Nicademus published a new build:

Read more about this build...

 

Haha - I like to be Brand agnostic where I can...Even thought I have specifically mentioned the A8...It's perhaps habitual from working in IT in Retail companies which always have a strong focus on product exclusivity and naming rights.

That said, mainly also as I have never physically seen or touched an Ultimaker, so the last thing I want to do is specifically say it is like one and have someone come back and say "It's nothing like it...your drive train is all wrong, the Ultimaker doesn't have 3 lead screws, etc. etc." - also although the 3D printing space is very Open Source, which is just perfect for Makers like us - the moment someone goes to the patent office, you can be sure that you have to be careful what you say and create, and in this instance Ultimaker have patented their designs. Company update: Ultimaker files first patents | Ultimaker . That being said, I do know they are still highly committed to community development - so shout out to them in this respect. Ultimaker FTW! (insert blatant plug here in the hopes they send me one to review...HAHA)

The reason I have Named the A8 on the other hand is, I have one and it is actually quite amazing in terms of what it goes through, so I have experience enough with it to know its positive aspects as well as its misgivings, etc. Being in the Media industry as well there is nothing I hate more than product endorsements for products people don't use - Like big coffee ads with big actors that don't actually drink their coffee...or Pain medication "I'm a mum, and when I'm on my feet all day..." - at least they put fine print at the bottom these days saying "Mum portrayed by an actor" !!!

Haha - Thanks for the comment anyway Rhys - maybe by the time the Build is finished I will assess how close it is to the big Ulti-Beasts and might change the description

 

@Crash047 Thanks for that - Yeah and of course as we know most of the parts sourced from Ebay regardless of "local" delivery - you know they are coming via Honkers - Which is all good, they are cheap and makes the build process cheaper...Sometimes...

I'm also trying to recycle and re-use where possible, both from a carbon footprint perspective, and to keep cost down.

There are a few other things I haven't yet mentioned in the build list - will update this weekend - like a material I swear by - I built a case for a Custom streaming PC out of it (along with the COnnect-It also for the framework.
It's called Aligloss, it is a composite material, of .5mm aluminium either side, sandwiching 2mm polycarb in the middle. It is surprisingly tough, light, and VERY easy to work with for cutting, etc. So it is excellent for prototyping, and for builds like this, you can quickly cut up a few pieces and work it into things like brackets for end-stops, etc.

For me I have made my prototype Build platform out of it. It is not 100% laterally stable, in other words any weight in the middle and it bends a bit, but if I was to bolt a sold build plate on there - like my existing A8 Plate (which I am doing tomorrow for testing.) - it would be fine I think.

Aligloss 1220 x 810 x 3mm White/Black Composite Panel

It's usually used for Signs - but I have a feeling it is also used in Commercial construction also - that link is for a 1.2m panel, but I saw some guys stocking the shelves a couple of weeks ago with what looked like 2.4 x 3m !

 

Thanks for that - yes I will update some more, I've just got some other Work tasks I need to finish over the next week or so then will get some more updates. Printing is going well, I expect to mount my dremel on next week to see how it goes and have a Laser on order too, but have no idea about it's dimensions, haha - so will have to wait until it is here to measure and fit.
Repetier is good firmware for laser - the suggestion as far as steppers go is definitely to have higher stepping the better, so 1/32 or even 1/64 if the stepper drivers you get can drive that.

 

Yes a few updates - I mean I don't expect it will ever be Finished as such...but when I get some time later this week I might update.
Effectively that list is:
Was having problems with belt slip due to increased friction on the slides for some reason - so opted to get hold of some extruded aluminium gears
Glass build plate - OMG where have you been all my printing life...
CNC scrapped on this unit for a few reasons - will explain later.
Swapped to some better filament - will advise.