Need help with repairs or want to sell off? Prusa i3 got pics?

You might want to refer to:
www.reprap.org/wiki/RepRap
www.reprap.org/wiki/Prusa_i3
www.reprap.org/wiki/The_incomplete_RepRap_Prusa_Mendel_beginner%27s_guide
reprap.org/wiki/List_of_Firmware
www.3ders.org/pricecompare/3dprinters/

Prusa i3 is currently the mainstream low cost and easy to build RepRap at this moment. You can find other similar Prusa from other suppliers but do note that each suppliers may have different components and parts yet still looks like a Prusa i3. That is what open source 3D printers, RepRap, are like when different components are available as alternatives. Some vendors may sell the frame and drive mechanisms separate from the electronics so you have the opion of choosing and customising the printer. Example, you can reuse your PSU from your old computer as the power supply to run the RepRap or even print a custom drive carriage for your hotend and auto bed levelling probe.

So in short its a matter of planning out what you require, say find every component and part which takes time and may be cost effective, buy the kit and spend time on assembly and fine tuning, or even buy the ready built set and just spend time configuring and setting up a print.

Anyway your question, you can buy the cheapest, most cheapo of 3D printers, tear out the electronics and replace it with an original Arduino Mega or china clone Iduino and attach it with a Ramps 1.4 control board. As for firmware, you might want to try Repetier-firmware, a fork/modified Sprinter firmware. The website is www.repetier.com and they provide the software for controlling and sending print jobs to the printer.

BTW, though I do 3D printing service in my signature but I also do repairs, maintenance, and 3D design as well.


Good to know more are interested in RepRap and 1+ for reading everything.

It depends on whether you have the time to spend on the full experience of from A to Z, hunting for everything to fine tuning, or get the kit to save time on hunting for parts, or get the ready built set and just spend time configuring the printer to print reliably.

Here is a challenge, buy off kevin410 Prusa i3 and try repairing it.

There are local sellers that sells RepRap kits priced below RM 2000. blomker posted in this topic too and you can search for him here.

Care to share some pic of the hand made extruder?

Second hand j-head hotend ok?

One year used, condition looks about 6/10.

Well, the extra clone j-head that I have been keeping is being used now since I retired the previous one (the one year old j-head). I have another hotend, the JGR hotend and that is still brand new but its pricey.

Drillz of the retiree...



The JGR looks like this:


This post has been edited by altan: Nov 3 2015, 11:48 PM

If its really urgent why not order the hotend from blomker since his hotend should be cheaper than mine. I am not in the business of selling 3d printer components, but I don't mind letting go one of my spares.

Another solution is to outsource the up coming print until you get your hotend.

Looks interesting, might want to pledge two sheets.

Hey everyone, anyone want to tumpang shipping with me. I am restocking on a few reels of PLA from Qwikfab http://web.qwikfab.com/3D-Printer-Filament?page=1 . Let me know via PM soon.

You can try pming bloomker or see his website.

You might also want to get filaments for your printer and I would recommend quality filaments from Qwikfab. Try not to buy filaments from aliexpress or china sourced filaments because there have been cases of poor quality filament messing up prints and damaging the 3D printer.

I am still in the midst of discussing with Qwikfab in bringing 6+ spools of Q-PLA. You can combine your shipping with me if you like.

Also, check out my siggy below if you need to get the Prusa I3 parts printed.

The Mendel is an older model and have more parts compared to the Prusa i3, thus its priced much more. Though the Prusa have less parts and is more affordable, do consider the design aspect of the 3D printer as well. You should consider reading 3Dhubs printer guide before buying, https://www.3dhubs.com/best-3d-printer-guide

The old Mendel may take up more workspace than the Prusa but judging from its aluminium frame and the way it is design, it will be a good long term investment if you seriously want a long lasting 3D printer.

One advice for budding 3D printer enthusiast, read up on technical know how on using and maintaining a 3D printer. Also expect to get frustrated along the way.

Just let me know by PM which PLA color you would like and I will ask them to include yours. You can check their website web.qwikfab.com/3D-Printer-Filament/Q-PLA-FIlament for the color. Do note that the filament + spool holder + box is close to 2kg a box so shipping can be costly if you would still like to order on your own.

The brand I would recommend is Printrbot but they are US based. You can check my WTS thread by clicking on the signature below to find out the print quality of the Printrbot printer. I am using a Printrbot simple metal, most budget wise and well built printers I have seen so far.

Looks like a well built and sturdy machine, since they are using sheet metal as the frame and injection molded parts. The only drawback is it is not open source and the worst of all is filament cartridge is chipped (not cheap!).

Yes, the filament cartridge comes with a chip that stops you from using 3rd party filaments when you replace the filament when it runs low. Same as how laser printer toner cartridges comes with a chip that tells when the ink runs out.

Though there seems to be some instruction to hack the cartridge but it gets troublesome when you have a few cartridges to hack.

I wouldn't mind trying out their 3d scanner. storm88 any plans of bringing in the scanner instead?

Thats, a really good advice and I strongly agree the frames need to be far more sturdies and why not steel sheet metal. I don't mind the weight because I have been building shelves using steel angle iron and these things are super rigid.

Any plans of making a set anytime soon?

Google up any shops nearby, call them and send in the file they require. The format should be PDF or maybe AutoCAD but it still depends on the workshop. Let them know what material you want and the thickness. Ask them for material availability, delivery time, and obviously request quote.

That is pricey, that's the trade off if the place is near your home.

Maybe it's an alignment issue between the z axis frame and y axis (heat bed). Is the steel frame a little warped after assembly ? Say it rocks a little when placed on a flat surface.

I have lots of spare thermistor and hotends and electronic stuff. I have 2 sets of ramps 1.4 also. If you need electronic spare parts you can ask me for it. I can send the thermistor by pos express since its quite thin.

Yes, better get the lead screws from overseas or china. Local supplier charge a bomb.

Can tumpang shipping with you? I could buy a few lead screws with nut from you... I don't know how to read taobao but can get the largest threaded rods with nuts each.

I PM you?

Better make the order before the price goes up further. I don't see any difference with walk in unless you request for samples.

Need a sample to make the springs or can give the spec?

When I hear volume discount, normally they expect 1000 pcs or more.

Maybe you can find that box set of random sized springs instead.

Also let us know the quote for those springs.