Building the cheapest possible Prusa i3 MK2 clone: [01] Electronics and Extruder!
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 30. 05. 2024
- Part 1 of our cloning experiment: The cheapest possible parts for a Prusa i3 MK2-style extruder and the electronics needed!
Bill of materials and shopping lists at toms3d.org/dolly
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![Building the cheapest possible Prusa i3 MK2 clone: [02] Frame and motion!](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/J6_z0YMhYdM/mqdefault.jpg)
![Building the cheapest possible Prusa i3 MK2 clone: [02] Frame and motion!](/img/tr.png)
6k views in 2hours :-) I am flattered! Anyways it is the weirdest birthday gift ever :-D
hahaha. yes! :) ~Russ
Hello Russ! How are things for you over in Cali??
Imitation is the highest form of flattery :)
People will try to build from scratch, realise how hard it is then buy a genuine kit ;)
Isnt gonna sstop me form building a P3 Steel Prusa i3 lol... gotta have more print room ya know
As one of my relatives wanted to get a 3D printer recently, you starting a series on the Prusa clone just comes in really handy! Im considering whether to actually build one using the parts you used in the video, but so far Im really impressed all electronics can be obtained for such a low price.
I demand that the next video be released immediately! Excellent work as always Tom.
I second that.
I 3rd that.
I 4th that.
I 4th that!!
I demand does not work in the world of open source. If somehow you all think I demand is not funny.
I still bought the original mk2...awaiting my shipment. Prusa Research is an awesome company and it actually feels pretty good spending the money to support innovation and originality.
I hope the wait isn't too long for you, it was excruciating for me.
shteve ......just been quoted 9 weeks plus from confirmed order.....including 4 filament feed upgrade kit.......
QuadCopter 102 my word... it's gonna feel like an eternity.
it's so worth the wait!
Jon S that depends... kit or pre-built?
I'm definitely looking forward to watching the rest of this build!
This is how it all started for me!! With a Mk2 clone given to me by a friend and this series, eventually I've built two more clones, heavily modified, one with 235x235 creality heated bed, the other 300x200. The 5mm rods eventually were replaced with 8x2 lead screws. Still with the good old Mega/Ramps 1.6 combo but with TMC 2208 drivers now, Marlin 2.1 with linear advance, Mesh levelling etc.. And all three have been printing flat out for the last three years. Nice one Tom!!!
Nice work Tom, I've been wanting to see something like this from you for a very long time.
Thank you!!! You don't know how useful this is! A couple years ago I built from scratch a Delta mini with fishing line. I could never get it calibrated properly. Then last year I thought about updating the E3D v6 hotend, a new extruder and belts from aliexpress. I had issues and it never got updated. I don't really want to invest in a new 3d printer. But I have spent maybe $700 at the time on all the parts. Much more expensive back then. I hope I can follow your build and reserect my old Delta into a Prusa. I have the ramps and motors, I will just follow how you do the bed leveling and frame. Thanks so much!!!
Tom, thank you, I'm motivated to build my own. A very good production with these informative videos.
Thanks for spending time designing it
Thomas Sanladerer let's hope it stays that way
Awesome!
It's nice to have a good quality video on the matter.
Thank you!
Thank you for this video! A few weaks ago i decided to start to build a custom prusa i3 clone. Your video is really inspireing:)
7:52
when $2 is expensive
you know you're in chinaland
:'(
i am in chinaland
LIke for 2 dollars just get the power switch.
@@chromebook1794 True, but I gotta say that when building mine now, the little niceties you add pile up quickly. It's just 2 dollars here, 2 there, 1 here, another 3 here.... and it turns into 100 easily. Not making an i3 clone but still, the same applies.
I'm laughing in asia
Fantastic, Your timing is right on, I'm building one right now. I've finished most of the printer just working on the wiring. I went with the Rambo Mini, cost more but I wanted reliability. 20x20 mm aluminum frame. Looking forward to the rest of the build. Great Job Thomas!!!!
