Hey everyone. So, I have built several printers over the years and am now looking at buying my next one and could use some advice.
I want to be clear what I’m looking for in my next one so this may be a bit long. My primary concern is that I want something that I can have printing safely with small children near by (my i3 & delta are not kid friendly). I have just realized that I rarely print anything anymore as I have to do it late in the evenings so I never want to do long prints. I am looking for either an off the shelf or a donor chassis (IE I’ll rip out the guts if needed as I have RAMPS + Smoothie spares around).
I have been looking at this as a possible starting point. I would add panels and e-stop trips + change electronics. I can do some machining at home as well so making a mount for an E3D / Probe should not be a problem. The top can be open as I’ll just want to close the sides to stop small fingers from trying to touch things.
http://malyansys.com/en/product/m100/
I would prefer to buy an open source based printer in general as I prefer to support those initiatives but I can convert a closed one if needed (not really looking at the Davinci line though). Build volume is of minimal concern so 100x100x100 would be fine. PLA only is fine. I would like some form of bed leveling but I can add it later if needed. Sourcing direct from China is ok if there is evidence of prior successful order history. Kits are ok though I prefer assembled for this one right now (to start). I do not need duel extrusion.
Price range is going to be minimal looking at <$500 to start. I like the Printerbot Play but it is still not safe enough for small kids.
I have also looked at the Einstart-S as a possible starter. Shining3D have a new Einstart-C that is supposed to come out but the entire toolchain/path generation/printer control stuff is locked down completely (which I don’t like)
I have also looked at getting a Solidoodle Press used and then upgrading/fixing it as needed.
Another I’ve been eyeing which appears to be a Replicator clone/smaller version.
Basically my question is really are there any other printers out there I should be looking at as possible donors? Thanks for your suggestions in advance.