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Comment by Kenneth cheung on April 18, 2012 at 4:16am

Thanks very much for the kind reply. I will look into the reprap wiki this summer.I am just worrying about how to get all the kitsand stuff ready.

Comment by ben Fruehling on April 11, 2012 at 8:16pm

Sorry , I missed the question altogether>

I would self source a reprap. The MendelMAX is great (higher quality build), and can print much faster, but may be a little harder to source hacks/upgrades.  If you want to save some time, I would try one of these.

MakerGear also has Good kits. 

Some builders use lower quality parts and usually, are using old designs, (REPRAP's 3d printers are getting better every three months, and a store can't keep up with that.

Ultimately, the cost of a printer has more to do with the availability in your area: shipping, tariffs, and whether a single supplier even has all the parts. SO it seems I still can't answer. 

Comment by ben Fruehling on April 11, 2012 at 8:09pm

That question is almost like asking a photographer what camera to get. IF you have the technical knowledge, or want to acquire the technical knowledge, a reprap is the best way to go. the UP! 3d printer and makergear MOSAIC would be solid seconds in my mind. The Makergear replicator if you want the best print quality the fastest, but then you are doubling the cost.

Long story short (from the blogs I have seen):
Build your own reprap: it wont work, then once you get it up and running, you'll be set, and want to make your own 3d printer design.
Buy a 3D printer under $2000: You will love it, then at some point it will wear out/ get loose, and if you are not diligent, you will give up on it. 

Comment by Kenneth cheung on April 7, 2012 at 9:33am

I am planning to make one, but how much would the cost difference be between buying the assembled one and making my own one?

Comment by ben Fruehling on April 6, 2012 at 8:34am

Yeah, it is. It is a Prusa Mendel. (iteration 1) More about the open source printer is at http://www.reprap.org/wiki/Main_Page

Comment by Kenneth cheung on April 5, 2012 at 9:15pm

Is it a self made 3d printer?