Super Impressed: This is gonna be an awesome series of videos! Keep up the great vids! :)
Thomas, I had a go at this project of yours and It was a blast to build my own dolly! Eventually I spent double the amount I was expecting, due mainly to the fact that I had to buy tools, but it works like a charm and it's a damn good learning experience. I'm really proud of this piece of machinery and I want to thank you for making this possible. I'm currently using it to teach my students of Physics about how to 3D print the tools needed for lab classes! Cheers!
do you happen to still have this printer you're referring to ??
@Ginge_4 Still have it, and it's still running. Actually, It's my current printer in my classroom, printing teaching/learning materials.
@ oh wow that is so cool to hear it's not only working well 5 years later but it found itself a home in a classroom even. You are awesome!!
Very much looking forward to the rest of this series! Thanks!
Really looking forward to seeing the rest of this build!
Thanks
This is great.... I have always loved building prusa printers and im glad your going to build one from scratch.
Fun project! And thanks for the detailed parts and price list.
Noting this video is over two years old -- Looks like current costs, not counting printed parts, comes in about $150 (USD) which is only about $50 less than purchasing an Ender these days. It was a little disappointing that you can't save that much building your own printers any more, but still super informative.
Searching for parts on AliExpress I can't be sure I am finding the exact same part in some cases. Might I suggest that you show the listing number on your parts list? I know that wont hold good for ever, but would certainly assist the likes of me in the short term. Cheers. Later edit . . . I have just discovered that the supplier names are links to typical products - would still prefer a link to the exact listing but it is more helpful than I first thought. Thanks, Tom.
Aways awesome. Thanks for the constant videos. #1 source of 3D printing info.
I had in mind for a while to build a Prusa i3, so I buy the basic parts of the electronics, but for lack of knowledge and resources (I live in the bottom of the world, where the sun does not shine) the construction became too long, the bank gave me an international creditcard and I ended up buying an Original Prusa i3 MK2 xD YEAH!!!, so I am very excited to be able to copy what you are going to do in the videos, and make me another one!!! Thank you, for all your videos, big hug for you from the interior of Argentina
release part 2!!! can't wait. awesome video
for everyone looking, it's around 70$
without frame and mechanics, that are probably around 100$ more
looks like it will go past 250$, some parts are not priced yet...
i picked up a Anet A8 for $99 i think I win the cheapest build contest!
@@mynameisprivate158 That's until you make all the modifications to make the A8 safe
Steppers are $40 each
...Already bought my legit Prusa (largely chosen because of open source approach) but I do intend to use it to print parts for making a clone. Looking forward to this series!!! Thanks to both Tom and Josef!
Fantastic content! Your info is always super helpful and well explained. Looking forward to the rest of this series. subbed!
So excited for this video and series, thanks Tom!
Awesome video Tom, looking forward to the rest of the series.
Hope you do the Multi Material upgrade soon.
Great video. I've also purchased an original Prusa Mk2 yet these type videos will make 3D printing stronger sooner and accessible for all.
Oh!, where was this video when I started buying the parts a few months ago, so far watching your videos I've realized that I have made so many mistakes along the buying process, but on the other hand you have saved me tons of time correcting them before even getting there
Thank you very much Thomas
I remember building a Prusa i3 as cheap as I could a year or two back, ended up going with similar components. Nice to see the price drop so much on these, I remember when those end stops were 3-4x more expensive.
I ordered the parts in the list. I will be building along. I went looking for a build list after I saw your review video for the original prusia i3 but had no luck. looking forward to building this thing.
Oooooh I'm so excited for this! I've been wanting to build a Prusa i3 MK2 clone myself!
AW man. I was hoping to be able to binge this entire series. Didn't notice that it got uploaded two days ago!
Tom...
you're my hero.
I already bought an original Prusa MK2- and I really like it! I'm happy to be a part of the reprap community and learn the basics of this evolution. Thank you for showing the how when it comes to learning the basics of this new technology. are there any other machines we can break down and learn about as well? Vielen Dank!
so exicted for this build series. keep up the great videos tom!
Awesome serie ; thanks and waiting for next parts.
This is going to be epic! I'll keep an eye on this one.
