Replicator Arm Upgrade

[Bottleworks]

Ok, so the time has come....  Keep in mind, I'm making very little on these.  My goal is to recoup my cost.  Making these out of a solid chunk of aluminum makes the best result, but costs the most.  I was planing on reclaiming the waste material, but I don't have enough available time.  You can find out more information at:
http://bottleworks.homeunix.net/replicatorarms/index.html
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:39322

Ignore the grinding marks...  I did last minute changes in the middle of the night.  Any arms made for folks will be fully machined and clean. 
Oh right, and it mostly fills in that void in the back were loose items get lost forever.

[Andrew Russell]

Awesome!

Ordered up a set.  Very exciting, thanks for putting this together.

How has printing with these been going? Are you noticing less diving board effect on the build platform when printing at high speeds?  Hows the sag once the HBP is at temperature?

thanks again,

-Andy

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[drando...@gmail.com]

Ordered my set. I predict that you will have 8 orders by the EOD Thursday. Thanks for taking my money :)

[Clinton Hoines]

Nice work but really sucks I can't get a set or I would have placed the order. :/

 

Please let me know when you decided to ship international, USPS always worked fine to Canada for me BTW.

 

Clinton

[drando...@gmail.com]

Me and Akerman have sent our stuff internationally before with USPS (hood kits and glass plates) and the priority mail flat rate makes it pretty easy so hopefully bottleworks will be able to work it out for you. Maybe he could get the price and send you a Paypal invoice.

[Adan Akerman]

Roger that, it's straightforward if the international recipient is willing to shoulder the USPS stated price difference. Maybe an extra buck or two for the customs form filling? Even that's easy, and easier with the online click n ship assistance. 

The arms look sweet.

On Thursday, December 27, 2012, da...@avidquestion.com wrote:

Me and Akerman have sent our stuff internationally before with USPS (hood kits and glass plates) and the priority mail flat rate makes it pretty easy so hopefully bottleworks will be able to work it out for you. Maybe he could get the price and send you a Paypal invoice.

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[Bottleworks]

It looks like international shipping might work with the USPS IPM flat rate padded envelopes.  A med box pushes the price to ~$35 to Canada. 

[Bottleworks]

Ok, I've added shipping options for Canada, UK, and Germany.  If you are international and outside of that, email me.  I'll confirm the price and update Paypal. 

[drando...@gmail.com]

Can you let us know when you hit 8 orders and your eta for shipping the first batch? I'm excited and have several mods I want to do based entirely on your arms and what I expect they will be able to do for stability.

[Bottleworks]

Amazingly, it's already been surpassed.  Two orders got placed within one hour of me posting the web site (around 3 AM for me).  A couple orders from some very interesting people...  I'm going to give a little time for the international people who couldn't order (who now can) order.  Then I will get things in motion. 

[Avandss]

what do you mean interesting people ? now im curious

i am guessing this could eventually be a nice upgrade for the rep2...

[Dan Newman]

On 27 Dec 2012 , at 12:31 PM, Avandss wrote:

> what do you mean interesting people ? now im curious
>

> i am guessing this could eventually be a nice upgrade for the rep2…

The Rep 1 has some significant vibration issues with its build platform. Additionally,
some folks have experienced issues with the arms warping slightly owing to the
HBP heat. (Mind you, warping even a fraction of a mm is enough to cause significant
problems.) And when I say "some", I don't necessarily mean just a "few": clearly it was
enough of an issue that MBI switched to a different ABS formulation and sent replacement
arms to a number of customers.

This latter issue -- warping arms -- isn't a concern for a Rep 2 unless you mod it to have
a heated build platform. The former issue -- vibration -- seems to be less signficant on
the Rep 2. MBI clearly put some engineering effort into combating it on the Rep 2. There's
still some vibration issues but nowhere near as much as on the Rep 1 from my experience.
(Different bearings, larger diameter Z rods, better cantilever, stiffer frame, etc.).

Dan

[Avandss]

my god your knowledgeable !!!! i have learned so much in the past few days from you!!!

thank you!!! 

[Jesse Donaldson]

Just tried to order a set... apparently the option to order arms with the hardware is broken (ordering without hardware seems to go through).  I get "PayPal cannot process this transaction because of a problem with the seller's website. Please contact the seller directly to resolve this problem."

