Dollars and cents

What my printer will look like in the end, hopefully.

After many hours of research I have decided to build the Reprap Prusa I3 (Prusa i3 here after). I chose this 3-d printer over my countless other models for numerous reasons. To begin it has a large print are (8"x8"x8") which was a major factor in deciding which model to build. With a printer this size most practical things can be made. Another reason I selected this printer is its ease of getting parts. Kits, as well as individual parts are readily available on many major online retailers, including Amazon.com and Ebay.com. A bonus of this printer is the network of support available online. It is one of the most popular 3-d printers to build and consequently many step by step manuals and videos are available.

Specifications of the Prusa I3

·         Plastic Parts- 26

·         Other Parts- 337

·         Frame Material- Aluminum

·         Cost- $300-$400

·         Print size- 8"x8"x8"

·         Print Speed- 100mm/s

·         Plastic Types- PLA or ABS

·         Motors- NEMA 17 Stepper Motors

Sourcing the Parts

With the exception of the threaded rods, nuts, and bolts 3-d printer parts are scarce locally. Upon researching for parts I found that the best and most trusted places to source parts from is Amazon.com and Ebay.com. A variety of sellers offer good selection on both of these websites.

Pros

Amazon- Reputable website with good customer service. My Amazon Prime membership merits free 2-day shipping on most items.

Ebay-Cheaper parts than Amazon, trusted by many for 3-d printer parts.

Cons

Amazon- Higher prices, may not have as good of selection

Ebay- Various sellers, various shipping prices and times

Below is a chart representing the lowest cost on the websites.  Note: Prices include shipping as well as the combined price of the quantity of the products listed.

Parts		Amazon Price		EBay Price
Frame:
Printed Parts		$50		$30
Rods		$74.99		$40
Hardware		$17		$25
Aluminum Portion		Not Available		$80
Bearings		$18		$12
Belts		$12		P-$89.99
Electronics
NEMA 17		$83.40		$70.00
RAMPS 1.4		P-79.95		P
Arduino Mega R3		P		P
Hot end		$34.99		$28.99
End stops		$6.99		P
Heated Bed		$18.99		P
Power Supply		$29.99		$30
Motor Drivers		P		P
Optional LCD		P		P
Total:		$346+Frame		$315.99
P= Package

I may end up taking parts from both retailers based on time for shipping or reputability. I would also like to point out my biggest fear for this project. Spending all of this money for a pile of wire and metal that just sits there.