Considering the Rostock Max V2

[Foobly]

Hello SeeMeCNC community!

I'be been shopping around for my first 3D printer for a few weeks now, and I think I've finally decided on the Rostock Max V2. While I was hesitant to commit to assembling the printer myself at first, I decided that the extra build space versus the Orion is worth the effort.

I have noticed that many of you recommend upgrading several components of the stock kit immediately, specifically the arms and PSU. Any insight into exactly how essential these upgrades are would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance, looking forward to a new project!

[jdurand]

The power supply upgrade is due to SeemeCNC having to use ready-made UL listed power supplies intended for personal computers. These have a horrible record no matter the brand (except for a couple of expensive ones). If you're ok with handling 120V AC wiring without killing yourself and/or suing anyone, then a $30 industrial supply works well. If you're not comfortable with AV power lines, then wait and see if the included supply works. Most do. If not, buy one one the better rated PC supplies.

Some people go to 24V with an external solid state relay (really only need one or two power FETs) after having problems getting their beds to heat with a bad PC power supply. Sort of like having a broken down car not working and replacing it with a big truck.

As for the arms, I haven't done anything there. I did order a Chimera because I need an all metal hot end for some customer jobs and can see where I might need dual heads at times. If nothing else to switch to a backup spool when needed. On my old printer I do this by hand, I know the current job prints 15 grams/hour so I have to make SURE I'm there when it runs out.

[bot]

The only mods I did were vibration dampers on the axis steppers, and upgraded cooling for the Rambo and the underside case. Other than that, the stock setup has been great for me. I've put over 440 hours on it since November.

[Foobly]

Thanks for the input. It's ordered and en-route as of this morning, so I'm prepping my workspace and busily gathering tools so I can avoid 10 mid-build Lowe's trips. I think I might just buy a reputable 750 or 1000 watt PC power supply for now and experiment with the stock setup for now; dampers and improved cooling will probably be the first upgrades I install.

Any other advice regarding the build process or just general knowledge anyone would like to contribute would be greatly appreciated, as the world of 3D printing is something very new to me.

[bot]

Read the manual all the way through before you even open the box!

[BenTheRighteous]

If you're going to wait until later to install the dampers, don't loctite the grub screws into the stepper pulleys.

[teri1337]

With the exception of a power supply upgrade, my v2 is completely stock, and I've been having a blast with it! You can see from some of my other posts that the print quality can look great right out of the box.

Personally, I opted against installing the dampers. I kind of like the "50's computer sounds" it makes while printing, plus it's fun (and a great party trick) to write g-code to play music with the stepper motors. I posted a few songs a while back for anyone interested in that. (Bach's Prelude in G is the best!)

Welcome to the community!