Cheap 3D Printer Recommendation

[Tenson]

I would like to get my Dad a small 3D printer. He doesn't have a need, it's just for fun and shouldn't cost more than £200.

I have a decent CNC mill/router and could cut part if there are easy to use files.

Can anyone recommended a good option? I was thinking kind of like maker bot wherd I cut the plywood parts and get a kit of the mechanisms. Though I guess maker bot is outdated now?

Thanks!

[alboy]

I would like to get my Dad a small 3D printer. He doesn't have a need, it's just for fun and shouldn't cost more than £200.

I have a decent CNC mill/router and could cut part if there are easy to use files.

Can anyone recommended a good option? I was thinking kind of like maker bot wherd I cut the plywood parts and get a kit of the mechanisms. Though I guess maker bot is outdated now?

Thanks!

I have a Wanhao i3 prusa type printer, had it a while and very impressed with the quality of print. I think mine was about £280 though but it did come assembled. You may find cheaper versions with acrylic frames but the all metal frames are much sturdier.

Al

[JOGARA]

I have the TEVO Tarantula I3 and it is great. Less than £200 shipped.


If you have the ability to make your own, check out the RepRap project.
Loads of builds on there ready to make.

[Washout]

I have also acquired a Prusa i3 clone recently from Amazon (Hictop) and I highly recommend it as a starter, but from the experience of others who have bought similar printers I would recommend getting a model with auto bed leveling.

[Nickhofen]

On facebook there is a group for Anet A8 3D printers, this printer cost about 150euros and it looks very good and solid.Unfortunatelly I do not own one and I cannot give more info.
The only disadvantage I can find is that it comes as a kit.
http://www.gearbest.com/3d-printers-...rvkaAoka8P8HAQ

[Desertboy]

If you have a access to a milling machine/router that can handle the size of parts google I3 graber and make your own frame from aluminium or ply (The DXF files are open source and freely available) and buy everything else separately.

I am about to rebuild my Mendel to a I3 Graber so I can write you a list of parts and do a little build diary if you want.

I wouldn't expect to save money doing it yourself but I would expect the product to be far superior. Autolevelling is an inductive (Or capacitve sensor) cost me £1.50 to implement with a chinese special but sourced from UK still under £10.