I would like to know how many of you have built the reprap 3d printer. If you have or if you are in some stage of the build, or if you are thinking of building one, please post and share your builds and thoughts, thanks, Jeff.

Raises my hand :D:P

Quote from Jeff Nading on February 7th, 2012, 05:44 PM

I would like to know how many of you have built the reprap 3d printer. If you have or if you are in some stage of the build, or if you are thinking of building one, please post and share your builds and thoughts, thanks, Jeff.

nope... but it would be on a list on mine... ill let Nate and you play with it and then print the parts for mine :) lol yeah!

~Russ

Quote from Jeff Nading on February 7th, 2012, 05:44 PM

I would like to know how many of you have built the reprap 3d printer. If you have or if you are in some stage of the build, or if you are thinking of building one, please post and share your builds and thoughts, thanks, Jeff.

I'm in some stage now. I started back when Makerbot was selling the generation 3 electronics kits. I just finished an LED fixture build for my reef tank so now I can concentrate on my reprap. Yay! Here's a pic and a video…

Joe's Repstrap work in progress video!
Hope you like!
joe

Quote from cncjoe on November 20th, 2012, 12:30 AM

Quote from Jeff Nading on February 7th, 2012, 05:44 PM

I would like to know how many of you have built the reprap 3d printer. If you have or if you are in some stage of the build, or if you are thinking of building one, please post and share your builds and thoughts, thanks, Jeff.

I'm in some stage now. I started back when Makerbot was selling the generation 3 electronics kits. I just finished an LED fixture build for my reef tank so now I can concentrate on my reprap. Yay! Here's a pic and a video…

Joe's Repstrap work in progress video!
Hope you like!
joe

This is really great work Joe and an awesome project. I am salivating over it :P, because this is what I want to build in the future, a large scale RepRap printer :cool:. Have you bought the electronics yet, or are you going to build it all? What size steppers are you going to use? Are you going to use belt reduction boxes [much more tourqe] or direct drive to the acme thread lead screws and are they single or two start threads? Have you given any thought as to how you will heat the Y axis bed? This could also be converted for routing. Yes, I like this allot Joe, hope this inspires someone else to build an upscale printer or even a CNC router. I look forward to the further progress of your build, please keep us posted, enjoyed the video, thanks.:cool::D:P

Judging by your videos, you've already done much of the stuff I've only dreamed about. I like that (gingery, is it?) lathe. Seems like you're more of a 'doer' than I am. I really have to push myself to not sweat the small stuff and just do it. I did manage to get into some pot-metal and aluminum casting for a while there. I'd love to see your foundry if you ever care to share.

The questions I mentioned on YT will mostly be formed when I know what they are. I foresee a lot of them as I haven't even used skienforge yet for example. I have drawn 3D things in sketch up but I don't know how to correctly generate 'closed' STL objects and such.

To answer your questions, I bought the generation 3 electronics kit from makerbot way back when. It came with a sanguino based mother board, stepper driver boards, and a bunch of trimmins. I have nema 23 steppers (I forget the torque specs n' stuff, it's been years!). I have a nema 17 that I hope to feed the extruder with. (Obsolete) hot end parts (nichrome wire, PTFE rod, etc.). I wanted to direct drive the lead screws instead of using belts because of backlash but I'm not so sure I can get away with driving that heavy table without belt drives. I'd like to hear your thoughts on that. My original intent was to make the thing rigid enough to rout (mill) with so that I could have the extruder and a dremel on the Z for simultaneous additive AND subtractive capabilities. I'm wondering if I'll need to counter-balance the Z axis because of the limited torque of the stepper.

The acme threaded rods are 3/8-16 single start. They were going to recycle them at work so I said score! I found anti-backlash nuts made by a guy on the cnczone forum. I'm using two angular contact bearings slightly preloaded on one end of each lead screw to eliminate slop. The other ends will just 'float' in a regular skate bearing to keep  them from whipping and allow them to shrink and grow without sagging or getting tight.

