Just Bought a Used MK3 - did I buy a lemon?
Hi everyone -- new member with a first time post here. I began my 3d printing journey on an Anet A8 before an issue with the extruder cooling fan melted like 6 different wires. Instead of fighting with the thing I figured I would upgrade. After looking around I came across what seemed to be a great deal on an MK3 on FB Marketplace for $200. I jumped on it so it didn't slip through my fingers. the listing didn't mention any issues whatsoever. UNFORTUNATELY, when I arrived to the seller's home there was this *hot* mess. I'm a DIY oriented person and so I'm not afraid to rebuild and reboot things so I took a chance, hoping this wasn't another $500 in parts I would need to get thing thing up and running again.
Since I am new to Prusa I would love to know how screwed I am 🤣
RE: Just Bought a Used MK3 - did I buy a lemon?
Depends on what a "hot mess" means. Since many have upgraded from MK3/MK3s+ to MK4 recently, there may be MK3 parts available from users. Just finding that person with the parts is the work since there is no FOR SALE forum here.
The parts that were not replaced and still need to be in good shape are power supply, frame, rails, bearings and servo motors. Leftovers from an upgrade can replace most other things. Buying a bunch of "new" parts would get cost prohibitive in a hurry for a MK3 model in my opinion.
MK3 is still a good printer, but time marches on.
Somewhat citrusy ... but not impossible.
As @vhubbard wrote, there are spares available from upgraders and most parts are also available new. The biggest question is whether the power supply and electronics are working - there are several fuses that should have protected them. Another option would be to use the remains as the basis for one of the more extensive upgrades.
The various kit-build manuals are available from: https://help.prusa3d.com/category/assembly-manuals_272 - scroll down for the Mk3 versions.
If you have access to a working 3D printer all the part files are on: https://www.printables.com/@Prusa3D/collections/54487 - also scroll down for your model.
And you will need to look up 'Blob of Doom' to find how users deal with hot-end messes like that.
It's a big project - look through the resources and study what you have to work with - it's cartainly do-able but only you can decide if you have the necessary abilities.
Cheerio,
RE: Just Bought a Used MK3 - did I buy a lemon?
Oh wow, ok, once I get everything cleaned up I will ask around for the spare parts I need to repair what's messed up. Thanks!