For Bowden:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:154985 for the stock PEEK hotend or E3D v5
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:569033 for the E3D v6

Might just as well go with Lawsy's linear bearing carriage.  Alternately you could go with the original SD3 carriage (if you can't find the file I can post it up) Both will work with Lawsy's MK5 which will replace all that metal and you'll gain some build area.

I would love to see those files, i have been doing a lot of web searching and can find very few models for the SD-3 printers. Especially I have been looking for models of the carriages on the y Axis and the one that the print head sits on.

I have a 3mm Hotend i'm thinking of adding as a second head, so would need to print new parts for that.
Also thinking of moving the motors off the printhead assembly all together and go bowden.
(See image above to see what mine looks like)

Unsure of the requirement for that extra fan. Removing it will increase the print area a little but the bent sheet metal still takes up an extra 5mm.

I'm thinking of redesigning a full x carriage to allow better mounting of the stepper motor instead of the bent sheet metal.

you just bought an SD3? from the sale a week or so ago? its been discontinued a while now it may have been for there printer factory rack as they replace them with newer models. that can be good or bad. some had experimental mods which never got sold to public due to cost etc. and many had realy cool features like full metal hotends glass beds etc. post some pics for members here to see. we may be able to tell if this is the case.

PS did it happen to have a sticker on front of frame with a character name from Star Trek wrote on it? all rack printers had 1

No i wished it had, Lol. It does come up in the Software as a Solidoodle Model 3-Elite. and the Print-head assembly has an all metal Extrusion mechanism (love it). No Plastic faceplate (which I am grateful for), and 2 cooling fans. only problem with cooling so far is I also will need to add a cooling fan on the X-Axis Stepper as well. Here is a picture of it (which apparently i forgot to rotate before uploading sorry).

PS did it happen to have a sticker on front of frame with a character name from Star Trek wrote on it? all rack printers had 1

thanks all for your help

All I originally hoped for in this thread is to find out from the community opinion - based on their experience - whether I should start fixing it myself or work with the manufacturer to get it back to its' promised condition.

Ultimately that is your call. certainly would not hurt to call or email tech support as a first step. They may or may not be able to sent a replacement since the SD3 is discontinued.
If you send it back for repair it may take a few weeks . Do you want to wait.
Or they may be able to send parts and talk you through the repair.
Bottom line if you call and get not satisfaction  you may have to fix it yourself. Dig into it with out calling and you will have to fix yourself.

I purchased My SD used and the out of box problems were minor and easy to fix so saw no need to contact SD.
Hope this helps you decide.
Tin

Well, the reason I bought mine is for exactly this.  Something to learn, break, fix, modify, and grow with is what I wanted. 
...
Once you start working on it and solving problems you run into, it will be an itch you'll constantly scratch!  I've spent most of my time and money on upgrading and modifying my printer so far.  In my opinion it's the best route to go.  Buying a cheaper, less refined printer is like starting at level 1 in a game and working your way up to the end.  You get to learn the ins and outs, find your own paths, and build upon your knowledge from a good base.
...
Welcome to the club!

Thanks for the welcome, I'm hoping people like you can help now and in the future as I also become part of the community and help others. And your right - i already have the itch - this is not my first hobby project, and hopefully will become a tool for all my other hobbies. I had already bought, found or made parts to make my own 3D printer from scratch, using old printer, scanner & copier parts along with a purchased hot-end, electronics and extruder. but came to the same conclusion u stated above - where its good to start with a working basic model and 'improve' it.

Most of it will eventually be replaced or modified by what i already have, the ideas i want to try as well as what others have done. But before i start 'playing' with it, I have to get it in working condition. In this case - especially since I paid for the 'right out of the box' expectations -- (yes I understand that its not plug & Play and that it needs setup, tweaking and such - so no flames please ppl) -- but since it was working before it was sent I reasonably expect it to work when received as well).

I took pictures as soon as I had it out of the box and discovered hidden damage and can supply those as well as more details but that would properly be more appropriate in a different thread I would  think. if I'm mistaken and u really think they will help I'll post all that here. Just let me know.

All I originally hoped for in this thread is to find out from the community opinion - based on their experience - whether I should start fixing it myself or work with the manufacturer to get it back to its' promised condition.

Once you start working on it and solving problems you run into, it will be an itch you'll constantly scratch!  I've spent most of my time and money on upgrading and modifying my printer so far.  In my opinion it's the best route to go.  Buying a cheaper, less refined printer is like starting at level 1 in a game and working your way up to the end.  You get to learn the ins and outs, find your own paths, and build upon your knowledge from a good base.

If you can, take some pictures and post them of what you described was wrong with your printer and most likely someone will be able to give you an answer to solve your problems!

Welcome to the club!

Anyway it arrived somewhat damaged from the head coming lose and sliding all over the place while in transit. The only real damage i can see is the belt that was mounted on the left side. Apparently the screw came loose, but i don't see where it attaches and the Videos and pics i can find show a different head style (Acrylic clear plastic on extruder - where mine has none). In addition there is no test filament with it - as their site states - would be included. And possibly missing parts.

This is my first printer - tho I have months of research and some DIY design under my belt, so i have a fair idea of what I'm looking at and how to use the printer. But even so - I just found this site - and will be here often.

My first question for now tho is: Do I go ahead and fix this, re-calibrate, modify, etc. myself? or should I work with the manufacturer? In other words has anyone had experience with the Solidoodle maker and their technical help? And which path to fixing this would you recommend?