Are you happy with your MAX ?

[HoloPed]

I'm thinking about buying the Rostock MAX as my first 3D printer.
Are you happy with yours ?
What are the cons/limitations compared to other models ? (in the same price range)

Thanks,
HP

[rs50pilot]

I just got mine and I am building it now. I have to say they did a good job designing it and it is very nicely done. I think they need to do a better build instructions set but if you have any experience building anything you can figure it out. I bought the lcd screen figuring it was plug and play but with the rambo it is not. Didn't realize that until I opened the box. No big deal for me but maybe for others.
I really like how all of the parts are labeled and how everything was designed into the unit. I.e power supply, lcd, power switch etc.
I have nothing else to add until I am finished building it. Also there are some very knowledgeable and helpful members on this forum which is very nice.

[msimpson]

I purchased this kit for a Servo Magazine series that I will be starting in MAY. I also purchased a PrintrBot Jr, and Solidoodle 2. I will also be adding a fourth, but have yet to pick it out.

I think the build estimants are low though. It took me at least 24 solid hours to build the machine. I did it in three Eight hour sessions. Just keep in mind that is just the build time. I am currently in the calibration stages and so far up to 20 hours. That said all printer assembled or kit require indepth calibration if you want quality and consistant prints.


For the money this printer is the best bang for the buck.

[daftscience]

The printer is awesome. I had no 3d printing experience (I've been looking into them for a while ago and have read a lot.) I do have experience with arduino so that helped a bit with the firmware. I was able to get the printer up and running in a weekend. The forum is very helpful and there are a lot of resources. geneb wrote some very nice manuals, and the Seemecnc youtube chanel has a set of videos that will walk you through every step of the assembly.

As I said, I don't have any experience with other models so I can't compare. I'm really glad I went with this one.

[geneb]

I think they need to do a better build instructions set but if you have any experience building anything you

Seriously?

g.

[Eaglezsoar]

I just got mine and I am building it now. I have to say they did a good job designing it and it is very nicely done. I think they need to do a better build instructions set but if you have any experience building anything you can figure it out. I bought the lcd screen figuring it was plug and play but with the rambo it is not. Didn't realize that until I opened the box. No big deal for me but maybe for others.
I really like how all of the parts are labeled and how everything was designed into the unit. I.e power supply, lcd, power switch etc.
I have nothing else to add until I am finished building it. Also there are some very knowledgeable and helpful members on this forum which is very nice.

The instruction manual for this printer is the best I have seen and I have seen several. The manual takes you step by step through the build, the electronics and the calibration.
We all owe Geneb our sincere thanks for taking the time to write, edit and allowing us all to use it for no cost. Until you write a manual better than the one that Geneb has written
I would keep such comments to yourself, virtually every owner of this printer would take issue with you saying that they "need to do a better build instructions" and I feel that you
owe Geneb an apology. The people at Seemecnc has also created high quality videos and documentation. I do not believe that ANY printer is as well documented.

[theverant]

Yeah I have to second that about the great instructions - between the videos and Geneb's awesome PDF you really couldn't ask for more. Well, there were a few images I remember thinking I would like to have added for clarity, but all in all it really was a very comprehensive build.

Calibration is a whole 'nuther can of worms, but that certainly depends on previous experience, quality of filament, environmental conditions, etc. I've been toying with my completed build for about a week and still don't have acceptable quality prints, but I think it's mostly me and other factors, not the printer.

[rs50pilot]

Geneb,
No disrespect I should have said it needed an update. Just a few small things I would add to make things a little more clear. I know it takes a lot of time to put something like that together. The manual I mean. I don't know if you are part of the company but sometimes when people make instructions on something they are close to or have done a number of times they accidentally leave little things out because they know how everything works.
I am not challenging you and I would not even be able to make a build instructions pdf as I don't know how to use the software. Without your instructions I'd have a box of parts still.
Thank you for your hard work.

