Newbie questions

OK, at risk of being flamed and told to RTFM, any pointers on how to get started with reprap and modeling/printing?

This thread can be a repository for questions/advice for the budding reprapper- I'd suggest aiming responses to the HS level mentality (as there seem to be a few HS age people asking questions on the forums).

Some things that can be discussed include:

1)Which modeling program works best for you.

2)PIC vs Anduino - advantages/drawbacks of each.

3)Where to get solid files to test and/or use.

Forgive me if I'm stepping on anyones toes here- I like the aim of the project and would like to contribute.

Well, not to flame you but exploring the links on the home page, left hand side (which include the manual! ;-)) is a good way to start. I, personally, like to read as much of the blogs as I could.

Steve's RepRap Journal is a good place to start
[sdreprap.blogspot.com]

As well as nopheads for a bit more indepth technical wizardry.
[hydraraptor.blogspot.com]

Also the main blog is chock full of info for the curious and those who have other things to do but are successfully avoiding them (raises hand proudly!)
[blog.reprap.org]

and the builder blog for a bit more disjointed info
[builders.reprap.org]

After having sated or at least attempted to sate your thirst for more cool stuff, jump into the building aspect by picking a system (the two your will learn about by reading the various blogs and reading the forums!)
[www.reprap.org]

[www.reprap.org]

Go forth and build machines that make themselves...and other machines!

Demented