I'd really like to have linear magnetic encoders because of the somewhat rough tolerance and thermal expansion and contraction of the lead screws.  I've read that their resolution is about .0005 Do you know how they interface with the electronics?

Anyway Jeff. Thanks for your encouragement and gracious offer to help me with questions.

Quote from Jeff Nading on February 7th, 2012, 05:44 PM

I would like to know how many of you have built the reprap 3d printer. If you have or if you are in some stage of the build, or if you are thinking of building one, please post and share your builds and thoughts, thanks, Jeff.

Hi Jeff
I have been interested for a long time to build one too, the HHO and Keshe projects made the delay. Budged What do I need to get one to build one like yours or cncjoe? I would greatly appreciate your support.

My first idea was to build a cnc milling machine with my colleagues, I teach mechanics at school for young ones from 13 to 16. I think this would be a good project and maybe a good project to start, of course I have to pay for everything, you know.
Industial lathes and milling machines are available at school to make parts.

the frame work of cncjoe looks good, are there some bleu prints or sketches concerning dimension?

Quote from cncjoe on November 20th, 2012, 10:55 PM

Judging by your videos, you've already done much of the stuff I've only dreamed about. I like that (gingery, is it?) lathe. Seems like you're more of a 'doer' than I am. I really have to push myself to not sweat the small stuff and just do it. I did manage to get into some pot-metal and aluminum casting for a while there. I'd love to see your foundry if you ever care to share.

The questions I mentioned on YT will mostly be formed when I know what they are. I foresee a lot of them as I haven't even used skienforge yet for example. I have drawn 3D things in sketch up but I don't know how to correctly generate 'closed' STL objects and such.

To answer your questions, I bought the generation 3 electronics kit from makerbot way back when. It came with a sanguino based mother board, stepper driver boards, and a bunch of trimmins. I have nema 23 steppers (I forget the torque specs n' stuff, it's been years!). I have a nema 17 that I hope to feed the extruder with. (Obsolete) hot end parts (nichrome wire, PTFE rod, etc.). I wanted to direct drive the lead screws instead of using belts because of backlash but I'm not so sure I can get away with driving that heavy table without belt drives. I'd like to hear your thoughts on that. My original intent was to make the thing rigid enough to rout (mill) with so that I could have the extruder and a dremel on the Z for simultaneous additive AND subtractive capabilities. I'm wondering if I'll need to counter-balance the Z axis because of the limited torque of the stepper.

The acme threaded rods are 3/8-16 single start. They were going to recycle them at work so I said score! I found anti-backlash nuts made by a guy on the cnczone forum. I'm using two angular contact bearings slightly preloaded on one end of each lead screw to eliminate slop. The other ends will just 'float' in a regular skate bearing to keep  them from whipping and allow them to shrink and grow without sagging or getting tight.

I'd really like to have linear magnetic encoders because of the somewhat rough tolerance and thermal expansion and contraction of the lead screws.  I've read that their resolution is about .0005 Do you know how they interface with the electronics?

Anyway Jeff. Thanks for your encouragement and gracious offer to help me with questions.

Hi Joe, yes it's a gingery lathe, had fun building it. I have a video of my foundry and me casting aluminum, here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_18UHdlfM4&feature=plcp

On the electronics you bought, are you sure the drivers will handle the load? The reason I ask is that direct drive steppers will have much more load on them [amperage] and less torque. I loaded up some photos to show my 5' x 5' CNC Plasma Cutting Machine I built from the ground up. Had many ideas that did pan out to save money. I bought three 5 to 1 ratio belt drive reduction boxes, two for the gantry that moves the Y axis and one for the X axis. This gave me much more torque and no backlash at all, none, zip, nada. I made my own backlash nuts for the Z axis lead screw, worked well. I also cast and machined most of the aluminum for the Z axis mechanism, made special tools to machine the grooves for the movement . I think I'm going to convert the machine to route so I will have the best of both worlds. Plasma is very dirty cutting so I had to use micro switches for the home positions, but for the 3d printer I made my own opto end stops for home positions. For your magnetic encoders I don't think it would be to hard to connect them correctly, if you have a schematic of your electronics, would be much easier. On the hotend, I build my own so that is no problem. You are very welcome Joe and look forward to see progress on your build, here are the photos.

