Beat up Rostock on eBay

[XpresoAdct]

I am in the market for a Rostock. I saw this one on eBay and it looks to me like it would be too risky and too much investment with too many unknowns.
What are your thoughts mighty forum?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231899197255

[Mac The Knife]

I would expect to have to replace the electronics along with the damaged and missing parts shown in the pictures. The seller also admits knowing nothing about 3d printing, or this printer, yet he will break it down for shipping,,,,,,

[DeltaCon]

hmm, if you knew for sure that the Rambo still is perfect, and the steppers are okay, it would be worth the price I guess. I think I would only buy it when I was also interested in a metal Max frame (I am, but no budget...). Then you could combine some of the parts in a grate printer. I do not have a whole lot of trust in a second life of the melamine parts after they have been disassembled...

[Eric]

The extruder is missing, the hotend is missing, some of the arms are broken, and there's nothing that indicates any of the steppers or electronics (besides LCD panel) are even present. The previous owner may have already stripped the good parts to use in another build.

If you assume everything you can't see isn't there, and much of what you can see is junk, expect to spend $400 or more to bring it back from the dead.

From the minimal info on the listing, I'd avoid it, especially since the current bid (with shipping) is over $300. If you're still interested, I'd ask for more pictures from the seller to show the interior.

[Jimustanguitar]

That thing's been used hard, wow.

The parts are definitely worth something, but who knows what's actually still there and whether or not you'd feel dirty after using them

[geneb]

Just looking at those arms makes me wish there was a 3D printer equivalent to Child Protective Services. Good god.

g.

[Eaglezsoar]

No way. It could be an empty box with a display glued on it. Not worth the chance.

[XpresoAdct]

Thanks for the disuassion. I kinda have this feeling that I can fix and repair nearly anything. However I do sometimes spend more in repairs and upgrades than just buying something new. There are way too many unknowns with this abused Rostock. Thanks again everyone!