After some research, and much pondering, I have bought my first 3D printer, the Ecksbot 2014. I ordered it last week, and it should be delivered this Wednesday (April 30 2014). I have little-to-no background in electronics, programming or building so this will be an adventure for me, one that I want to share with my children.
The purpose of this blog is to document my journey and, hopefully, connect with others interested in 3D printing in Canada. There is a lot of interest in the US and other countries in the world (many connected to "Maker" communities) but not so much here in Canada, especially outside the major urban centres such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton or Calgary. For the hobbyists, it seems to be the RepRap enthusiasts/contributors who are at the forefront of bringing cheap, available 3D printers to households.
For my first printer, I wanted something inexpensive and easy for a beginner to work on, both for myself and the girls. Mixshop and Eckertech seem to be the only real sites that offer DIY kits, and although the Mixshop website is helpful and the varieties of printers attractive (Prusa Mendel, Prusa i3, and the Kossel), I chose the Ecksbot because it had the electronics pre-assembled AND I was able to obtain a student discount (although the Mixshop prices were still cheaper, I weighed my inexperience with electronics against the savings). I plan to build other printers and my intention, once I have the Ecksbot up and running, is to purchase the hardware for the Kossel from Mixshop and to assemble everything, including the electronics, as well to print off the plastic components.
But...for now, I am in "Wait mode"...
The purpose of this blog is to document my journey and, hopefully, connect with others interested in 3D printing in Canada. There is a lot of interest in the US and other countries in the world (many connected to "Maker" communities) but not so much here in Canada, especially outside the major urban centres such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton or Calgary. For the hobbyists, it seems to be the RepRap enthusiasts/contributors who are at the forefront of bringing cheap, available 3D printers to households.
For my first printer, I wanted something inexpensive and easy for a beginner to work on, both for myself and the girls. Mixshop and Eckertech seem to be the only real sites that offer DIY kits, and although the Mixshop website is helpful and the varieties of printers attractive (Prusa Mendel, Prusa i3, and the Kossel), I chose the Ecksbot because it had the electronics pre-assembled AND I was able to obtain a student discount (although the Mixshop prices were still cheaper, I weighed my inexperience with electronics against the savings). I plan to build other printers and my intention, once I have the Ecksbot up and running, is to purchase the hardware for the Kossel from Mixshop and to assemble everything, including the electronics, as well to print off the plastic components.
But...for now, I am in "Wait mode"...
