one step at a time, let get it built!

The final mod(so far) is the adapter that attaches the Z axis motor to the all-thread that moves the X carriage.
I didnt like the printed coupling, and once again knew there had to be a better way.
After wandering around OSH for about an hour, i found what i thought would be the best bet.
An adapter, i cant remember the size off the top o the head, for running water from a pipe into a tube.
The 5/16" all-thread was a little loose so with a bit of teflon tape i was able to thread it in to the adapter.
As for the motor side, i had to drill the adapter out by about a mm and was able to get a tight fit, with little slip and a little give with the teflon tape.

Now of course i have yet to see if these improvements really are improvements.
so this is all conjecture of course but what fun.
I still need to assemble the extruder and hot end, but i just want to see it move.
hopefully later today!

i will post a better description of my mods with pics after its complete.
i feel like this experience is helping me understand how this tool works and design considerations when i start printing.
well thats all for now.

-E
PS i got everything but the large gear for the wades extruder.
If someone wanted to help me out, i cant print something for them once im printing.
send out some PLA or cash,
lemme know,
im out in Cen California,
i would like to have the gear shipped ASAP as i can see the light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully will be printing soon.
thats if i can get that gear.

Thanks

I can print you a gear - original Wades? Still need it? You can pay shipping.

Grew up SJ, CA - know OSH well - but damn they are expensive compared to Lowe's!

While OSH's prices are higher, i like it for 2 reasons.

Its a california company and they hire people who know what they are talking about.(for the most part)
i went in showing the worker a PLA bushing and he knew exactly what i could use.

Same thing for some other projects i have working on.
By the time i get to the section i am getting stuff from,
Three people have ask if i need help.
Try that at lowes...

Well enough professing my love for OSH lol.

I havent printed yet.
I go the gear from someone on here(thanks!)
but i burned up a pololu driver and the replacement from pololu directly isnt working.
So hopefully by next weekend.
Almost everything is calibrated and level.
As much as it can be.

It gives me time to learn skein and some of the other aspects of printing, before i actually do.
-Erik

I do certainly agree about the help at OSH, but I usually know what I need when I go in... also supporting a locally grown establishment helps.

But, then again, things are different here in Idaho - seems you get that personable service no matter the store.

Glad you hear you are on your way with your build. If it helps, I recently went from zero to ~95% accurate prints in about 5 days. Still tuning, two weeks later, but I'm quite happy with the whole project. Wouldn't be there at all if it wasn't from the great folks on this forum.