3D Printer Suggestions for a Beginner

markyoe

3D Printer Suggestions for a Beginner
August 03, 2015 05:04PM

Registered: 8 years ago
Posts: 6

I have been researching about building a 3D printer but have not yet decided on which model to build. Are there any RepRap printer designs with detailed instructions that you guys would suggest? Thank you!

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marikokur

Re: 3D Printer Suggestions for a Beginner
August 04, 2015 01:57AM

Registered: 8 years ago
Posts: 8

I would suggest the Prusa i3. There is a wealth of information about it, and, as it was the first (and only) printer I built, I can assure you it wasn't particularly challenging (but challenge adds to the fun, right?). You can find information regarding the Prusa i3 here. There is even a convenient kit offered by the designer, in case you don't want to spend time sourcing parts. Mine uses a box frame with a direct drive extruder, found here. I wish you good luck in your printer-building journey!

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/04/2015 01:58AM by marikokur.

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markyoe

Re: 3D Printer Suggestions for a Beginner
August 04, 2015 02:05AM

Registered: 8 years ago
Posts: 6

Thanks for the response! What do you think about this kit? [www.3dprintersonlinestore.com] I have been in contact with one of the product specialists. He gave me links to the instructions:
Assembly Video: [www.youtube.com]

User manual: [drive.google.com]

Good buy or no?

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marikokur

Re: 3D Printer Suggestions for a Beginner
August 04, 2015 02:13AM

Registered: 8 years ago
Posts: 8

Yeah, no problem! The price looks good, as do the reviews; however, I am unfortunately not the most experienced person in the 3D printing game, so take my answer with a grain of salt. Still, from the looks of it, I would say it's a good buy. I suggest you hold off for a bit, though, and look online some more for other offers. Who knows--maybe you'll find the printer somewhere else for cheaper.

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markyoe

Re: 3D Printer Suggestions for a Beginner
August 04, 2015 02:31AM

Registered: 8 years ago
Posts: 6

Ok. I have seen the same one on ebay for about $10 cheaper but this website had pretty good customer service. Folger Tech is probably just the brand name or style of the Prusa i3 right?

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marikokur

Re: 3D Printer Suggestions for a Beginner
August 04, 2015 02:35AM

Registered: 8 years ago
Posts: 8

I believe it is just the brand name, but as the Prusa i3 is an open source design, there are probably a number of minute differences specific to this design. This shouldn't be an issue, though, because you have assembly instructions specific to this model provided by the manufacturer.

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markyoe

Re: 3D Printer Suggestions for a Beginner
August 08, 2015 03:52AM

Registered: 8 years ago
Posts: 6

I am trying to decide between two printers. One printer can print down to .1mm layer thickness and one can print down to .05mm. Will I need the .05mm thickness or will the .1mm thickness prints look good?

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marikokur

Re: 3D Printer Suggestions for a Beginner
August 08, 2015 05:03AM

Registered: 8 years ago
Posts: 8

In my experience, .1 mm is plenty. In fact, I generally print at around .2 mm, which I find to be good enough. Anything under that seems like a bit of a waste of time (as these prints will be substantially longer) and materials.

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markyoe

Re: 3D Printer Suggestions for a Beginner
August 08, 2015 11:40AM

Registered: 8 years ago
Posts: 6

What material is your frame made of? I am trying to decide between an aluminum Folger Tech and a Sunhokey acrylic with a few freebies.

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marikokur

Re: 3D Printer Suggestions for a Beginner
August 08, 2015 02:47PM

Registered: 8 years ago
Posts: 8

My frame is made from pine. However, if you would be willing to go down that route, I would suggest using MDF, as it is easier to laser cut.

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marikokur

Re: 3D Printer Suggestions for a Beginner
August 08, 2015 05:47PM

Registered: 8 years ago
Posts: 8

Another printer that I found is the Printrbot Play. From a review I watched, it is a pretty good printer at a decent price ($399). You can get it either pre-assembled or as a kit. Here's a link to the website, if you're interested.

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markyoe

Re: 3D Printer Suggestions for a Beginner
August 08, 2015 08:34PM

Registered: 8 years ago
Posts: 6

Thanks for the recommendation. I think this one looks pretty good. [www.3dprintersonlinestore.com] tech It seems to be an upgrade from the acrylic frame Folger Tech. Do you think I need to know a lot about software to run and calibrate this? I have downloaded Repetier-Host.

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