I agree with buying a kit. It is the best way to learn how the printer works and it is very satisfying to see it in action when you are finished. My first printer was a Prusa i2. It worked ok but I purchased a Printrbot Jr. after that. I'd highly recommend Printrbot now. They have a good support community and Printrbot is constantly designing completely new printers and upgrading existing ones. While I'm not keen on the laser cut wood look either, they are very sturdy, easy to assemble and very inexpensive. The Prusa i3 from MakerFarm is also a good choice for a first kit.

KDog