1 Topic by belgarion115

  • belgarion115
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  • Registered: 2016-07-27
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Topic: Advice on used 3D Printers - Rigidbot 3D?

Hey everyone,

This is my first post here! I'm a mechanical drafter and a little bit of design enthusiast with some interest in getting a decent printer. As you might have guessed by the title I'm looking for some advice. I built a PrintrBot Simple with some upgrades a couple years ago so I'm pretty familiar with how to get one working (at least I was then) but I was never happy with its consistency. I didn't have occasion enough to print every day and when I ran out of media I just let it sit.

That was then. These days my mentor and I both have access to a Stratasys Elite at work (we work for the same company, different buildings) but we can't really use them for personal or freelance work so we're looking at splitting the cost and getting something for ourselves. We're not exactly rolling in the dough and I don't think either of us has the time to do this as a side gig so spending big bucks on a really nice printer isn't feasible. It's mostly for personal projects and the occasional freelance work. As such we're trying to find the right balance of cost/performance (like everyone else, right?) so we're thinking of a used printer. Naturally we ran straight to Craigs List. What we found is a Rigidbot 3D printer, the kickstarter version, listed for $400, in working order. The reviews I read on 3dhubs.com were average to good, in accordance with its age and price. Some said it could be excellent with a few upgrades. I like that it has a heated bed (we'll be using ABS), the frame looks pretty solid, and it uses opensource software and hardware for future upgrades.

So here are my questions: is $400 a fair price for a Rigidbot 3D? Why or why not? Based on what I like about the Rigidbot 3D should we be considering something else? I'm coming to this forum because I'm a strong believer that forums are filled with people who care deeply about a given subject and are usually far more knowledgeable than any store rep and have a good bead on what's worth it and what isn't.

Thanks in advance for your input.

2 Reply by Tin Falcon

  • Tin Falcon
  • Tin Falcon
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Re: Advice on used 3D Printers - Rigidbot 3D?

The RB 2 in kit for is  $750  the RB2 pre assembled is 1k  so I woud expect $400  to be fair price.
Not familiar with that exact model but most of these printers ar mostly ope source.  anything patented you will have to buy from them so buyer beware. 
I expect the one being offered is a v1 machine  but do not know.

I have been eying the FT5 kit for $500 https://folgertech.com/products/folger- … rinter-kit

As you know kits take time to build but you know them inside and out when done.

For 350 - 400 probable cant go wrong  assuming a 10 x 10 build area even 8x8 for that price not too bad.

Tin

Soliddoodle 4 stock w glass bed------Folger Tech Prusa 2020 upgraded to and titan /aero extruder mirror bed
FT5 with titan/ E3D Aero------MP mini select w glass bed
MP Utimate maker pro-W bondtech extruder
Marlin/Repetier Host/ Slic3r and Cura

3 Reply by belgarion115

  • belgarion115
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Re: Advice on used 3D Printers - Rigidbot 3D?

Thanks for the reply and great info on the FT-5. If we don't go for the Rigidbot that's probably going to be the first consideration.

I believe the Rigidbot is v1 as the seller says it's the "Kickstarter" version. However, it looks to me like the frame is pretty solid so as long as there isn't a lot of shaft play and we can find the right settings I'm sure it'll be a fine printer. I'd really prefer a printer like the Stratasys Dimension elite and FT-5 where the bed is on the Z axis but if we can pick up the Rigidbot for < $400 along with at least some characteristics already programmed in then i feel like that's a better deal. We're planning to print ABS so we'll have to spend a few bucks on enclosing and heating it, and I'm sure we can find lots of ideas for other upgrades to make it shine.

On a side note, I noticed someone saying that being part of the FT group on Facebook gets you 11% off of an FT-5 purchase. Is this still true? If this guy with the RB1 won't budge from $400 that would make the FT-5 a lot more appealing. My only concern would be in calibration. How easy is calibrating a printer these days? I did it 2 years ago so I'm sure things are at least somewhat different now. I think either me or my partner could do it, we just don't have a lot of time to fiddle with it.

4 Reply by heartless

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Re: Advice on used 3D Printers - Rigidbot 3D?

Yes, the 11% discount still holds - and it is good for any purchase through the Folgertech website - not just the printers.

Calibration is not that difficult really if a few basic steps are followed.
Actually building the FT-5 is more complicated than the calibration is, LOL. The build guide is still in the "draft" stages and can be a little confusing at times. They are working on updating it, tho.

I have gotten a couple of decent prints off of my FT-5 already (dont have a lot of time to spend with it at the moment) with very little calibration.
I do have a thread about this beast here and some of the issues I have run into along the way.
http://www.soliforum.com/topic/14957/folgertech-ft5/

Any questions about it, dont hesitate to ask. smile

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1