MixShop

Aug 14

I am now building another Prusa Mendel, this time with a DYI hardware package from MixShop. I had ordered it July 1 and it arrived Aug 12 (6 weeks) ... 3 weeks longer than what they had advertised. I had contacted them about the delay and, to be fair, they did have a delay of a shipment at Customs for 3 days. This time I have photos of the received package (below).

As opposed to the Ecksbot that I built, I only ordered the hardware from MixShop rather than the complete package (since I already I have a 3D printer I printed off the plastic parts, some of which you can see here:

I wanted to build another Mendel so that I can see the differences between companies in the build and operation. I have just started on the main frame and I will include a picture when it is complete. I must note that it was nice to be able to print off the parts as I needed them (the raison d'être of Reprap). The MixShop online instruction manual for this printer is a vast improvement over that offered by Eckertech and their use of a forum. The manual is much easier to navigate, step by step with clear, helpful pictures and exact instructions (as opposed to Eckertech who leave out steps, or assumes knowledge that the builder does not have, as well as haphazard menu system). 

Printing of the plastic parts was straight forward except for the U-shaped clamp which, being a small part, tended to move half way through the print. After trying several different attempts, I solved this issue through the use of hairspray and the print was then successful.

First Stage

May 13

The Ecksbot finally arrived and I managed to put it together and wire everything up (the instructions on how to do so are not included so one has to use the Eckertech Forum and make educated guesses. This should be made more user friendly, with better editing and step by step instructions (as well as filling in some installation gaps) but I managed to work my way through it (I will post pictures when I get a chance). Now, I am struggling with the software and there is, again, no step by step instructions available, just muddling through the Forum. Thus, my experience, thus far, is an enjoyable challenge but I can see why this has yet to strike a chord for a wider, more mainstream, market.

The Beginning

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"...