MakerFarm 8" i3v Prusa build by Printbus

[usarmyaircav]

Putting together the extruder, it looks like I stripped out one of the m3 x 25 and a m3 nut. Will I be able to find those at my local Lowes, or do I need to get it from Makerfarm or the internet?

[printbus]

Putting together the extruder, it looks like I stripped out one of the m3 x 25 and a m3 nut. Will I be able to find those at my local Lowes, or do I need to get it from Makerfarm or the internet?

Bummer! I have found Lowes and HD to be very spotty as far as metric hardware. They have some, but not much - especially as you get smaller in size like an M3. A lot of RC Hobby stuff is metric, so if you have a pretty good RC shop in the area I'd try that. The newer Ace Hardware stores have an extensive hardware section as a way of drawing customers in; that's where I usually go when I need something. I can't speak to the 25mm length though - that's getting pretty long as far as M3 hardware. Going on-line is always an option - I've done that when I need a quantity of something and the single piece price at Ace would make the cost outrageous. There are some sellers on eBay that have pretty good prices on say quantity of 50. Just be sure you're buying from a state-side seller. A possible advantage of MakerFarm is that they might just send you the hardware as a courtesy.

Between RC and the printer, I've also bought from multiple online companies like Bolt Depot. Shipping tends to be a killer compared to the hardware cost (most seem to all charge priority mail as a minimum rate). I do usually have a list of hardware spares I could use, and when I need something I dig out the list and see what else I can order. That helps make me feel better about having to pay a lot for shipping.

Good luck!

[jtice]

Putting together the extruder, it looks like I stripped out one of the m3 x 25 and a m3 nut. Will I be able to find those at my local Lowes, or do I need to get it from Makerfarm or the internet?

ACE HARDWARE !
They are great for these odd metric bolts, nuts, etc.
WAY better than Lowes and HD.

[TopJimmyCooks]

Lowes and HD use the same hardware suppliers and they bottom out hard at 4mm. might be able to get a 3mm nut there. Ace is a little better but can be inconsistent as well. I think they restock their metric bins bi-annually whether they need it or not. Also, longer sizes are rare everywhere. I ordered a bunch from mrmetric.com. No minimum order of any sizes, just a $6 flat rate shipping fee.