I'll order without the hardware if it's needed to get into this first batch... but I'd prefer the hardware since I really only print in PLA these days and I don't have the metric hardware handy.

Jesse

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[Bradley Pearce]

Something is wrong...  You can wait if you want. I hope to have it fixed by Friday. 

Sent from my iPhone

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[Dan Newman]

On 27 Dec 2012 , at 2:16 PM, Avandss wrote:

> my god your knowledgeable !!!! i have learned so much in the past few days
> from you!!!

While I've been around the block a few times,there's folks who
read this forum who have a lot more practical experience than I do. Especially
when it comes to diagnosing odd print problems. I just happen to know
the firmware and RepG code fairly well and have spent far too long looking
at vibration problems and how to work around them in software.

Dan

[Fastrack]

Ok sounds good I've been emailing you as well.

Thanks for enabling shipping to Canada and I'll order once the $115 option is fixed!

Count me in.

One question I had but forgot to ask... 

In your original picture you had brackets with holes sticking out which you later ground off... What were those for?

Ben

[rjschave]

Wow - price already went up $10 since this morning.  Order placed.

Do you have any guidance/tips on replacing the arms?  Or should it be pretty straight forward?

Thanks.

[Bradley Pearce]

Yea. I didn't factor Paypal fees in. So the very early people have a discount. Consider it an "early bird" discount. I'll post some info on installing them before they ship. 

Sent from my iPhone

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[Bradley Pearce]

It was my plan for the upper bearing retainer. Unfortunately, when you start designing stuff between midnight and 5 am, you sometimes do stupid things. That was a fine example of that phenomenon. 

Sent from my iPhone

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[rjschave]

It's those "little things" like PayPal fees that turn a no/low profit endeavor into a loss and they are easy to overlook.  I appreciate your efforts in making this happen.

[Fastrack]

Ah.. Makes sense.. It would be neat to see a few pictures of it being made as well.

Ben

[66tbird]

Nice upgrade to what looks like a great solution. I ordered a set. I didn't have a sag issue until the weather cooled. During the summer my chamber temps were in the 75C range and the prints were knockout good. Now my chamber temps never see 45C and I'm now having a lot of issues I see others here having.

Thank you for doing the research, prototyping, fabrication, offering at a fair price, and soon to be packing and shipping on what may turn out to be a minor headache for you and lots of joy for many others.

[Matthew Marlowe]

I've never taken apart the arms or build plate, I assume replacing the stock arms with these new ones isn't that complicated of a job - I'm worried I might damage something installing these but yeah -- having a more stable build plate would be a great advantage long term.  I assume less than 45 minutes to modify hardware and then another 20 minutes or so to relevel? 

[drando...@gmail.com]

Considering how much I've modified my Replicator I would say replacing the arm's are not that bad.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/daverandolph/8215977336/in/set-72157632079826074

Basically you will pull the Z-axis motor, linear rods, dissemble the platform, replace arms and reassemble.

Step 1: Move your platform to the top and unplug.
Step 2: Disconnect and remove the Z motor. The cable will pull right out and can only go in one way. You unscrew the motor from the inside of the chamber. You will have to turn the z motor to unscrew it from the bottom of the machine. (Bottom Right of picture) http://www.flickr.com/photos/daverandolph/8210726530/in/set-72157632079826074/
Step 3: Remove the two smooth rods. You can remove the wooden plates on the top of your replicator and they will slide right up. Since you have them out maybe you should consider replacing them with these. http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:35013
Step 4: Disconnect the HBP harness (Now the entire platform is free and you can remove it from the replicator)
Step 5: (optional) to make assembly easier you might want to completely unscrew the HBP and set it aside. (Caution Springs are springy and will fly if you're not careful)
Step 6: Remove the screws on the side of the old arms to separate them from the platform and back plate.
Step 7: The bearings are just press fit into the old arms. (the bearings are the silver cylinders, 2 on each side) Remove them.
Step 8: Assemble the new arms as Bottleworks shows in his photos. http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:39322
Step 9: Put it all back together.

Notes: It's not hard and the only tool you will need is the same hex wrench that came with your replicator tool kit. You'll only unscrew about 2 dozen screws and disconnect 2 wires.
           THE BIGGEST WARNING I CAN GIVE YOU IS WHEN REMOVING THE MOTOR, PLATFORM, RODS DON'T BANG THEM AGAINST THE THIN ROD RUNNING ALONG THE TOP ON THE BACK AKA Y-AXIS BELT ROD.

