Methinks it's about time to get my own 3d printer. While I've been closely following Tugboat's adventures with his RepRap Mendel 3d printer, I just found out that they've released a new model, the Ormerod. Although it currently has a single print head, they will be releasing upgrades for additional print heads later. Print volume is 200 x 200 x 200mm, heated bed, and uses 1.75mm filament. you can order one from RS Electronics, here: http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/3d-printers/7952333/
The one that I just purchased costs a bit less with a larger bed. However, they are just starting out. https://www.phoenix3dprinter.com/ The RepRap is a 'big name' though and they are decently quality machines.
Very impressive on the phoenix. Can anyone comment on their specs and what the marketing says they can do?
They just started shipping the first batch of printers earlier in the month. I expect to have mine by early april. They sell them as fully assembled and tested units with their own software (which, combined with the larger bed for the price, really sold me) that allows you to recover broken prints. From the demo videos, it seems to be a great bargain compared to others in its sub $1000 price range.
I'm less concerned about specific price and bed area as I am with features. For example, the Phoenix can pause, reverse, and resume printing if an error occurs. OTOH, the Ormerod has IR probing for self-aligning printing, eliminating the need to adjust the bed. Without any prior experience with 3d printers, though, I'm not sure which one of those is more important.
The software features and larger bed are what really sold me on the phoenix over the reprap. The RepRap is a bigger name and you kind of expect to pay more for a higher quality product. We shall see though.
early april? Ouch. I'd kinda like to have my printer in time to play with it before I head overseas for the year...
I am aware of the Phoenix, but you have to be wary of the Kickstart machines' claims. There is also a much smaller user group to get help from when you need it. The Ormerod can also be purchased directly from RepRapPro, Carl.
Is RepRapPro shipping the Ormerod from their site yet? Also, here is another cool thing to look into, if I do a lot of printing: http://makezine.com/projects/guide-to-3d-printing-2014/diy-filament-extruder/
If you have a bunch of scraps and leftovers from printing, you may benefit from one of these: DIY Filament Extruder
There's a bunch of extruder builds on the net. This is a particularly nice one using all off-the-shelf components. http://www.teeterconsulting.com/bob...ruder.html
I've been looking at the Filastruder. They also sell the very nice E3D hotend that I'm putting in Rostock. I had to order mine from Blighty Old, before Filastruder started distributing them here in the Colonies... http://www.filastruder.com/
