Scratch Build Doable?

Given that it doesn’t look like kits will be available anytime soon, I was thinking about trying to make my own using the “source” files published on Github. Does anyone have experience doing this? Any advice on possible hazards or challenges? How has your experience been?

To expand a bit… At first glance, this looks pretty doable, especially since I have a 3d printer big enough to print the sled. It also looks like the electronics are all in-stock at the moment (although I’d have to use the RJ45 version of the controller board, but if worse comes to worst I can always solder JST headers on.) As a software engineer who’s also done quite a bit of hobby electronics, 3d printing, and CNC, I think I can do it.

Also, what filament would you use for the various parts? I see that it seems like many of the plastics used in the official kit are not those usually used in 3d printing. I was thinking I might use PC-CF (polycarbonate) for both the sled and the arms. Would anybody recommend something different?

Depending on what’s available when I get to that point, I may try to buy as many of the plastic parts as are available also

Equipment I have available:

  1. Bambulab p1s (256mmx256mm 3d printer)
  2. Genmitsu Prover 3018 (could machine aluminum or brass but not steel.)
  3. Elegoo Neptune Max (400mmx400mm 3d printer)

So… anybody want to warn me not to attempt this? :smiley:

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Patrick Narkinsky wrote:

Given that it doesn’t look like kits will be available anytime soon, I was
thinking about trying to make my own using the “source” files published on
Github. Does anyone have experience doing this? Any advice on possible
hazards or challenges? How has your experience been?

you may have to adapt things a bit, the motor shafts are longer than the default
for example.

There are a couple parameters that are hard-coded in the firmware, this may be a
good push to get those moved to be configurable parameters (the two I know about
are the anchor and arm lengths)

Also, what filament would you use for the various parts? I see that it seems like many of the plastics used in the official kit are not those usually used in 3d printing. I was thinking I might use PC-CF (polycarbonate) for both the sled and the arms. Would anybody recommend something different?

IMHO, I would be looking for a plastic that can slide easily on itself. the
spools and arms are motion items, so if you have a rough surface like I see on
CF reinforced filaments, that will cause problems.

I would not print the sled, I would use a wood sled and mount everything to it.

David Lang

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Im trying the same. Below is a picture of my progress. My plan is to reuse the old rigid router for which i had to redesign the arms, gears and clamp. I will reuse the old sled and i am currently printing attachment pieces for that. I hope it will work but for now it is too early to say ^^.

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Here’s a photo update of my Homebuilt M4. Next weekend i will mount it to the wooden sled.

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This is SOOOO cool! I love the way that you handled the parts which attach to the sled. FANTASTIC!

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what filament did you use? and how does it hold up to the stress?

For now i’ve used ABS but I have a lot of PLA+ still laying around and also one spool of PETG CF. I haven’t got into the stresstesting yet but I know things might break. I will start experimenting with what I have now and will later continue to improve design/material if parts fail.

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