3D Printing (almost completely OT...)

[lob]

...other than I could probably use it to print beer coasters.

Just thought some people here might be interested...another hobby and all that. 'Somewhat' affordable 3D printers ($1500 to maybe $3000) have been around for a few years, but only really the domain of tech heads, as there's a lot of decisions to make on build type, parts, electronics, software, etc, and then there's the headache of trying to source every part, even before assembly begins. A few days ago I saw a link on the Reprap website to a reputable [the makers have been involved with Reprap development for sometime] startup selling complete Reprap Kits for $500. I took a gamble, and pre-ordered one. It should ship by late August. One or two days to assemble, and I'll be up and running.

http://www.indiegogo.com/eMAKER-Huxley-3D-printer-kits

Here's all the background info on 3D Printing:
http://reprap.org/wiki/Main_Page

[lob]

Beer Pal six pack:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3499

Automated controller for home brewing:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:963

Bottle opener:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1813

Coaster:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:8693

functional, though crap-looking beer handle:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3800

fermenter tap stopper:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6192

Shot glass (ice):
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6085

[squirt in the turns]

Very interesting stuff, lob. I might have to get a 3D printer - I'm sure I could think of hundreds of useful items to fabricate with it.

[lob]

Not beer-related, but take a look at this:

Mini printable lathe:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:9242

[timmy]

Looks really interesting lob....

As a matter of interest, what do they charge for shipping to Oz?

Cheers,

Tim

[lob]

$70 to ship to Australia; Everything - including the electronics - is in kit form. The biggest item is the printing tray, Everything else is just rods, nuts and bolts, plastic parts, wiring, and the electronics kit.

[timmy]

I think you may have sold me. I will have to tell my wife it was your fault though...

[lob]

Arrived via courier today : )

[lob]

..this is taking forever. The build was on hold for about a month because I broke one of the parts, and had to wait for a replacement from the UK. I almost f---ed up the thermistor, and several other aspects of the build. More luck than skill has got me this far. I've got all the electronics done, and, more importantly, working. I've built the Hot-end part that heats up and places the melted plastic. Still going to be a few more weeks to get this thing working...when I do some beer coasters will be my first print : )

Here's the Z axis (vertical) moving 5mm:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apXNc0A5p-s

[Oliver]

I found your other YouTube video far more entertaining, lob

Oliver

[TrozOz]

So how's the 3D printing turning out for you?

I'll looking at getting the same kit to turn out some small pieces for a modelling hobby of mine and I'd really appreciate your impression of it. Does it have the resolution the manufacturer claims?

Cheers

[lob]

The main advantages of the eHuxley is that you get all you need delivered as a kit, rather having to order parts from different suppliers online, and eMaker are trustworthy. (There are lots of scammers out there in 3D Printing.)

A few disadvantages though:

(1) Instructions vary from very good (frame assembly) to downright frustrating (thermistor and wiring instructions.)
(2) Build area is smaller than the Prusa.
(3) Filament size is smaller and harder + more expensive to source

Also, it's not really a Huxley model, despite it's name; It's more closely resembles a mini-Prusa.

Once you have the printer working though, you can print the parts for a new printer. That's pretty much my intention...when I get it printing (a few weeks away still), I'm going to print off the parts needed for a Prusa. The Prusa is very well documented:
http://garyhodgson.com/reprap/prusa-men ... tructions/

Also, the Prusa is improving at a fairly constant pace:
http://blog.reprap.org/2011/11/prusa-iteration-2.html

To get an idea of the resolution for the eHuxley, maybe check out some of the videos; links should be on the funding campaign.