Home-Build; which one?

[3Dsigns]

Hello all!

I'm looking into building my own rep-rap type printer and would like your opinion as to which model is your favorite.
These are my criteria:

1. Downloadable parts files
2. Cost ; $300 to $500 or less for the parts,electronics, software, etc..
3. Sturdy, rigid construction.
4. Ease of construction.
5. I want it to print as large as possible, dependably as possible, as cheap to build as possible

These are some of the shop tools I have...
4x8 ShopBot CNC router
Drill press
Electric Mitre Saw
Mig Welder
soldering tools
cordless drill


I was thinking of going with a ''Mendelmax'' as I could cut the 1.5'' extrusions with my mitre saw. Or would you recommend a Prusa, or something else? My cousin offered to print the plastic rep rap parts. But are kits available which have all the electronics, timing belts, bearings etc? I'm a ''beginner'' to 3D printing but have some experience with CNC building. This is the controller I created for a hot-wire foam machine... https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v...type=2&theater
Thanks for your help.

[Tachout]

This is just a tiny bit out of your range. I have one of these and just love it. I have not been printing long but do have some background in CNC and drafting and draw houses all day in a CAD System

http://www.makerfarm.com/index.php/p...extrusion.html

As for assembly, my 13 year old daughter and I put it together in a weekend, and there are quite a few great set up and calibration guides on here. Lots of great people on here willing to help if you run into any problems.

[3Dsigns]

Thanks Tachout,
I could probably cut the wooden parts on my CNC if I had the files. Then I would need the correct guides, drive components and electronics. I will check that out.
Thanks!
Wayne

[3Dsigns]

Here is on set of Mendelmax parts in aluminum....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MendelMax-2-...item3ce4211367

This one is in plastic.......
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MendelMax-1-...item2c8795bd27

[KDog]

Whatever you decide, make sure that you don't skimp on the frame. A good 80/20 frame like the one on the mendelmax will be very stable. Many of the problems with earlier versions of reprap style printers were due to flexible frames. There are lots of maker style extrusions available but I find that the original 80/20 type is best for larger printers. If you do go mendelmax, the second version will get you a bunch more clearance on the z-axis. The prusa i3 is pretty much the same so if you do decide to roll-your-own you can mix and match. Wish I had those tools available. Have fun! Does your CNC work with metal or only wood?

[3Dsigns]

Whatever you decide, make sure that you don't skimp on the frame. A good 80/20 frame like the one on the mendelmax will be very stable. Many of the problems with earlier versions of reprap style printers were due to flexible frames. There are lots of maker style extrusions available but I find that the original 80/20 type is best for larger printers. If you do go mendelmax, the second version will get you a bunch more clearance on the z-axis. The prusa i3 is pretty much the same so if you do decide to roll-your-own you can mix and match. Wish I had those tools available. Have fun! Does your CNC work with metal or only wood?

Thanks KDog,
I have some 80/20 in the shop and it's great stuff.

I use the router to cut woods, plastics and dense foams like this high density urethane project (HDU)....
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=1&theater

sheet aluminum, like this input/output panel for a CNC controller
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...50968437_n.jpg

and aluminum composites like these letters cut out of 3mm Dibond material....
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=1&theater

[3Dsigns]

Here is another....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tantillus-3D...item2a2df23855