RepRapping. Was:Re: Restoring an Intel SDK-86 to "mostly like new" condition

On Tue, Oct 30, 2012 at 10:37 PM, Dave McGuire <mcguire at neurotica.com> wrote: Ah, yes. That, BTW, is an original Mendel knock-off, not a Prusa knock-off (major difference is original has one Z motor and an undercarraige belt system, the Prusa has two Z motors). Yes, that's an older extruder design, but it should get you started to the point of being able to print a better one (or you can purchase a newer extruder if you want to sink money vs time into it). The original Mendel was designed to print with PLA, so no heated bed. ABS (or full 8" PLA parts) will require a heated bed. MakerBot just switched from ABS to PLA as their primary material. RepRappers have been using both all along, depending on personal preference and costs and especially bed design. If you can get some firmware on the main board and at least get it to dance around without heat or a filament, you are most of the way there. I'd recommend getting everything working up to the point of installing the extruder on the X sled and deciding if you want to spend time or spend money on the final steps. I cannot make specific firmware or application suggestions from experience. You are further in your Mendel build than I am with mine. I have much more experience with MakerBot products/tools. We do have a monthly 3D printer meetup in Columbus, but it's 3.5 hrs from you and runs from 19:00-22:00 - not a great time for such a long commute. We get people dropping in from around the state, but 1.5 hrs is about the max range. ObOnTopic: anyone draft up an STL file for DEC toggle switch paddles yet? I'm willing to give a go at printing some but I'm not a skilled CAD operator/designer. -ethan