Well I'm finally thinking of getting a 3D printer. Was waiting for the technology to mature a bit, and it seems to have stabilized so to speak. Still advancing at an alarming rate, but most of the bugs with firmware and such seemed to have been worked out.

I remember seeing a few guys here had one.

I'm thinking one of these:

• Solidoodle 3rd Gen (http://store.solidoodle.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=79)
  • + solid steel construction.
  • + and - It's already assembled (but I really did enjoy building my Phlatprinter ///
  • - Needs a PC to print though
• MakerFarm Prusa 8" i3 http://www.makerfarm.com/index.php/3d-printer-kits/prusa-8-i3-kit.html
  • + and - It is a kit
  • - it's a wooden kit
  • + Does not need a PC to print
  • - Not a complete kit. A few extra items are needed (Power supply, glass bed)
• Rostcok Max http://seemecnc.com/collections/3d-printers/products/rostock-max-complete-kit
  • Delta printer. Not sure if this is really an advantage or disadvantage, but it is neat
  • + Does not need a PC
  • + and - It is a kit
  • - it is wood
  • + Complete kit. Nothing else needed

Also is printing with PLA really needed?
What are you guys using to create the STL files?
THANKS

 

If you wanted to design your own I would recommend getting the v slot from openbuilds that Mark and Trish are selling and buy all the electronics to make it happen.
If you are looking for a kit I would recommend the Ultimax from Ultibots http://www.ultibots.com/ultimax-3d-printer-diy-kit/. It's a complete kit, not wood, and has a huge build area. He actually lives in the next city to me and I have seen the machine. It is a really nice machine.

Me personally I like my Phlatbot (also known as the ORDbot) but I am wanting it bigger. I am on the fence right now on how I'm gonna make it bigger but it's gonna happen. I'm thinking of either converting it over to the Vslot or just putting longer makerslide on it.

You do not need to print in PLA. ABS is really nice as well I just recommend having it in a good ventilated area if printing ABS.

I design with Sketchup and use the .stl exporter for all my designs that I've 3d printed. Also if I have someone else's .stl file I just import in Sketchup and modify it there.

 

Thanks for the replies... Blender is a little rich for my blood ;-) I just don't like how Sketchup does fillets, OK, it really doesn't do them. ;-)
I thought Trish and Mark had a 3D prtiner at one point, and weren't ready to sell it, but haven't heard any more. Did some googeling, and it looks like the ORDbot\phlatbot is a bare, bare bones kit without much documentation. Phlatbot domain is not active.
I'm really liking the Ultibot, Appears that they use high quality parts throughout. I'm guessing that the 3 versions they sell differ only in size (i'll check better at home as I'm at work now) I really like that it isn't wood, but at the same time the Phlatprinter is wood, and mine is holding up just fine. It is twice the cost of the Makerfarm; just not sure if it is worth it.
I'm going to send them an email as I have a few more questions that I think I know the answers to, but it isn't very clear/mentioned on the website.

Yea, seems like everything is ABS. Just wasn't sure what the advantage to PLA was, if any.

Thanks
agina