Cool videos

Nice custom build, looks like most of the parts are mendal based

This is very cool, and the next step in 3D @ home !

Threaded & Smooth Rods

I was able to pick up both @ lunch time today for under 20 bucks!

From Lowes http://www.lowes.com/

http://www.lowes.com/pd_137923-37672-880991_0__?productId=3130501&Ntt=threaded+rod&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dthreaded%2Brod%26page%3D2&facetInfo=

They dont show the smooth rod on the web site in 5/16th. But they had it at my local lowes. Lots in stock as well.

Time to collect parts


A few weeks back a friend of mine posted a link on facebook for makerbot.com I was very impressed. But once I started looking into purchasing one I was surprised how pricy the kit was. $1300 seemed a little too much for what was included.

I started doing some research, and found the grandfather project for makerbot is RepRap. I have decided to build the latest RepRap (Prusa). I have started to collect my parts from ebay.com a few guys are offering some nice kits including "vitamins" (nuts bolts bearings ect). I was able to find a complete electronics kit at techzonecom.com is nice is the kit is complete.

Right now this is how my project is breaking down price wise:

Prusa kit from ebay.com : $165

Makerbot Electronics techzoncom.com : $215

 So right now I’m @ about 380 plus shipping. I still need to source the "hot end" and my stepper motors. Right now I can get the steppers for about 30 bucks from ebay (bidding as I write this) and the "hot end" kit from makergear.com is about 75 bucks.

So with all the parts its right now, I should be @ 550 ish with shipping.

For a good overview of a 3D CNC printer check out this video:

What I really like about the RepRap project, its fully open source. And you can modify and upgrade the RepRap a lot easier then the makerbot. Not to mention it can replicated 50% of the parts to build it self !!

-DJD3D