Quote from geert8550 on November 21st, 2012, 12:18 AM

Quote from Jeff Nading on February 7th, 2012, 05:44 PM

I would like to know how many of you have built the reprap 3d printer. If you have or if you are in some stage of the build, or if you are thinking of building one, please post and share your builds and thoughts, thanks, Jeff.

Hi Jeff
I have been interested for a long time to build one too, the HHO and Keshe projects made the delay. Budged What do I need to get one to build one like yours or cncjoe? I would greatly appreciate your support.

My first idea was to build a cnc milling machine with my colleagues, I teach mechanics at school for young ones from 13 to 16. I think this would be a good project and maybe a good project to start, of course I have to pay for everything, you know.
Industial lathes and milling machines are available at school to make parts.

the frame work of cncjoe looks good, are there some bleu prints or sketches concerning dimension?

Hi Geert, I'm not sure if  cncjoe used a blueprint or not, the plasma machine I built was out of the blueprint in my head, so no drawings there, just photos :D. Haven't done much with cnc milling machines. But I'm sure it can be done or were you more interested in building the 3d printer like the one I built,  the Prusa mendel here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1RqJAtYa1o&list=UU5MWkMsbXeqTSQGihR0is1Q&index=1&feature=plcp

Thanks for sharing, Jeff.
Good to see you Mate :D

Quote from Lynx on November 21st, 2012, 08:25 AM

Thanks for sharing, Jeff.
Good to see you Mate :D

Thanks Lynx, good to be seen, have a good day.:D

Quote from geert8550 on November 21st, 2012, 12:18 AM

...of course I have to pay for everything, you know…
...are there some bleu prints or sketches concerning dimension?

Hi Geert, I have a google sketchup file but it has my design flaw in it where the Z and X axis lead screws intersect. The actual reprap designs, however, are rock solid. They also have a highly detailed dedicated website. My parts are all hand made on a CNC mill so repraps are much cheaper and easier to build because they can be made out of stuff from a hardware store (except for the printed parts). I'd recommend building Jeff's but here's a Google Sketchup file of mine just for fun!
joe's repstrap on thingiverse

Joe is this the one your building?

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:16076

http://www.thingiverse.com/image:100755

the link you provided isn't  working for me.

This is a part that a friend of mine needed a duplicate of along with my casting setup.
http://s1135.beta.photobucket.com/user/joeperry5/library/Casting
Some early pics of parts of my machine.
http://s1135.beta.photobucket.com/user/joeperry5/library/Repstrap

Sorry Jeff. That was a link to the sketch up file I stored at thingiverse. I didn't make the thing public yet so that may be why you can't access the file. There's really nothing there except the cad file and the pic you've already seen. Do you have sketch up on your computer? If yo don't, you can get it at google.com It's free-90-free. I'll go make my thing public now just in case. Love your casting vid, by the way. And talk about drooling! That plasma cutter is stout! Great job!

Quote from Jeff Nading on November 21st, 2012, 07:01 PM

Joe is this the one your building?

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:16076

http://www.thingiverse.com/image:100755

the link you provided isn't  working for me.

I wish, and I wish! Those are nice!

Hi Joe, yes I have sketchup. Good casting, like your furnace. I thought you might like the video of casting and the cnc plasma machine, thank you so much Joe.:D

Quote from Jeff Nading on November 21st, 2012, 07:02 AM

On the electronics you bought, are you sure the drivers will handle the load?

