[Edit] I've completed the build using the videos as my guide and had to call support a couple of times. If you get this kit note that the RAMPS 1.4 connections are not shown in the videos however they are pretty straight forward and looking at some pictures and the wiring diagrams I was able to get it hooked up. Every time I called support I got a human being, which is a GREAT thing these days. I think I blew up the motor controller board (because I wired the power supply incorrectly, make sure to use the square plug wires with two green wires and two black wires from the PS) so I'm about to find out if the 90 day warranty is correct. It took me five days from start to finish working through several steps per day.
[Edit 2] The new RAMPS board is on the way, they gave me no problems at all with the replacement so I'm changing my rating to 5 stars.
[Edit 3] I've found that putting blue painter's tape on the heat bed glass fixes many issues. The glass I got with the kit was warped so I went to lowes and picked up a small piece of flat glass. The thermistors are tiny and fragile, I replaced mine with larger REPRAP thermistors (had to drill out the hole on the J-head hot end). I've run into a lot of issues with my printer but this isn't due to this kit, it is due to design flaws and #D printing still being in the early stages. I still recommend this kit just be aware you WILL have issues and you will have to work through them.
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I ordered this kit directly from NWReprap and received a very well packed shipment in a short time. Complete video and illustrated instructions are available on-line and almost MUST be followed realtime while assembling the kit. A number of improvements that have been made in the design throw a curve since the videos and instructions are behind reality but reference to the RepRap forums plus a little common sense will pull you through the rough spots.The quality of the parts provided are very good with few exceptions. The kit went together smoothly, generally, and the final steps of downloading the software and making the necessary changes and additions, though a bit mysterious and requiring quite a few "rewind and replay" iterations, resulted in a fairly complex machine working properly THE FIRST TIME! It's very important to go through the calibration steps carefully as presented in the videos.
Response from NWRepRap via e-mail has been very quick and always helpful. A wonderful exception to the general lack of service we become used to. I've been having a great time designing my own parts on the OpenSCAD (Computer Assisted Design) program on my computer and then downloading them to print. My friends and neighbors are impressed.
Ted in Tennessee
Best Deals for RepRap Prusa Mendel Iteration 2 Complete 3D Printer Kit
I purchased a kit from nwreprap.com and shipping was fast. The nwreprap.com website contains COMPLETE assymbly videos that detail all aspects of assymbly and calibration. When I had a problem with calibration I was able to call their phone number and the guy that recorded the videos was available to walk me through the process. I posted a video of the problem that I had and Aaron from nwreprap.com looked at the video and told me exactly what I needed to do to fix the problem. When buying an Open Source hardware kit I always wonder what kind of support would be available, sometimes its hit and miss. This is not the case with the nwreprap crew. I was building the printer to show off 3d printing at a Maker Faire in Tieton Washington. When they realised that they were geographically close to me they even offered to drive out to the Maker Faire to make sure it would be a successful demonstration. This turned out not to be necessary as they were able to help via email and phone.You will not be disappointed with this purchase.
John Storlie
Yakima Makerspace
Yakima, Washington
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