jstarne1
Just like i did with the Solidoodle I am sharing my overall experience purchasing a new makerbot. I will compare some of the same prints i did on the solidoodle with makerbot. Take in mind 80 percent of the difference is firmware for the "reprap" makerbot controller and the Makerbot slicer is more consistent than the open source SLIC3R. Also I have a used unit that I have had for a week while still waiting on the new one. First things you should know is I like to get the best reasonable deal i can. I discovered a few Promos for Makerbot you can also take advantage of if you call their sales line. Take in mind not all promos work on their website. Currently ( as of April 7 2014) Replicator 2 systems are on sale at 200 dollars off without a promo code as well.
$200 off purchase price PROMO MAKERBOTFRIEND
Free Shipping PROMO LASTCHANCE
( this is emailed to you if you add any item to you cart and don't complete a order)
Filament 15% off BIRDHOUSE
at this time buy any 4 spools of filament get additional 10% off
20% gold conference pass BOT
Alternatively Amazon has makerbot filaments with free shipping if you need them quicker as well.
At this time the filaments i have and price before discounts to use are:
- Makerbot 4 rolls of white ( 8.8 pounds) $48 x 4
- Makerbot 1 roll of clear ( 2.2 pounds) $48
on the way are:
-Makerbot 1 translucent red (2.2 pounds) $65 -Makerbot 1 black filament (2.2 pounds) $48
-Ninja Flex black 1.1 pounds $60 -Ninja Flex red 1.1 pounds $60 -Ninja Flex white 1.1 pounds $60
replace your heater
Alright , taking Dj and Ants suggestions I utilized maker care for one machine and had to shovel out of pocket 153 dollars for a new hot end for each makerbot replicator 2. I received one yesterday and another in a couple days...
Hi @jstarne1. I solved the problem by purchasing new extruder tips. When it clogs I simply put a new one on and it is good for another x hours. I have however learned how to clean my old tips but I have a complete machine shop so it was easy for me but probably out of the norm for most. A new tip is a lot cheaper than a new extruder, heater or whatever. Just my experience.
@bookmaker , where are you getting your tips from? How much are they?
I wanted just to get a tip buy they wanted to sell an assembly. Maybe they were out of tips? Hmm. Your feedback is appreciated , I'm looking for a supplier that makes perfect direct replacements for the makerbot rep 2 and I will order a few of them for future use. Agian thanks
I run a E3D v5 hot end and I know a lot of Makerbot guys use them. I don't know how much trouble it is to adapt but I bet since so many are using them that their forum would be a good source.
E3D
It may even fit, I have never seen a Makerbot up close, just coveted it for a long time.
Ok so the makerbot support was nice enough to give me the model print nozzle they use. Mk6 .2mm extruder nozzle. I believe I found them for about 3 bucks each verses the 20 each from makerbot. Also they appear to be out of them right now..
Also I found a cleaning tool set as well for easier cleanings in the future...
I myself have been ok with 4 to 6 hour prints being unattended however i like to setup a camera so i can watch my printer from anywhere. Just in case a part peels up , or clog in the extruder i can stop it remotely.
Personally i prefer to hang the spools overhead about 16 to 18 inches on a wooden rod. It makes storage easy , feeding filament is effortless since you no longer need to use the guide tube when feeding from an over hang. I have used about 6 spools of makerbot filament and they have a thin but long spool which helps keep the filament from unspooling on accident. I have been using alternative filament without an issue. Every clog i have had was with makerbot filament.
Oh and thanks , ironman does rule haha