[RocketSled]

So you're hogging these out of a larger block, and you end up with a lot of waste?  That was the problem that was keeping me from trying with my Taig.  I end up with a couple of fairly large chunks of Aluminum I don't need or want... I had been thinking to make each arm from two pieces that mate at right angles.  Two long horizontal members, two short vertical members, maybe a triangular gusset (like the ABS parts have) to help stiffen-up the joint, and some cap screws to hold it all together.  Laid out in parallel, it'd only need a piece of stock slightly larger than what's needed for a cut-as-one configuration.  Maybe slightly less than 1/2 the material.  But it's more machining work and holes would need to be tapped for screws...

[Bottleworks]

Take 3:  The ordering system should now be fixed.

[Fastrack]

Take 3 worked :)  Order has been placed!

Ben

[David]

I made my order on Thursday, Dec 27 08:49 AM. Do you have a date when these will be sent out.

I can't wait to see how these work! Thanks!!!!

[Fastrack]

According to his website..

Once the material has been ordered, there are no cancelations or refunds. There will be, approximately, a 2-3 week lead time once the minimum order threshold has been reached

However... Since that threshold was reached the first day.   And I'm just the orders are flowing in faster then he can press refresh he is email account...  the lead time will probably change!

Ben

[Gary Crowell]

My order is in, and I'm not in any rush...

Gary

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--
----------------------------------------------
Gary A. Crowell Sr., P.E., CID+

Linkedin  Elance  KE7FIZ

[drando...@gmail.com]

This may be a day late and a dollar short but I just my hands on some LMF8UU bearings. Considering the machining bottleworks has to do for each arm I could see how it could help speed up the process using them to replace the LM8UU bearings. Not better or worse, just less machining work.

[Bottleworks]

Yea, those are nice.  It looks like there would be clearance.  There are lots of things that can be changed.  I was restricted by my goal of this being a "drop in" replacement. 
The time to get these in the users hands is a bit up in the air.  From the time I went to sleep to the time I woke up, the orders have doubled.  I think by the end of the weekend, things will have settled down and I can get an idea of what's going on...

[Matthew Marlowe]

Just ordered - Looks like the hardware option includes everything but m3 screws/washers?  I definitely like the idea of the build plate having additional mass to reduce vibration -- that was main selling point to me.  I've learned to live with having to relevel occasionally, and only after warming up system for 30+ minutes.  Not sure if I should combine this upgrade work with the prior suggestions to add thermal paste to hbp.

--Matt

[drando...@gmail.com]

It's because you have one hell of a great product there. I've been trying to wrap my head around the problem for the last 6 months trying everything but milling (not a skill I have) and yours is still the best solution out there.

[Bottleworks]

The "full set" comes with the arms, bolts, washers, nuts, and retainers.  The "basic" set is only the two arms. 

[drando...@gmail.com]

If anyone decides to part with their old arms after this upgrade let me know off list.
I have almost enough parts left over from other upgrades to build another Replicator and an additional set of arms is helpful.

[Bottleworks]

Yikes!  So many people have ordered the arms with the retainers.  It looks like I'm going to have to fire up the filament extruder to make some more filament. 

[Fastrack]

Hey I'm surprised your printing off the retainers.  I personally only did the hardware option to get the nuts/bolts/washers, I actually was not expecting the retainer as well!  As everyone knows you gotta buy like 10-50 packs of all that stuff.

Which filament extruder did you build or purchase?

Ben

[drando...@gmail.com]

I'm with fastrack. I just want the vitamins. I can print my own parts while I'm waiting on it to arrive.

[Bottleworks]

You can find it at: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:32667

[Andy]

+1 for me as well. I just wanted the vitamins, I can print my parts.

-Andy

On Dec 28, 2012, at 3:16 PM, "da...@avidquestion.com" <drando...@gmail.com> wrote:

> I'm with fastrack. I just want the vitamins. I can print my own parts while I'm waiting on it to arrive.
>

> --
>
>

[Fastrack]

Very nice!

Ben

[Zak Kus]

I'm a little late to the party (holiday and all). Are you still taking orders? I got a transaction error when I attempted to order (though it may be an issue on my end...)