[cambo3d]

I purchased this kit for a Servo Magazine series that I will be starting in MAY. I also purchased a PrintrBot Jr, and Solidoodle 2. I will also be adding a fourth, but have yet to pick it out.

I think the build estimants are low though. It took me at least 24 solid hours to build the machine. I did it in three Eight hour sessions. Just keep in mind that is just the build time. I am currently in the calibration stages and so far up to 20 hours. That said all printer assembled or kit require indepth calibration if you want quality and consistant prints.


For the money this printer is the best bang for the buck."

In your opinion; why do you consider this printer "the best bang for the buck?".

[rs50pilot]

I would agree with him. The build construction the design the volume ability to increase the z etc... it really is the best kit you can get. We have a 30k printer at the shop and it is no where near perfect. Its a older dimension printer. It makes good parts but it is not as easy as buy printer, insert model and get perfect print. Took some time to figure it out.look at all of the kit machines for sale. Look at there build volume, construction, design etc.. I say nothing comes close for the money of the max. And aside from the electronics it is all built in one place. The qc can be watched to the T. And since they make every part they know everything about it.
Id say buy one if you want the best kit for the money, otherwise spend 2 to three times more for the convenience of assembly and SOME calibration. With everything said in this post and on this forum I dont know what else you need to convince you.
Good luck with your decision.

[geneb]

What specifically needs an update?

I'm writing a "supplement" that will cover installing the Onyx heated bed on a machine that's had the older one installed previously.

g.

[cadfab3d]

well well everyone is intitle to there own opinion the paper instructions can be a littlwe confusing at times however the youtube channel from cnc preety much has the whole build practically on there and if your still stuck just call or email and they will help you through the rest top knotch customer service. i love my rostock and i have only had it for a week.

[rs50pilot]

Sorry just saw you posted this,
Again I realize that you had one of the first kits and some of the parts were updated. Might add if one wants the lcd in front with the z in the back to install lcd door there instead of electronics board. Not a big deal I just rotated my whole printer.

Also installing the belts to the cheapskates first then placing them on to the uprights is a whole lot easier and will save time not having to install them and then take them off because you can get the belt through that tiny hole without loosing your mind.

One more the u mounts that go on the cheapskates are directional in that the endstop screw will be on a different side if you do not notice that first and install one upside down.

Again these are all just suggestions and you did a fine job the first time. I just wanted to give a little input from a first time builder.

And I was going to say the onyx but looks like you have plans to cover it.

[JakeCShake]

Reposted from "another" thread...

Just a perspective....my brother-in-law and I spent two weekends building this awesome machine. He is pretty good with software but not a pro. I worked in finance but have worked in plastic modeling for a long time. Together we put this machine together and had excellent results within three weeks. Neither one of us has ever worked with 3D printing nor engineering backgrounds. This kit is awesome and based on the community support....there is nothing out there like it. I wished it took me LONGER to build this kit because it gave noobs like me a chance to be involved in this new technology while learning all the Details and complexities of it. Without this experience, I would have never researched all that encompasses this marvel...Kisslicer, G-code, electrical engineering, delta prototypes, mechanical engineering, etc. If nothing else, I wish I had entered these fields now....AT BEST, I hope to pass those knowledge to my nephews and let them know this IS the future........especially for America where these skills will enable us to re-enter the manufacturing industry. Buying a pre-built is fine....but it definitely takes away from the problem solving skills that I think every child, and adult should benefit from today. We were an early kit, #6, I believe....and got along fine without GenB's guide (but definitely from his guidance and the forum)....just enjoy the moment. This thing is awesome...

[theverant]

Also installing the belts to the cheapskates first then placing them on to the uprights is a whole lot easier and will save time not having to install them and then take them off because you can get the belt through that tiny hole without loosing your mind.

I used a small hemostat and had minimal trouble fishing the belt through the hole. I did put the machine on its side to accomplish this - so that gravity kept the belt relatively flat in the extruded aluminum.

Getting proper belt tension and keeping it from slipping to the side, well, that's a whole 'nuther kettle of fish.