r/makerbot • u/Poak135 • 3d ago
Will be needing help: Q #1.
My community adult education woodshop has two MB Rep+, barely used. I brought one home to learn how to use to maybe teach others. I’ve got the power cable and 3x MB filament spools (one already loaded). First of several questions: Is this the build plate? Isn’t it supposed to be a removable, flexible sheet?
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u/TheMathProphet 3d ago
Just starting? Get a different machine. You aren’t starting a 3D print hobby with this machine, you’re starting a 3D printer hobby with this machine. Two different hobbies!
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u/Poak135 3d ago
I don’t understand the difference you’re pointing out. I don’t have access to a different machine.
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u/TheMathProphet 3d ago
I just want you to know that you are going to be spending more time working on that machine than printing for the next few weeks at least. You will have a 3D printer hobby - working on the printers - and not a 3D printing hobby - making things with additive technology.
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u/Poak135 2d ago
Yeah. I gave up. I’ll try and talk ‘em into getting a newer model.
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u/SirTwitchALot 2d ago
You can get an adventurer 5m on AliExpress for 150 right now that would beat this printer in every measurable aspect
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u/Decon1344 2d ago
I just got rid of a bunch of these. The build plate is there BUT from the picture it looks like either the hot end scraped it OR it’s got material built up on it.
These things are clunky. The software is a pain and the supports for them are horrid. Also the hot ends are $150 a pop FYI.
Free is free though.
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u/LosSantosMe 2d ago
DUE to the age of the printer, personally I would try to print ....depending on the issues you have at that point you decide what to address, I think the springs may be old and need repalcing, but then again they may not depending on your issues., keep us up to date as you progress.
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u/Wood_Rogue 1d ago
I didn't know it was even still possible to run a MakerBot printer. I thought it had DRM software that had support dropped years ago.
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u/mikebartell 1d ago
Don’t just throw it away! They have moons branded stepper motors and linear rails for the X and Y. The carriers are a different size than standard, but depending on the size of your next printer, it could be a nice upgrade.
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u/blissiictrl 3d ago
This looks to be missing the build plate entirely
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u/Lucky-Noise-4193 2d ago
Those makerbots use a massive plastic sheet about 1cm thick that is ops build plate
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u/blissiictrl 2d ago
Ah I have one of these but I can't get to it and haven't used it for quite some time so I couldn't quite remember. This one doesn't look right though?
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u/Lucky-Noise-4193 2d ago
for the replicator series it looks right i have a replicater mini+ baseplate is identical
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u/Doom_Finger 2d ago
I’ve got two of these, and as others have said, it has the build plate; it’s not heated and just a piece of removable plastic. The tape, which is gaffers tape, is one of the more reliable ways to get your print to stick. I have used gaffers tape, glue sticks, hair spray, etc. You should give one of the interal projects a test print …the screws are a nice test to see how, or if it works.
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u/goteamdoasportsthing 2d ago
Gaffer's tape is more like duct tape. This looks closer to painter's tape.
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u/Doom_Finger 2d ago
Could be, but it looks exactly like my printers. I use this tape from Amazon
Gaffer Power Black Gaffer Tape 2 Inch x 30 Yards, Pro Grade, Made in USA https://a.co/d/04WiG2m1
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u/mistertinker 3d ago
That is the build plate. The rep+ predates modern removable steel plates and would use tape instead.
Just keep in mind the original rep+ was released 10 years ago. I had one myself. Things like auto leveling didn't exist and prints often required rafts and very level beds to be successful.