[Bottleworks]

Up to 31 orders so far.  I was thinking about stopping orders at 32 and just setup a "waiting list".  I want to try to keep my head above water.  There shouldn't be any Paypal problems anymore.  You're US based?

[Bottleworks]

Just an update:
Shipping boxes have been ordered.  Hardware has been ordered.  Material will be ordered this week.  Ordering is now closed.  There is a waiting list if there are people still interested.  I'm assuming that those who want it, have already ordered.  I'll update as more events occur. 

[Zak Kus]

Resolved my problem with paypal. Hopefully I was order 32!

[Clinton Hoines]

Darn I couldn't order the first time then I haven't been home to send the $$ wont be till tomorrow. :/

Maybe i'll be able to get in on the next run if you do one.

 

Clinton

[Bottleworks]

--  For those of you who paid for the whole kit, but wants to print your own retainers, please reply to the PayPal receipt with a quick note.  I will be happy to only send the hardware.  I just need a head count. 

[Bottleworks]

I bring news!  Good, bad, and just news... 
The good news is that this is still happening and I don't have to refund everyone their money.  Also, there will be 50 total sets made.  There are currently 32 sets sold.  It took longer to order the material then I hoped.  I should have it by then end of this week (Jan 10-11th).  I ordered 296.3 Lbs of aluminum...56 linear feet.  The holidays pushed back everything.  I couldn't get in contact with people and it was to the point that I was going to throw in the towel.  Then some costs jumped up at the last minute.  That's why there are 50 sets being made.  It was going to cost more per set with only making 32. 
So the bad news:  It's going to take a little longer then I thought.  The first 25 sets will be available 3 weeks after the material arrives.  That brings the shipping date for the first 25 set to 4 weeks from now.  The second 25 sets will be done 5-7 weeks from now (depending on you're order date).  If you ordered before Dec 28th, 2012 @ 2 PM, you're within the first set of 25.  After 2 PM, you're in the second round.  I hope this timeline is worse case and things will move faster. 

So, with that said, I've got 18 more sets for sale. 

[funmakerBart]

I have no problem to pay a little bit more (I'm in the first batch of 8 I supose) You are not a professional seller / shop appearantly. We all bennefit of your initiative. You have the making stress already, you shouldn't have financial stress as well.
So maybe it's an idea you tell how much more you need per person to complete the project without worries.

But, I'm in communistic-socialistic Europe with health-care for everybody for free. It could be your fellow Americans have a slightly other opinion ;-)
Bart

[Bottleworks]

No.  Everything will be fine.  The issue was the cost of making small sets vs making a single batch of 50.  So, everything is good to go. I just hope there will be enough interest to sell the (now 12 available sets).

[Jesse Donaldson]

I basically agree with Bart (at least one datapoint for the american crowd), and am grateful that you're willing to put all this together.

So if it turns out that you end up stuck with a bunch of extra sets of arms, let folks know.

Maybe I'll buy a second set or something.

I bet there's a good chance they'll sell, though.  

Especially once reports start coming in from folks who install the first batch.

Jesse

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[Bottleworks]

An update for Friday Jan 11, 2012:
There are 7 sets of arms left to be sold...Fewer everyday.  I just got a call from the freight company.  I should have the Aluminum delivered on Monday!  Then the fun begins. 

[funmakerBart]

Of course we expect you to put a webcam online, so we can follow each step in the process!

Have fun! Bart

Op vrijdag 11 januari 2013 17:26:20 UTC+1 schreef Bottleworks het volgende:

[John Driggers]

May have missed it somewhere along the way - how much do these weigh?

[Bottleworks]

Fully assembled weight of 931.5 grams (wood, bearings, retainers, bolts, etc --  the whole thing).
http://bottleworks.homeunix.net/replicatorarms/index.html

[BTHOON]

I'll bite.   Where do I pay? Full set

[Gerald Orban]

Ordered! Many thanks for offering this!

[Bottleworks]

Http://bottleworks.homeunix.net/replicatorarms

[Joseph Chiu]

Ordered!  Thanks!

On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 3:22 PM, Bottleworks <bottlew...@gmail.com> wrote:

Http://bottleworks.homeunix.net/replicatorarms

--

[Richard Berwick]

Just ordered a set as well - can't wait to try these out!

