3D printer Perfect for a Maker
So I've been part of the Maker community for 4+ years. At the time 3D printers were the must do kind of thing for most Makers, and I was assured by many that I could and should make a 3D printer. I realized almost immediately on the RepRap models I'd seen assembled, a lot of work would be needed on aligning and adjusting. But I did not have the money or time to devote to making whatever printer I'd build into a something I could be proud of and still have a life.
Time passed and I kept watching these complex machines evolve. Prices coming down, stronger frame materials that offered greater size. I started researching and asking questions of what makes a good solid printer. Giving myself some realistic expectations of what build area size I would make the most use of. Etc etc.
I think it was about 14 months ago, someone at the Maker Space, had purchase a Wilson II and built it in the shortest time I'd ever seen one built. This person had some mechanical skills but it was his first 3D printer. It all went together with the help of the very good, detailed videos made by Marty Rice, and that's when I suspected I would be buying one for myself. The build area is smaller than only the largest hobby printers. But very reasonable though I really doubt I'll ever used all the space that this has at once, (I say that now, when I thought, wow I have a 80MB hard drive, I will never use that much space. *chuckle*) but still it is very roomy while the printer takes a reasonably small area.
The shipping was quick! I got my printer in less than a week. Everything was professionally packed, inventoried and labeled clearly. A really astounding job compared to other kits I've built. (not 3d printers but complex mechanisms none the less.) with the major components separated into their own boxes, it made it easy to keep things organized as I worked through the build.
Actual build time was less than 8 hours. I have some reasonable mechanical skills so organizing and piecing the components together was not hard. Again the videos Marty made were very helpful. Since they were made sometime back, many improvements have happened and Marty has ambitions of completing the updated video instruction soon.
When I did run into a problem or two, Marty was quick to reply via email. It was a pleasure to work with him through these problems. I don't know what more I can say about this kit. It is done with quality components. The spare parts provided are impressive spares, not just a couple of screws and t-nuts. The hotend is amazingly robust and I am excited to work though the final tuning of my printer and enjoy the little things and bigger things that will come of it.
Price, performance and value, I give this kit the proclamation of best kit I have ever purchased.
Spend time in his community forum and check out some of the very useful info you will find there. Marty has created a 3D printer kit that I will recommend to anyone.
Bravo,
Remo