1st printer buy... is it hard to build a printer? (Page 2 of 2)

Sealover I have been researching 3d printers for about 5 months so I am not an expert. but.
One of the things I found was you can source most of the parts for around $ 300 but building your own you still need to build aflame or a box. easy for me I am an experienced welder.  and you need to configure all the firmware settings to the printer you build.
Many 3d printers the sodidoodles included are built with 3d printed parts so you need a 3d printer or you buy the parts.
I considered the home build route, I have built converted a couple small cnc machines . but decided I wanted more to learn to use and print than spend the time and money  learning to build one.
design software depends on what you are planning to design.
Blender  is probably great for surface and artistic stuff.
for mechanical design Architecture or marine look at free cad.
OS cad is nice for programmers.
If you do not mind spending a couple dollars  look at the cubify  software. I uses and liked the grandfather of these products Alibre cad  these are not free $49 to $199 depending on the product but you can use for free for two weeks.
for control software repetier host seems to be the most popular and it comes with slic3r and cura  skeinforge can be dowloaded as well.

Good luck in your search.
Tin