[CKChavez]

I ordered a set also. I'm looking forward to receiving them. From the pics, they look very sturdy and should be a quality/worthy upgrade!

[Bottleworks]

There is 1 set remaining*.  Paypal's inventory system was off by one, so it was showing out of stock.  That has now been corrected.  I have to take apart my bot (for the 100th time), so I can document the arm replacement.  I'm keeping the 50th set for myself and using them in the documentation.  I'm going to clean up and buff the grinding marks out of the prototype and sell it as a complete assembly with the wood parts and bearings.  So, there are two sets remaining, but only 1 set is available for purchase right now. 

[Andy]

Thanks again for making this happen.

I'm curious if we can swap the stock bearing on the z stage with the oil infused bronze ones, like the Rep2 has.

Anyone know where we can buy these suckers?  

-Andy

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[Bottleworks]

Good question.  If They are the same length, OD, and ID, it should work.

[RocketSled]

On Saturday, January 12, 2013 10:24:46 PM UTC-5, Bottleworks wrote:

There is 1 set remaining*.  Paypal's inventory system was off by one, so it was showing out of stock.  That has now been corrected.  I have to take apart my bot (for the 100th time), so I can document the arm replacement.  I'm keeping the 50th set for myself and using them in the documentation.  I'm going to clean up and buff the grinding marks out of the prototype and sell it as a complete assembly with the wood parts and bearings.  So, there are two sets remaining, but only 1 set is available for purchase right now. 

I'll take the last one, if you can tell me how to order it! 

[Bottleworks]

The metal is here...

[drando...@gmail.com]

Nice let us know when you start making them and live stream it. I wanna watch. Also next time check around at your local metal yards. I've found online metals a poor value for large orders but ok for tiny stuff. I use them for HBP plates and small tubing but when I need anything over 12x12x1/4 I go to my local yard.

[Bradley Pearce]

Local was double the price. Maybe they were charging me more for my looks? :)

Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 14, 2013, at 6:29 PM, "da...@avidquestion.com" <drando...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Nice let us know when you start making them and live stream it. I wanna watch. Also next time check around at your local metal yards. I've found online metals a poor value for large orders but ok for tiny stuff. I use them for HBP plates and small tubing but when I need anything over 12x12x1/4 I go to my local yard.
>

> --
>
>

[Fastrack]

Hmm... At first I thought.. those look like deck boards :)   How long does it take to machine each one?  I agree with others. A video would be wicked.  Or even some time lapse pictures!

Ben

[drando...@gmail.com]

Nah they saw the biodiesel sticker on your truck and thought "this hippie pays double" :)

[Bottleworks]

Attached are the first 25 sets of arms.  I'm packing them up right now...

[Fastrack]

Ooo... So nice... Can't wait!

Ben

[Elbot]

Put me on wait list.

[Gary Crowell]

Looking good, tho I don't see mine in there (think mine are in the second batch).

I've got an idea, and a question; like to see what you, and the others, think.  In the slot for the platform, just ahead of the forward mounting screws, would it be possible to take that slot completely through the arm for those few inches?  Anything particularly detrimental in doing that?  What I'd like to do, is cut out a new ply platform that would have 'wings' extending through those slots, far enough to catch the corner mounting screws of the build plate, making those the leveling points.  The third point would be at the center rear of the plate, on the new heater board I'm making.   

Not asking you to do that (unless you really want to), just wondering about the feasibility.  I have a mill here and can probably hack a passable slot thru it.

Gary

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[Bradley Pearce]

The only downside that I see is those wings would be weak and flexible. The AL arms have a lot of beef, so you wouldn't compromise them.  I'll post some info on my 3 point leveling setup. I never relevel. My question is: what's your goal with that modification?  There may be a lot better and easier solution. 

Sent from my iPhone

[Gary Crowell]

The only goals are a 3-point system, broad base, and symmetry, in that order.

[MakerMike]

Please add me to the waiting list!

[66tbird]

My set arrived today and they are nice, as I figured they would be. I'll install them this weekend. Also received my 3/16'' Garolite LE sheet from McMaster-Car. I'm always amazed at their delievery speed.

[Mark Cohen]

Received mine Wednesday. Truly a beautiful job and including the instructions was a nice touch. Thanks!

Too bad I no longer have a Replicator 1 or any MakerBot products except many rolls of ABS, but I have sold it to another user who I know will be real happy.

