RepRap Samuel - A variation on the Mendel

Hi All,

I’m a long-time tinkerer, and I got my first 3D printer over a decade ago—a MakeMendel Rapidbot 1.0. You can spot it in the attached pictures! It was quite advanced back in the day, thanks to its stable acrylic frame and linear rails, though it lacked a true heated bed and used Gen6 electronics. I later built a Prusa Mendel i2 so i'd have something with a heated bed for ABS printing, and I’ve kept both of these printers running for over ten years.

Recently, I decided it was time to bring them up to speed with more modern printers, and change them both from 3mm to 1.75mm filament. Buying a new printer was an option, but I opted to upgrade instead.

When researching upgrades to make to the i2, my initial thought was was to upgrade to a vertical X carriage (like the i3) for a more modern extruder setup. it could be done, but, the Z height was going to become even more of a problem. My research led me to the RepRap Samuel—a hidden gem in the RepRap community! I'm surprised that this printer is not more popular.

I printed out all parts in translucent blue PETG and started disassembling the i2. The frame is now complete, and you can check out the progress in the photos attached.

I’m aiming to make this build as up to date as i can for a DIY printer. I’ll be using an adapted i3 MK3 X-carriage with leadscrew mounts to fit Samuel’s rod spacing (found here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2839026 ). The build will feature a removable 220x220 build plate.
I’ll post more pictures once it’s all done. Thanks to Silpstream for this amazing design. I'm excited to recycle my old i2 into something with respectable performance by today's standards.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/29/2024 09:51AM by zo.

I created a plate that attatches the electronics and a Pi to the left side shareable tinkercad link below, easily mirrored if your is on the RHS.

[www.tinkercad.com]
Also a printable bed mount which either needs printing in ABS or needs the screws insulating.
[www.tinkercad.com]

@zo. Oh wow! Those pictures bring back memories of my own Mendel. I wonder how many Mendels are left in existence, and how many of their owners are still into 3D printing. Can't wait to see your completed build. The lead screws and removable bed will definitely help. Looking forward to seeing how the prints turn out. )

@Jase, nice... You've brought things up to date with a Pi and the SKR Mini board. Thanks for sharing the SKR Mini mount. Just curious, you linked in a y-carriage also. is that for the Reprap Samuel?

Yes, the Y carraige will fit the samuel this one is adjusted for my 220 x 220 bed.

It's remixed from this... [www.thingiverse.com]
Daughter going to a party, asked for cat ears...[youtu.be]
Lets see how they go.... (link for ears [www.thingiverse.com])

Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 11/03/2024 11:03AM by Jase.

TBH it's a reliable ABS printer and even when something breaks down. it's a doddle to fix.
who can resist the user freindliness of a gui dahsboard with webcam.