I am starting the build of my first 3d printer. After researching (drooling) for months about 3d printers i knew i had to have one. of all the repraps and makerbots and deltas i researched the ultimaker v1 i believe to have the best design and highly reviewed so thats what im gonna build.
a big draw to this design is how customizeable it is and id like to capitalize on that.
i want to make a few popular upgrades from the start. i have a few mods in mind and would appreciate some suggestions and experiences with each mod.
1. Use GT2 belts and pulleys?
2. Direct drive x/y axis rods? (saves me having to buy 4 pulleys and 2 little belts, and i think simplifies things.)
3.All metal hotend, E3D or Pico type? ( heard mixed reviews about clogging with PLA?)
4. heated glass build plate
5. what is recomended extruder for bowden style?
6. 1.75mm or 3mm? (also some mixed reviews, some say 1.75 is better quality prints some say doesnt matter)
any suggestions welcomed. i will be purchasing all of the components this week after making a few decisions about the above modifications. in the meantime ill be fabricating the plywood frame from the drawings provided by Ultimaker.
I think the opensource mentality is great and should be encouraged