[AKron]

Mark, if you no longer have any Makerbot products, why are you still
coming to this Makerbot forum?

[Dan Newman]

On 15 Feb 2013 , at 7:00 AM, AKron wrote:

> Mark, if you no longer have any Makerbot products, why are you still
> coming to this Makerbot forum?

FWIW, I appreciate Mark's presence as he, and some other "old timers"
have a wealth of information in their head about Cupcakes, Thing-o-Matics,
and Rep 1's. Additionally, Mark used to run a farm of makerbots doing
commercial work and as such has more operational experience than
most any dozen of us put together.

Dan

[Joseph Chiu]

+1.

[drando...@gmail.com]

I think Mark is staying in touch with his user base. I wish more people did that. As for the arms I got sent on a two week business trip to NYC and I can't wait to get back and install them.

[66tbird]

Agreed, Mark has been very informative in his sharing of info.

On a side note I don't mind the chat about different bots because it keeps me informed about the progress at this printing level (price wise). I really like the offering of upgrades by dedicated people.  I really hope the new main board materializes, or more original main boards become readily available. My bot is still doing fine now, but someday?

[Fastrack]

Hey.

The Replicator 1 is my first 3D printer.. I've spent HOURS calibrating it.  I feel this upgrade will make it MUCH better...  However I have a buddy who is thinking of getting a 3D Printer... In your experience which would you recommend?  I was originally going to get the Ultimaker.. but I did not like the idea of the Wood gears for the extruder..?

Ben

[Bottleworks]

Ok.  Well now the thread has been completely hijacked. 

On Topic:  The second set of 25 should be shipping on Feb 25th. I'm going to open the ordering back up this weekend.  I'm placing the order for more metal today.  That should cut down on the lead time for a 3rd batch. 




On Friday, February 15, 2013 3:50:16 PM UTC-5, Jetguy wrote:

About the Ultimaker wooden gears. I wouldn't worry about it. You go
back in history and Windmills and Watermills used wooden gears and
lasted a lifetime in many cases. The pressure on these gears is
minimal and further, it's a wooden spur driven by the Delrin pinion.

I'm still on the fence as to what is the best new printer to buy.

It's hard for me to justify $2,800 for a 2X, knowing by hand, I could
build you a better printer for less money and stand behind it.

It's no secret, I like the Type A enough to base an alternate design
from it, but unless you buy a used T-O-M that had a MK6, not exactly
easy to get the parts these days.

M2 is a good solid machine, but not enclosed. It's still feels kitlike
to me, even the assembled version.

The QU-BD might be interesting, and for the money, you are getting a
chunk of finely machined components. Just not yet known to be "first
printer" for someone.

Ultimaker has been around, is reliable enough with the recent
upgrades, and has great software, it's hard for me to not reccomend
it. I don't think  it's the best printer out there, but also it is the
best package of price, support, and reliability. You never hear of
electronics failing on them and in fact, nothing ever breaks either.
It just has a little more ooze than I care for and that's true of any
Bowden printer. It's tradeoff is a very minor aspect of quality for
speed and accuracy.Strings and threads can be cut off and is just more
of a minor gripe than anything.

That said, I a big fan of direct drive extruders and Sailfish
firmware. If you find another printer that meets those 2 requirements
and is the right price, then that's what I woudl recommend. MBI is
pricing themselves out of the market. I'm not sure what market they
"think" they are in, but they managed to piss a whole lot of people
off in the last 2 years. This forum is the tale of those events.

