Dolly of Prusa? A 3D Printing Enthusiast’s Conundrum
Tom’s Dolly Prusa project from 2014 was an inspiration. Seeing him craft a 3D printer out of wood, overcoming obstacles along the way, was truly remarkable. It sparked a question many of us have pondered: should we embark on a similar DIY adventure or opt for the tried-and-true Original Prusa?
If you’re a tinkerer at heart, eager to delve into the intricacies of 3D printing technology, then by all means, build a Dolly! But here’s my advice: start with an Original Prusa. It allows you to print parts, access genuine components from the Prusa Store, and most importantly, it ensures you have a reliable printer at your disposal while you experiment with your DIY project.
My Own 3D Printing Odyssey
I’ve been chasing the dream of replicating one of Josef Prusa’s machines since his early days on the RepRap scene. Back then, affordable 3D printers were nonexistent, and the available options were exorbitantly priced. His elegant “wedge” design was the perfect starting point for me.
Building it was an adventure filled with challenges, especially when it came to sourcing parts. Some components didn’t function as expected, leading to a printer that wobbled and produced more slinkys than anything else. But with each iteration and improvement Josef introduced, my printer evolved. I purchased countless parts from fellow enthusiasts, fueling my passion for 3D printing.
When the MK2 came out, I was captivated. However, I was already knee-deep in my ongoing project, a printer that always seemed “almost done.” Despite being so close to completion, it never fully functioned. A few months ago, a friend inquired about the status of my printer. I confessed that I had no definitive answer, as the electronics and software continued to be my Achilles’ heel.
In pursuit of a better board than the Ramps 1.4, I opted for the SmoothieBoard, which was highly praised. However, the documentation and forums left me feeling lost. The standalone Einsy board then caught my attention, and I decided to replicate its design and components. This seemed like the ideal solution to my hardware and software woes.
Unfortunately, not owning an Original Prusa meant I couldn’t easily source parts from the Prusa Store. I turned to AliExpress and eBay, only to end up with inferior versions that often malfunctioned. Countless hours were spent soldering, crimping, and rewiring. Yet, I remain determined to see this project through to the end.
The Costly Lesson
Recently, I added up all my expenses for those seemingly inexpensive parts and was astounded to discover that I had spent over $400. If I had simply saved up and purchased an Original Prusa, I could have bypassed these headaches and enjoyed assembling a reliable kit like everyone else. (Yes, there’s definitely some regret in hindsight.)
The Joy and Frustration of Building
Building a Dolly has been a thrilling, albeit frustrating, journey. If I succeed in getting this printer to work, I’ll be immensely proud. But in the end, my goal was simply to design and print models.
The Verdict
So, should you make a Dolly Prusa or buy the Original? If you thrive on tinkering and problem-solving, building a Dolly can be incredibly rewarding. However, if you seek a seamless 3D printing experience, investing in an Original Prusa first is the wisest choice. It grants you a reliable printer to utilize while you explore your DIY aspirations.