Dolly Prusa or real Prusa?
We all saw Tom make his Dolly Prusa.
It took some time and he had some issues but in the end, he had a working printer out of wood. Very cool! 😀
Should you make a Dolly? Or just buy the Original Prusa?
If you like to tinker and really want to know how everything works then yes make a Dolly! BUT BUT BUT only after you bought the Original Prusa first. Why?
Because you can print your own parts, you can buy parts from the Prusa Store instead of Ali/ebay and if it doesn't get built for years then who cares because you have something that works right now.
Story time!!!
I have been trying to clone one of Josef Prusa machines since he showed up on the RepRap site. At the time there wasn't any 3d printers that you could buy and the ones you could cost more than a house. So his easy "wedge" designed printer was right for me! I built it after tons of problem getting parts. Some didn't work just like Toms dolly. This printer wouldn't sit evenly on a desk to save its life! Oh and it made really cool slinkys.
Over the years that 3d printer has morphed with every improvement Josef has made. I have bought so many parts from kids with working machines its not even funny. Oh well, it helped fuel the hobby! Then the MK2 came out and my eyes glittered! But I already have a printer that is so so so close to being done! It's always so close but doesn't work... yet.
A couple months ago a friend saw my printer and asked when it would be done? I said I have no idea because the electronics then software stump me every time. See, I wanted a better board than the ramps 1.4 and went with the SmoothieBoard which everyone says is great but that's not my area of expertise. I am lost in the documentation and forums. Then someone told me the Einsy board was being sold by its self and I got the idea to copy all the parts as well as the design. That would remove all the software problems and hardware problem, yay!!! Sadly I can't buy many of the parts from the Prusa Store because I don't own one yet. So to Ali/ebay and I got bad versions, things didn't always work out right, and I am soldering-crimping-rewiring. However, I am determined to get it done!
Here is the kicker!
I tallied up all my recent $12 items and I have spent 400+ 😮 If only I had saved up I wouldn't have to deal with all the problems of making something this complex and enjoying making the kit like everyone else. (There is serious regret)
Has it been fun to make a Dolly?
Defiantly! But it has also been a sink hole of dread. If I get this one working I will feel proud that I finally accomplished it. But in the end all I really wanted to do was make models and print them.
Re: Dolly Prusa or real Prusa?
I have 'DORRY' the chinese clone ish... in the attic.
It has worked, poorly... but now languishes in nomans land awaiting it's final destination!
it too, didn't work out as cheaply as anticipated!
Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
Re: Dolly Prusa or real Prusa?
Thanks for this feedback.
When I initially bought my MK2S (I have now a MK3), I bought it exactly for those reasons. I wanted something that could work without too much tinkering, and with good reliability.
Re: Dolly Prusa or real Prusa?
The main question is: Do you need a 3D printer because you want to build a 3D printer or do you want to use it as a tool. Thanks to my MK2S and MK3 now, I'm spending more time in learning 3D modeling and gaining experience with 3D printing (different models, different materials).
For me it was clear, I need a tool. And so far I wasn't disappointed.
Thanks for describing your experience. It shows pretty good a usual way to go with a self DIY 3D printer.
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My prints on Instagram
RE: Dolly Prusa or real Prusa?
Its been a few years...........
I am a CAD Designer and I work with Solidworks. My whole goal was to use the printer as a Tool and not build 3d printers! Because of my bad experiance I have been an advicate for Prusa Printers! It goes like this; Friend says: I want to print! Me: get a Prusa. Friend: sounds good! Buys the newest ender. Then promptly puts it in the attic next to JoanTabb's.
I did end up buying the MK3 and upgrading it to the MK3S+ and just got the MK4. I also printed all the upgraded parts for my Dolly. Guess what! It still doesn't work. I should call it the Imposter Prusa! But its like a fond memory that sits there as a supply of parts for my prusa that needs them when something goes wrong. LOL Truth be told, my Prusa had a major melt down a few years ago and melted the whole hotend area with a blob of all blobs! I looked over at my Dolly and said, I need those parts!
I too enjoy modeling to print and trying different materials. I somehow have few toys printed but my house has thousands of hidden printed parts! All functional! like bottoms of chairs, camera mounts, leveling wedges, support for wood, and more. But it would be hard to notice them, unless you were looking hard.
I just thought I should finally reply....
RE: Dolly Prusa or real Prusa?
We all saw Tom make his Dolly Prusa.
It took some time and he had some issues but in the end, he had a working printer out of wood. Very cool! 😀Should you make a Dolly? Or just buy the Original Prusa?
If you like to tinker and really want to know how everything works then yes make a Dolly! BUT BUT BUT only after you bought the Original Prusa first. Why?
Because you can print your own parts, you can buy parts from the Prusa Store instead of Ali/ebay and if it doesn't get built for years then who cares because you have something that works right now.Story time!!!
I have been trying to clone one of Josef Prusa machines since he showed up on the RepRap site. At the time there wasn't any 3d printers that you could buy and the ones you could cost more than a house. So his easy "wedge" designed printer was right for me! I built it after tons of problem getting parts. Some didn't work just like Toms dolly. This printer wouldn't sit evenly on a desk to save its life! Oh and it made really cool slinkys.Over the years that 3d printer has morphed with every improvement Josef has made. I have bought so many parts from kids with working machines its not even funny. Oh well, it helped fuel the hobby! Then the MK2 came out and my eyes glittered! But I already have a printer that is so so so close to being done! It's always so close but doesn't work... yet.
A couple months ago a friend saw my printer and asked when it would be done? I said I have no idea because the electronics then software stump me every time. See, I wanted a better board than the ramps 1.4 and went with the SmoothieBoard which everyone says is great but that's not my area of expertise. I am lost in the documentation and forums. Then someone told me the Einsy board was being sold by its self and I got the idea to copy all the parts as well as the design. That would remove all the software problems and hardware problem, yay!!! Sadly I can't buy many of the parts from the Prusa Store because I don't own one yet. So to Ali/ebay and I got bad versions, things didn't always work out right, and I am soldering-crimping-rewiring. However, I am determined to get it done!
Here is the kicker!
I tallied up all my recent $12 items and I have spent 400+ 😮 If only I had saved up I wouldn't have to deal with all the problems of making something this complex and enjoying making the kit like everyone else. (There is serious regret)Has it been fun to make a Dolly?
Defiantly! But it has also been a sink hole of dread. If I get this one working I will feel proud that I finally accomplished it. But in the end all I really wanted to do was make models and print them.
I went all in! Started with an MK3, upgraded it to an MK3S+, and just snagged an MK4. I even printed all the fancy new parts for my Dolly (original Prusa?). Guess what? Still not quite there. Maybe I should rename it the "Imposter Prusa!"
On the bright side, it's like a sentimental parts dispenser for my trusty workhorse Prusa whenever it needs a little TLC. Remember that epic meltdown a few years back? The one that turned the hotend into a blob-tastic disaster zone? Yeah, that's when I looked over at Dolly and knew exactly where to find the rescue parts!
Sounds like you've got a great system going, even if the Dolly isn't quite ready for prime time yet. Keep tinkering, and happy printing!