Kit or assembled ?  

RE: Kit or assembled ?

I had asolutely no experience when I got my first prusa (2015) I don't think there was even a forum back then...  following the instructions got me sorted.
since then I have done a number of new printer builds and upgrades, including pre release upgrades and the prusa instructions have always got me through... 
I Find Prusa instructions easier to follow than Ikea Instructions. 
the parts for each step are usually bagged individually with the screws etc, bagged in a bag with life size images so you can compare how long the screw you are looking for, is  against the images. 
Typically there is also a spares bag with additional items, just in case one of the originals escapes during assembly

each time, the necessary tools have been provided, and these days, at the end of each sction of the assembly guide there is space for user comments, which may help clarify sections where others have been a bit confused. 
Take your time, and the printer build should go well

regards Joan

RE: Kit or assembled ?

Don't worry, building a Prusa kit is a great experience.

The instructions are always very well written and it really is doable for everyone.

Have a look at the instructions for the MK4. The Core One is supposed to be easier to assemble.
Or one of the assembly videos for the Mk4. It gives you an overview of what to expect.

You have to bear in mind that only the problems come up in the forums.
The many that run smoothly don't post here.

RE:

I never had anything to do with 3D printers when i built my MK3S kit, it was great fun and fairly easy since the instructions where good. It printed perfectly right away after assembly. Hence I ordered the Core One kit aswell, its fun to build and cheaper, double win 🙂

RE: Kit or assembled ?

Posted by: @cedric

I never had anything to do with 3D printers when i built my MK3S kit, it was great fun and fairly easy since the instructions where good.

Exactly my experience, also with the MK3S.

Even if the kit and assembled version were the same price, I would probably get the kit. Just for the fun of it. And getting to know your printer down to the last screw. 

RE: Kit or assembled ?

I had no experience and started with a MK3S+

It snowballed from there.....and, well the rest you can see from my sig!

Now I will always recommend a kit for anyone. You learn so much building it yourself, and feel a sense of satisfaction once complete and working! At the same time you same some money too! win win!

I also like that I can do it 'properly' myself. Not that Prusa employees are bad builders, but they build hundreds of these things all day every day to supply assembled versions, and no doubt mistakes can happen.......

Unless you have a print farm where time is of the essence, and you do not have to ether time to build yourself, a kit is the way to go. 

RE: Kit or assembled ?

I just recently put together my MK4S kit (within the last two weeks). It took a very long time, 10+hrs over 2 days. While the printer seems to be working just fine, I have this lingering worry that maybe I didn't do something right? I don't like that feeling and I wouldn't have it if I had just bought it already assembled.

RE: Kit or assembled ?

Posted by: @darkmattermaker

I just recently put together my MK4S kit (within the last two weeks). It took a very long time, 10+hrs over 2 days. While the printer seems to be working just fine, I have this lingering worry that maybe I didn't do something right? I don't like that feeling and I wouldn't have it if I had just bought it already assembled.

Build time of ten hours doesn't sound so bad. I just recently watched an interview with a Prusa engineer, who seemed to know Core One very well. In that interview he said, that assembly took eight hours from him and for less experienced builder it would probably be a weekend project. It takes around four hours for the assembly line workers, but they literaly build those daily. 

RE: Kit or assembled ?

That's a pretty average build time TBH.

I'm the opposite - if it came assembled I'd be thinking of whether it was done 'properly' on teh assembly line, where workers may rush to complete repetitive tasks. At least when I build myself I can take my time, double or triple check, and ensure each step is done 'properly' before moving on......

Posted by: @darkmattermaker

I just recently put together my MK4S kit (within the last two weeks). It took a very long time, 10+hrs over 2 days. While the printer seems to be working just fine, I have this lingering worry that maybe I didn't do something right? I don't like that feeling and I wouldn't have it if I had just bought it already assembled.

RE: Kit or assembled ?

So I mention in the intro of my MK4s build guide to put aside 8-10 hours for the build at least, and I have a comment under one of my build videos from someone who states he could build a MK4s in around 45 mins...... haha.

I'd love to see him prove that!

Posted by: @ahalm

Posted by: @darkmattermaker

I just recently put together my MK4S kit (within the last two weeks). It took a very long time, 10+hrs over 2 days. While the printer seems to be working just fine, I have this lingering worry that maybe I didn't do something right? I don't like that feeling and I wouldn't have it if I had just bought it already assembled.

Build time of ten hours doesn't sound so bad. I just recently watched an interview with a Prusa engineer, who seemed to know Core One very well. In that interview he said, that assembly took eight hours from him and for less experienced builder it would probably be a weekend project. It takes around four hours for the assembly line workers, but they literaly build those daily. 

RE: Kit or assembled ?

To be clear, I'm not complaining about how long it took, simply mentioning how long it took me. It's a lengthy process and anyone being steered towards buying a kit should be aware of that. Some people might not be willing to put in the time.

@iftibashir I used your build videos. They're outstanding! I found them really super helpful and combined them with the Prusa build guide.

RE: Kit or assembled ?

I  too bought my first printer as a kit, MK3S+. Assembled with no issues. Gave me the confidence to do repair / maintenance work, or upgrades. I have replaced the linear bearings, installed into the enclosure, and upgraded to MK3.5S. This experience led me to buy the kit for the MK4, and enclosure and then MK4S upgrade. I have just received my Core One kit and just started assembling it last night. Having touched and installed every part, hardware, and wire gives you pride in your machine. If you install something incorrectly that leads to an issue, so what? Get over it. Figure it out and fix it. You'll be that much more happy to see your printer work when you finished. Get the Kit.

Thanks,

Scott

RE: Kit or assembled ?

I have always used Kits

helps me understand how the printers work

Joan

RE: Kit or assembled ?

I choose Kit because I did so for my Mrk3s. However having just finished assembly of the Core One. This build was considerably more extensive with a lot of little bags and boxes with parts spread across them. I enjoyed the challenge and like knowing how things work however I wouldn't do it again. It was a time commit (2 days).

RE: Kit or assembled ?

I got a kit mini and a kit core one to upgrade from it.

I thought it was lots of fun building it.  I'd do it again in a heart beat.

I built my core one in the evening over 3 days.  It was great.  The process is kind of cool as you build sections (bit that goes up and down,  extruder, xy gantry etc.) It feels like you assemble all these parts and suddenly you have a printer.

I can absolutely see why a lot of people would hate it, or don't have the time and want to just print.

Me?  I feel like I've committed theft because I paid less for the printer and got 3 days of fun out of it!