I recently built a CNC router from scratch for a fraction of the cost that it would take to purchase brand new. The concept of building a computer controlled piece of equipment by hand and having it function so flawlessly was really addicting. I've always wanted a 3D printer but the cost of a good one like UltiMaker or MakerBot was just too much to swallow. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the engineering and time that goes into these machines and get why the Ultimaker 2 Go is $1500 but I was curious if I could do better. I took the open source files that Ultimaker graciously posts and recreated them in SolidWorks with a handful of modifications. I wanted the panels to be machinable on my router and the remaining components to be sourecable and not necessarily custom made. Here's what I came up with.
First off you can clearly see I'm going with the RepRapDiscount 2004 LCD smart controller and Ramps 1.4 running Marlin instead of the Ultimaker controller with the OLED panel. Even if I were to purchase a knockoff Ultimaker controller you're talking $170 vs $45 for the RepRap and Ramps. So far my running estimated production cost is less than $600.
I'll be posting pictures, part files, and a bill of materials as I go. If anyone has questions please feel free to ask. I'm more than willing to share everything I can.