I don't know. I've always worried about that. I think they said it's limited to a couple of amps. I know this really nice Texan named Jeff that knows that kind of stuff though! :D

Quote from Jeff Nading on November 21st, 2012, 07:02 AM

I bought three 5 to 1 ratio belt drive reduction boxes...

Got a source on those? I think I'm going to have to go that way the more I think about it Jeff. In fact, I might have to save the electronics and steppers I have for a stand-alone printer or laser engraver instead. :rolleyes: My table is .500" thick x 24"x36" so it's pretty heavy. I mean, I'd like to try what I have 'cause I'm not rich and my birthday was in October. Lol

Quote from Jeff Nading on November 21st, 2012, 07:02 AM

I made my own backlash nuts for the Z axis lead screw, worked well.

Cheater! :P

Quote from Jeff Nading on November 21st, 2012, 07:02 AM

if you have a schematic of your electronics, would be much easier.

The schematic is open source on the Reprap wiki. Here http://reprap.org/wiki/Motherboard_1.2#Fully_Assembled

Ok, this gives us a way to go. I'm thinking you could use the belt reduction that Nate, " firepinto" came up with, it's all printed parts here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaxg5oDfOVg&feature=plcp

here is one Nate uploaded of the belt reduction in operation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uZ6OD7tsTWM
What max amperage do the steppers you have pull, is there a way on the electronics you have to control the amp draw for each stepper? Also what voltage will the electronics and steppers need to run or operate at, if all of this is compatible and with the use of belt reduction, all you have might work. In the mean time, I will look at the schematic you supplied, thanks Joe.:D

Joe here is a link to the ramps 1.4 electronics that is adjustable, will handle 2 amps per stepper. This kit comes with everything needed, you just tell them you want , hall effect end stops instead of switches, comes with Arduino mega, ramps board, display, end stops, all wiring and a heated bed  which you would not need but could sell for $50.00. you can't beat the price either, it's a really good deal. I bet you could even get a reduction in price if you were to email them and tell them you do not need the heated bed. That is if you should decide to buy the latest electronics,   or not.:D
http://www.ebay.com/itm/150869543703?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Hi Jeff! Hope you didn't eat too much turkey!

Here's a quote from the page for my stepper drivers.

"The A3982 is rated for 2A per coil, so if your stepper motor drives more than that, you should adjust the chopper so that it delivers less current than that."

Yeah, so the stepper drivers have trim pots to chop the current. Is there a difference between "2A per coil" and "2A per stepper"?
I'll check out the pulley system as soon as I can. I'm downloading Ubuntu right now though.
I really appreciate your help bud. God bless!

Quote from Jeff Nading on November 22nd, 2012, 07:41 AM

" firepinto" came up with, it's all printed parts here

here is one Nate uploaded of the belt reduction in operation

Nice! That guy's smart too!

Quote from cncjoe on November 22nd, 2012, 10:04 PM

Hi Jeff! Hope you didn't eat too much turkey!

Here's a quote from the page for my stepper drivers.

"The A3982 is rated for 2A per coil, so if your stepper motor drives more than that, you should adjust the chopper so that it delivers less current than that."

Yeah, so the stepper drivers have trim pots to chop the current. Is there a difference between "2A per coil" and "2A per stepper"?
I'll check out the pulley system as soon as I can. I'm downloading Ubuntu right now though.
I really appreciate your help bud. God bless!

Quote from Jeff Nading on November 22nd, 2012, 07:41 AM

" firepinto" came up with, it's all printed parts here

here is one Nate uploaded of the belt reduction in operation

Nice! That guy's smart too!