On Feb 15, 3:31 pm, Mark Cohen <markcoh...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Well now you got me started...
>
> It does kind of amaze me that I would post a thank you to someone, go out
> of my way to ship my extra arms to someone in the group and then @AKron
> would troll me, but there are so many dicks in the world and we seem to
> have just found another. I only troll people who do me wrong such as
> selling known defective products and replacing them with other defective
> products and charging me $2000 for the privilege (and having to thank
> support for doing such a great job!). Basically not doing the right thing
> by me like recalling and replacing defective motherboards for the
> Replicator 1 with the redesigned Replicator 2 motherboard and perhaps an
> adapter kit to make it all work. I would have actually been satisfied if
> the MakerBot CEO had not outright lied about the redesigned Rep 2
> motherboard (and putting an open source label on the pcb?) just being a
> minor incidental change and publishing the design so that others can make a
> replacement motherboard and pick up their slack. You wonder why support is
> overworked? I bet this forum is just the tip of the iceberg and everyone
> else is going to the support @ makerbot.com. Just think about this thread?
> Why do I need to get metal arms? For $2000 it should have been included or
> not even needed. Most of us who have been doing this for years have moved
> on and no longer offer our help because we get such stupid shit from people
> like you @AKron.
>
>
>
> On Friday, February 15, 2013 3:02:19 PM UTC-5, Mark Cohen wrote:
> > Is that a problem? I guess I come here to listen to all the amusing and
> > rude questions such as this one. I also was waiting for my aluminum arms to
> > arrive to thank bottleworks for his skill, time and effort just in case no
> > one else did. He did after all produce these things with virtually no
> > profit.
>
> > Although I have turned off email from this group and infrequently check it
> > now, there is no reason to unsubscribe as I hope to hear in this group
> > someday that  MakerBot is going to manufacture a very high quality reliable
> > machine.
>
> > I would highly recommend that people join the Rostock, RepRap, MakerGear
> > and Ultimaker forums to see what is going on in the 3D Printer world. It is
> > an eye-opening experience.
>
> > Regards.

>
> > On Friday, February 15, 2013 10:00:01 AM UTC-5, AKron wrote:
>
> >> Mark, if you no longer have any Makerbot products, why are you still

> >> coming to this Makerbot forum?- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[Andy]

Got my arms yesterday.  Bottleworks, thanks for putting together that awesome *printed* guide! In color no less!  I will not have time to install them for probably a month :/ but I can't wait to give them a go!!

-Andy

--

[Elbot]

My 2 cents;
1. Ultimaker if you want to do PLA printing. (ABS possible with extensive mods), see Make magazine's glowing review.
2. Replicator 2x. Ask MBI if they've fixed the voltage regulator problem that plagued the Rep 1 before you buy it. Also ask if they have the dogone "delrin plunger" or are they going with the minimalistic extruder?
3. Bukobot. The founder dude, "Diego" answered my stupid questions at 7 pm on a sunday night! You can't beat that for customer service! I think he was working around the clock and sleeping at his Pasadena shop to get the kickstarter orders shipped. This is one reprap design that looks solid. It is expandable like printrbot without the wobbly rods. It uses Misumi extruded beams instead of hardware store rods. It also is expandable unlike the Prusa Mendel V2. I haven't seen any solder free kits with telephone tech support for the Prusa I3 . However, the software and firmware are not as good as replicatorg and sailfish. Also, it is not already in a box, so you'd have to build a box to print in a heated build environment for ABS.

If it is in your budget, I'd go with the Rep x2. If it is too pricy, then go with the bukobot, which is a cheaper reprap. If you don't mind printing in pla, then the ultimaker is the best bet.

[Jesse Donaldson]

I installed my arm upgrade this morning, thanks Bottleworks!

The upgrade took me awhile, but I'm quite happy with the result.

The most irritating part was trimming the wooden platform pieces to properly fit in the arms, but I may have made it worse by choosing to do it the hard way.  :-)  The only unpleasant surprise was that since you filled in the oubliette through which the z-axis screw passes, there was no longer room for the small clip I was using to adjust the limit switch height for printing on glass.  I've been very happy printing on glass, so I just bit the bullet and drilled new mounting holes for the limit switch.  No big deal.

My bot is printing happily away once more.  The arms are obviously extremely sturdy.  Makes me want to replace all the plywood now. :-)  

Thanks again!

Jesse

--

[Bottleworks]

Yes, it's amazing that .005" makes such a large difference with the wood fitment.  That should be corrected in the future.  Why didn't you just use the slots for the Z limit switch?  No drilling required.

[Jesse Donaldson]

I thought about using the slots, but it seemed like they'd hold the limit switch in place significantly less securely, increasing the risk of a nozzle crash.  And drilling new holes offset from the existing ones only took a couple minutes.

Jesse

[Al-Glitch]

Great upgrade to the Rep 1, well done Bottleworks!

If anyone is doing/has done this upgrade and would be willing to part with their old plastic arms please let me know. 
I have almost enough parts left over from other upgrades to build another Replicator and an additional set of arms is helpful.