DIY 3d printer?

[astroboy907]

I am really starting to like 3d printing and want to get into it (I think its taking off really fast...). So I'd like to build myself a 3d printer
1. Because it would be extremely awesome
and 2. Because I'm a student and I'm basically broke.

So. Basically I would want my machine to be large and accurate (Since I am DIYing it, maybe I can increase build space. Personally 1ft^3 bed sounds like a good number, but that is HUGE for a DIY cheap 3d printer).
Has anyone here actually built their own printer from scratch? I imagine it would be extremely difficult to get everything working properly (screws, motors, heatbed, hotend...), but I am willing to try.
I have possible access to a laser cutter, and CNC shop for *free* (So I'd like to abuse that all I can), but I'm paying for my own materials. Anyways, I'd start a blog about it if anyone were interested.

I'm thinking a 12x12x12 bed (or maybe half that if its too difficult), a possible 3 extrusion head mod... etc.

[Eaglezsoar]

Take a look at this link: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:50968

A nice 80+ page writeup of this printer is at: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/commercia ... nters.html

Hey you said you wanted large!

Hoss is virtually famous in the world of printers and CNC equipment.

[astroboy907]

Take a look at this link: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:50968

A nice 80+ page writeup of this printer is at: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/commercia ... nters.html

Hey you said you wanted large!

Hoss is virtually famous in the world of printers and CNC equipment.

Wow.. 14 inches cubed is a lot bigger than I thought!! Anyways, I'll give it a look over.

Thanks!

[astroboy907]

Still looking for stuff on building and it looks to me like this will be a long term project for me. Researching into Delta arm printers as well as traditional XYZ. Personally a delta would be preferred. No so much as build quality but just plain bragging rights
Maybe build an XYZ to build a delta? 3D printer procreation...

[lordbinky]

It doesn't count unless the cartesian printer is large enough to print out the delta printer framework as a single piece.

[Jimustanguitar]

Delta only uses 3 steppers and 3 linear bearings. Less to go wrong. Faster speeds are possible. Build capacity is somewhat expandable (you could add longer verticals pretty easily). A delta design also makes the hot-end positioning a tad more stable because of the nature of triangles and the lack of lash from leadscrews...

I think a delta printer is one of those perfections of simplicity. Now that the firmware exists and the trailblazers have created an open solution to the hard parts, I would definitely recommend a delta printer!

[tom10122]

I am really starting to like 3d printing and want to get into it (I think its taking off really fast...). So I'd like to build myself a 3d printer
1. Because it would be extremely awesome
and 2. Because I'm a student and I'm basically broke.

So. Basically I would want my machine to be large and accurate (Since I am DIYing it, maybe I can increase build space. Personally 1ft^3 bed sounds like a good number, but that is HUGE for a DIY cheap 3d printer).
Has anyone here actually built their own printer from scratch? I imagine it would be extremely difficult to get everything working properly (screws, motors, heatbed, hotend...), but I am willing to try.
I have possible access to a laser cutter, and CNC shop for *free* (So I'd like to abuse that all I can), but I'm paying for my own materials. Anyways, I'd start a blog about it if anyone were interested.

I'm thinking a 12x12x12 bed (or maybe half that if its too difficult), a possible 3 extrusion head mod... etc.

Hehe I was in the same boat as you last year, I got the H-1 when it was still being made. Start out simple then go from there, you dont need a 3 extrusion head right off the bat, Look into Printrbot LC , It is open source and is Laser cut.