SoliForum - 3D Printing Community — Kit build success rate ???

Re: Kit build success rate ???

null@example.com (heartless) — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 01:58:55 +0000

pre built, but not running - Personally, I would not go any more than $650 if it is all stock... If it has any upgraded parts in it, maybe a little more, depending on what the parts are.

and yes, the FB group does still have the 11% off code - as far as I know, that does not have an expiration date. When all is said and done, with the discount, and shipping added in (the discount does not apply to shipping, btw) you still end up saving around 25 bucks or so - depending on location.

Re: Kit build success rate ???

null@example.com (Tin Falcon) — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 17:21:51 +0000

I have had my eye on the F T 5 for some time since they have been released . And It is kind of time to get one as i expect to be near the factory soon . I just found out about this possible deal , and little details. And what is a good deal on a pre built not running kit also is the facebook page still have the 11% off deal.

Re: Kit build success rate ???

null@example.com (heartless) — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 15:38:06 +0000

I have had my hands on 4 different kits - 3 Folgertechs, and one Sintron... the Sintron was a pile of junk - horribly printed parts, other parts that didnt fit right, just utter garbage.

The Folgertech kits, while not without their own issues, were relatively easy to put together, easy to get parts for (or print parts for) and a huge community to help out when one runs into issues that they can't quite figure out.

So in my case, I would have to say a 75% success rate, LOL, but everyone will be different.

That said, if you have the opportunity to get the FT-5 at a reasonable price (they retail for $500 unassembled) then I say jump on it. It is a solid platform to build/improve on.

Fair warning, tho - the thing is HUGE! It dwarfs my SD4s...

Re: Kit build success rate ???

null@example.com (wagnmkr) — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 11:24:05 +0000

Tin, I haven't adopted a 3d printer orphan just yet but was thinking about it. My thoughts were that if nothing else, one could use some of the parts (steppers etc.), to build another, perhaps larger, printer. I have adopted orphans in other hobbies (r/c boats) in order to get extra bits and pieces so I figured it would work with 3d printers.

If the price is right, you could end up with a quite good printer out of the deal.

Tom

Kit build success rate ???

null@example.com (Tin Falcon) — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 10:34:03 +0000

Ok it is early in the morning and I have time to ponder.
1) I am wondering what the success rate is of 3d printer kits.
By success rate I would define that is the machine is making decent quality prints within 6 months of purchase. And not needing to make major upgrades or spend extra (more than a few dollars to get good prints. ) My 13 2020 was about a month in the making two days full time to build and two weeks part time to sort out issues.
2) what are the advantages /disadvantages of adopting an orphan. Ie a kit that was purchased but yet to get a good print. I know this is bit open ended . there is the risk of missing parts, It may save build time if pre assembled but the original owner could have bricked the board. So likely save some money but increase risk of problems.
3) I expect a lot of the success rate is attitude and preparation. It is said 3d printer kits are for the passionate maker or hobbyist. They take a fair amount of mechanical , electronics and computer skill to make work.

So the real motivation hear is I may have opportunity to purchase an orphan Folger tech FT5 it was apparently assembled never run sold and may be coming back to the original owner to be sold again.
So I may have an opportunity on a good deal for a pile of parts that resemble a 3d printer.
So has anyone out there adopted an orphan and would you do it again.