Publishing the BOM with links to the shop is great, but what I'm really looking forward to see is how you're going to solve the technical limitations and get this to print good.
Hope you don't take too long to present the next episodes :D Can't wait :D
Thanks Thomas.
Awesome!!, looking forward to this series. Thanks Thomas...
Intriguing. I look forward to future instalments.
MAN ! This is EXACTLY what I'm going to build.. I'm steailng your itemlist, see you in 3-6 weeks :D
How did it go
@@AndySlug sorry that I never replied. well. printing on it ever since, absolutely fine. Prusa for 1/10 price
Great idea, I'm looking forward to this series.
Definitely going to be following this series. I don't have a job yet, so RepRap is my best 3D printer option, and this makes it even better for me. I have access to a pretty bad 3D printer at my school, but I could get it to print the parts for my own one.
I love that you made the link Dolly!
This is a cool project Tom! I'm looking forward to the series!
I don't think you're hurting the prusa i3 market as much as you are advertising for it. Most people with technical expertise have more money they they do free time, and those without technical ability will marvel at your skill and still buy a prebuilt one if they can at all afford it. I can't wait for part 2! Thanks for all you have done for the 3D printing community
Awesome idea, Tom -- I ordered the parts and will be building along. I figured, why not, looks like fun. :)
While I realize that it isn't necessarily in line with the goal of this build, it would be great if you could mention some of the optional upgrades where people could spend a little more money for more capability. Specifically, I would be interested in upgraded electronics and the option for an extruded aluminum frame that would allow the builder to make the printer any desired size.
just buy and search for bigger items. That's not the point of this vid series.
I agree, I would rather spend some extra money and get a higher quality if possible.
The thing is though if you're watching this video you should have somewhat knowledge of 3 printing and printer parts.
I absolutely agree. I'd like to make this my first 3D printer, and I'd feel a lot better about it if I knew a bit more about upgrade options. Cheapest i3 clone that's still fully functional is a great draw, but knowing a few upgrade options would be tremendous. It doesn't need to be like 4 options for every single part, just some standout options where you get a good value for a bit more expense, or where it gets you added functionality.
YoyoCuber What parts can be upgraded?
Very interesting but I love my ORIGINAL Prusa I3 MKII and the incredible support that comes with it! It works out of the box, gets firmware and software updates regularly, prints amazing... also candy!
I have a MK 2 (and love it), but this series will be very helpful getting my partially-built-then-abandoned Mendel 90 working.
Fantastic video! I'll definitly will build one!
Super Thomas, weiter so !
What a great idea, should be very interesting and informative. And, as usual, well presented.
This is inspiring me to finally make my first ever printer.!! I will be following closely. Thank you for your effort in showing us all how this workd.
Build a Tech2C HyperCube instead, or at least buy steppers with integrated lead screw for your Z. Tom isn't trying to build a good printer. He is just trying to build as cheap of a copy as he can. Tech2C has completed his build series.
I know this. I am a machinist and I am in no way new to 3d printers.
Really interesting. I make my own FPV drones (designing frames and all) and making a cheap prusa clone from scratch is a really interesting prospect. Looking forward to the next videos!
This looks amazing. Great vid
Great video, keep em coming, thank you sir!
Great topic. In the spirit of making 3d printing open and accessible cost is always going to set a threshold for entry into this endeavor and you have taken this issue on head on . An off the shelf budget parts build tutorial could spark innovation to overcome cost challenges that may currently limit accessibility to some. It was through previous analysis of cost effective approaches to 3d printing that enabled the majority of us to enter the 3d printing community,
I'm waiting for the part 2 of this
Great job by the way
Got another subscriber on this one. I did however ask prusa a couple questions before i order my original prusa i3 just yesterday. Hehe. Have a original i2 and a modified i3 as of today. I will make your project my next one as a test. One can never have too many printers. hehe
This is awesome, even though I already bought my prusa an love it to bits!
I am eagerly anticipating the next video I always learn something new when I watch your videos
Thanks for this Tom I debated on a Prusa i3 MK2 and a Folgertech FT-5 for a while and the FT-5 won. However I still envy the MK2 and now I know how to just make a cheap one !!!
