Reprap printers for beginners...

[PeteD]

My biggest recommendation would be to buy a kit rather than source your own parts. Look for a kit that has good build instructions and a active community that supports it and can answer the questions you will have.

It may be cheaper to source your own parts, but if you're completely new to 3D printing, you're not likely to know enough about the different platforms, drivers, hot ends, electronics, firmware and software to put together a good system. If you're in the US, I'd recommend you look at the MendelMax. If you're in Europe, you should look into one of the RepRapPro machines.

Beyond that, just be active in the 3D printing forums. This one looks pretty good. Soliforums and the RepRap forums are both excellent. You'll learn a lot reading the discussions and questions that the community answers. Other good resources are the RepRap Magazine and Rich Rap's blog.