Yes, I meant to say 2 amps per coil and is the most correct term. I have all the stl's for the belt reduction. Also I was curious as to what you have for your X carriage and the Greg's geared extruder here
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:18844
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:8252
This X carriage uses 5/16" smooth rods, what is the rod sizes you are using. I'm wondering if this carriage could be modified to hold bearings in place the size you would need or is there an stl you have/know about, to print that will fit your design?  Or have you machined something to fit already? I have looked at the schematic, main voltage would be 12 volts dc. I run both my Prusa 3d printers with Dell power supplies, one for each [rated @ 57 amps] 12 volts dc for all the electronics, steppers, hotend and heated bed plate, then 3 volts dc for 9 Led's that illuminate the hotend. My heated bed pulls around 16 amps, I made all the heating elements, 11 in all, wired in parallel mounted to 1/4" aluminum plate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1RqJAtYa1o&list=UU5MWkMsbXeqTSQGihR0is1Q&index=1&feature=plcp
 I print on double strength glass with Kapton tape on it so the print will adhere/not move while printing, but here recently I have learned from a friend you can use aqua net hair spray to do the same job as the Kapton tape does and costs are considerably less. Well that's it for now, thanks. :D

Quote from Jeff Nading on November 23rd, 2012, 07:31 AM

...This X carriage uses 5/16" smooth rods, what is the rod sizes you are using. I'm wondering if this carriage could be modified to hold bearings in place the size you would need or is there an stl you have/know about, to print that will fit your design?  Or have you machined something to fit already?...

I'm kinda confused about what you're referring to as far as the X carriage goes. In my video I actually slide the X from left to right so it's done except that I made a mistake placing the lead screw. The rods are .5" diameter and it has 8 linear ball bearings.

I got some timing belt pulleys and timing belts from Mc Master Carr today. I drew up what I had in mind for the belt drive and I'm posting the file over here. It's a .dae file just in case you don't use sketch up. http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:35325
Thanks again for your time!
joe

Quote from cncjoe on November 27th, 2012, 10:55 PM

Quote from Jeff Nading on November 23rd, 2012, 07:31 AM

...This X carriage uses 5/16" smooth rods, what is the rod sizes you are using. I'm wondering if this carriage could be modified to hold bearings in place the size you would need or is there an stl you have/know about, to print that will fit your design?  Or have you machined something to fit already?...

I'm kinda confused about what you're referring to as far as the X carriage goes. In my video I actually slide the X from left to right so it's done except that I made a mistake placing the lead screw. The rods are .5" diameter and it has 8 linear ball bearings.

I got some timing belt pulleys and timing belts from Mc Master Carr today. I drew up what I had in mind for the belt drive and I'm posting the file over here. It's a .dae file just in case you don't use sketch up. http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:35325
Thanks again for your time!
joe

Yes this was what I was referring to, you answered my question, thanks Joe.:D

Hi Joe just found this on thingiverse and would be a very good way to give your stepper motors the torque they need, here
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:8460

How is the build coming along?:D

Quote from Jeff Nading on December 15th, 2012, 05:20 PM

Hi Joe just found this on thingiverse and would be a very good way to give your stepper motors the torque they need, here
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:8460

How is the build coming along?:D

Hey Jeff! Yeah, just like they have in a cordless drill only made on a printer. Very cool but I'm not sure that will work for me. I'm thinkin' about it though. I DID get some work done. Here's a vid of my progress!
joe

Quote from cncjoe on December 15th, 2012, 09:54 PM

Quote from Jeff Nading on December 15th, 2012, 05:20 PM

Hi Joe just found this on thingiverse and would be a very good way to give your stepper motors the torque they need, here
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:8460

How is the build coming along?:D

Hey Jeff! Yeah, just like they have in a cordless drill only made on a printer. Very cool but I'm not sure that will work for me. I'm thinkin' about it though. I DID get some work done. Here's a vid of my progress!
joe

Yes, you are right Joe. The planetary setup I think would have a backlash problem, the belt reduction box is the only way to go.
   I have an idea for the Z axis. Have a separate piece of aluminum that the   stepper motor mounts to, with rods mount this to the side of the top aluminum block of the Z axis, [bore holes to fit rods in both pieces], make the stepper motor aluminum block slide on the rods to adjust belt tension. What do you think?:D The belt reduction you have already looks great and I think will work very well.