I'm doing this build as of 2 days ago. I have sourced quite a few of the parts and started printing the stl files. I shall follow this build religiously :)
I am saving for the original and will purchase one, so Josef be happy :D
Mine is almost complete now, check my channel to see the first print!
I just ordered my parts!! About $18 since I have a heated bed and ramps Arduino board
I think I have 2 inductive sensors, hopefully they are 5 volts. Can't wait to find out what else I need. I have some nice 10mm rods and bushings salvaged from 2 Epson inkjet printers. Can't wait for the next episode!
Cant wait for the next video. I'd love to make it myself as my first 3D printer.
This is great, gives me an idea of if I wanted to potentially build my own with a larger print volume.
Love this vĂdeo i am waiting the second part. Hugs from Argentina!
Great video. I'm eagerly awaiting the rest in the series
Looking forward to the series. Specially the frame :)
great video, looking forward to the other parts
Excellent. But how am I supposed to binge watch this when you haven't done it all yet? Looking forward to enjoying the ride.
Very cool project! I'm interested in seeing you complete this as a clone. Subscribed!
I'd love to see more videos on building more RepRap printers, or heavily modifying pre-existing open source designs.
Love your content.
Awesome video, fun to follow along even if I'm not building another machine!
Great idea and excellent video, well done!
I'll look forward to the follow ups ;)
i am EXTREMELY interested in this. So awesome.
I am excited to follow the series and build a 3D printer.
You got me. One of two subscriptions as a viewer. Now waiting for the rest of the BOM...
Crazy I am in the process of doing this right now! I am making the frame out of some 3/4 " acrylic I found and going to light it up.
Super excited about this... though, I wish I discovered it after you've put out all the videos. Now I have to wait đ€đđŒ
I wouldn't care if I can build a printer for $200 less, I will still buy a Prusa because we wouldn't have such a quality printer without Josef. I will rely upon him to continue support and development. Hats off to Josef Prusa
!
Thank you for this valuable knowledge! I really appreciate your useful video.
Great video! can't wait for more.
thank you for making such great videos!!!
Really interesting series!
Great video. I just got a Prusa i3 Mk2 and love it. What you put together in the video.......I kind of have that too only it's an older RepRap kit based on i3. For my money that heatbed with the calibration points is worth it. The printer you built in your video is good but without that heat bed and mesh leveling in the firmware its just another rep rap. Not knocking the video. I love your videos and your Mk2 review was what pushed me over the top for buying one. Thanks!
I can't wait for the next episode! :D
Greetings from your neighbour from The Netherlands! ;)
great video tom.
Finally something useful! To those who live under a rock - the cheapest filament you can get from Aliexpress is as fine as expensive from fancy brands.
this video is great, many thanks!
IMHO the follow on to this project should be Tech2Cs' Hyper Cube. First making the plastic parts then moving all the mech and electronics over to the extrusion frame. The point to the Hyper cube is to move all the i3 parts to a much better frame plus core XY kinematics. A huge up cycle. Please consider.
I did something similar. I cnc machined parts from 6mm aluminium sheet and vslot extrusions and wheels, the end result is very solid. I like it better than the hyper cube flimsy 3d printed parts and thin smooth rods etc. Corexy is the way to go for faster and higher quality printing.
Seems it will be great video series! Subscribed and waiting for next video in this series :)
You could go even further with pricing:
People often have junk laying around, like an ATX powersupply of a 15 y/o computer; You could also use 10 rubber bands in stead of a spring, not 3dprinting the parts but cutting them out of scrap pieces of wood, etcetera.
If you really go the scrapyard way you can get it even cheaper.
Sound like fun ... looking forward to next shows :)
i love it! just today i think about make my own prusa's designed printer and with these like reference it's a good point to start :D
This should be Great fun to learn from and then do !
Wow.. Thanks for your incredible work. Please show us the next videos! :D
Great video. Definitely want to try and build my own.
This is awesome! can wait till the end to see how it performs in comparison to the original mk2. personally would still buy the Prusa kit though haha