3d Printer Decision

[Kaldonis]

The other thread has quieted down so I'm going to take that as meaning people are done making suggestions. For a summary of specs on the 3d printers we are considering, visit this thread: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=457

I'll leave the voting open until we have a clear winner. No specific deadline, so don't feel rushed into making a decision. Do your research and decide what you think is best for the group (or be selfish and choose what you think is best for you ). I'll also allow re-voting which means you're able to change your vote if you desire.

Below are some numbers to give you an idea of our current financial situation which may help you make your decision. Obviously the more expensive the printer the longer it will take to purchase. We haven't yet decided how much Techworks will be able to chip in.
- $922 pledged specifically towards a 3d printer
- about $2000 in the bank
- net monthly income is about $60

If you're a FULL member and the poll doesn't work for you, please post here letting me know and I'll try to figure it out.

[Icars]

Can we get links to each of them in this thread please?

[Kaldonis]

Can we get links to each of them in this thread please?

The poll options now link to their websites. The thread linked to in the first post provides a brief overview of each printer as well.

[Kaldonis]

Engadget put together a pretty comprehensive 3d printer guide: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/29/3d-printer-guide/

I was hoping it would include some reviews or opinions on each model, but it's really just a regurgitation of their specs. Oh well.

[FingerTech]

I don't have time to do in-depth comparisons of each 3D printer (and that's probably why other people haven't voted yet too) but basing a decision on the cost and the user-base, I am voting for the Solidoodle.

It may take a very long time for donations to reach the level of a different printer, but this one we can get right away.
There seems to be lots of community support available, and honestly, getting something that prints just a teensy bit smaller isn't as big an issue as people make it out to be.

[Kaldonis]

There seems to be lots of community support available, and honestly, getting something that prints just a teensy bit smaller isn't as big an issue as people make it out to be.

Worth pointing out is that the Solidoodle 3 prints bigger than either of the Makerbot Replicator 2 options. Also, Solidoodle was founded by the former COO of MakerBot. Lastly, here's a review of the Solidoodle 3 by Engadget: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/15/soli ... 3-hands-on.

[Bun-Bun]

I voted solidoodle.

Some nicer looking options up there but given the price and the fact the solidoodle is attainable in the near/immediate future it gets my vote.

[Kaldonis]

Poll is now closed. We voted last night to buy the Solidoodle. We also ordered 3 spools of filament - white, black & glow in the dark green. We will be setting up a system for how to pay for prints but it won't be much higher than the cost of filament. Off the top of my head, it will be around $1/oz.