motors / electronics on the cheap ?

I am thinking about building a reprap / repstrap i can build the structure myself with out much trouble but would like to source the electronics / stepper motors can any one recommend places i can get these parts ?

I am aware of [www.bitsfrombytes.com] which is an option for the electronics but they do not seem to have the stepper motors, ideally i need to keep the price down to around £200-£300.

Any suggestions to help me keep the cost down ?

I like the idea of the complete kit but just can not justify £750 so will build most out of parts which are readily available to me.

Check out the Mendel M4 assembly data Sheet, or my blog at repraplogphase.blogspot.com, I just finished an electronics tab for the Mendel.

It did not include the Bits From Bytes kits because it is a proprietary offshoot of the RepRap Firmware. Basically means hackers around the world don't have access to all the firmware/software related to the boards.

If you find other options for the Open Source versions of the RepRap firmware, please post them or update the Wiki!!

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repraplogphase.blogspot.com

thats great thanks

is there an import tax on the makerbot DIY electronics to the uk ?
Anyone any experience and if there is how much is it ?

Yes VAT and Parcel force handling charge of £8 or perhaps £13.50 now.

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[www.hydraraptor.blogspot.com]

Cheaper and more suitable motors in the UK from here: [www.slidesandballscrews.com]

Can't vouch for them yet but seems to be the same spec that Bath use, but with dual shaft.

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[www.hydraraptor.blogspot.com]

nophead those are cheaper than the motion control products units, you may want to stick them on the mendel BOM.

out of intrest if i get the electronics can i build any style reprap ie a darwin and a mendel i ask so i know weather its a good idea to deviate from the online designs.
I guess its more down to the firmware on the electronics than anything is that correct ?

oly Wrote:
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> out of intrest if i get the electronics can i
> build any style reprap ie a darwin and a mendel i
> ask so i know weather its a good idea to deviate
> from the online designs.
> I guess its more down to the firmware on the
> electronics than anything is that correct ?

Depends on your skills, you may want to consider getting a working machine first and then if you want to make modifications afterwards without compromising the working machine.

But you may feel you want the challenge of building your own, its a matter of personal opinion.

The question you need to ask yourself is, if I went with the development route, would I complete it?

If the answer is 'not sure' go with a kit.