Self Source Or LDO Voron 0.1 Kit? Best Option!

[@odw32]

I think it's also dependent on reasons for building a kit in the first place. I just finished self-sourcing a small printer, and I'm pretty confident that I ordered some lemons, and pretty confident that building the printer will be a messy struggle, and I know it's not going to be a good deal on paper. But that is my intention, I wanted to sign up for a struggle. I love browsing excel sheets on a rainy day with a cup of chocolate milk. Making decisions on which items to pick is part of the game for me. Between "printer as a tool" to "printer as a project" there is a huge gradient of possible experiences -- It's not just about the best deal on paper, but also about where the borders of the hobby end for you personally.

[@TrailChasers]

Couldn't have posted this at a more perfect time! Just got my ender dialed for abs and was going to begin printing a v0.1, was debating between self source and ldo kits and this helps so much!

[@birdmananyweather1681]

woah....same

[@mwinner101]

@Trail Chasers What happened to YOUR channel? You haven’t put out a video in a couple years?

[@ModBotArmy]

Happy to hear :). Unless I wanted to for the sake of it at this point there is no way I would choose to spend more when the LDO kit is available. I hope your build goes well!

[@alexdubois6585]

Definitly go the kit way. I started a 1.8 build some time ago, still not done, to the point that I've started building a trident that was releasing since AND I've ordered an LDO v0.1 kit and it is built already, my trident has the A/B motors and the idlers... I should have the parts to do the Z next week...

[@pr0xZen]

The notion about "inferior" parts in kits is almost inevitable, even with the best intentions. To be able to make or assemble and sell kits, you need to aquire serious stock of each part. But in this space, iterative improvements happen at lightning pace. And the margin on selling kits for this isn't big enough to absorb large caches of parts becoming dead stock every time a notably improved alternative comes out. Heck sometimes it happens so fast that your parts have been "surpassed" after you place a manufacturer order but before getting delivery. Please note, this certainly doesn't always mean _bad_ parts in kit. Just that there's something newer/better available. So if you're gonna do any sort of reliable business selling this type of kit, you kinda need to either _be_ the manufacturer, or the distributor, of practically all the parts in that kit that go through these rapid cycles.

[@ModBotArmy]

I do agree with this. With how quickly things move in this space it is going to be incredibly difficult if not impossible to always have the latest version/revision. I do feel that quality of components though is something that they do have control over when they decide who they are going to source from. Like you said, being the manufacturer gives you a definite 1up.

[@pr0xZen]

@@ModBotArmy That is a very important factor you mention; _Quality._ If you stick to strong performance, good quality parts for as many parts as possible, then the market and sales figures of your kit is lilely gonna be significantly more forgiving when a few of those parts get surpassed. There needs to be a healthy balance though, functional performance parts has to be swapped eventually. As such, I think offering both "core" kits and "full" kits would be a good idea. That way, in the interim between multiple functional performance parts being surpassed (so customer interest drops off substantially because there's just too much of the pricetag sunken into parts they won't be using) and you having revised your "full" kit, you can still keep "core" kit sales going strong.

[@iiianydayiii]

I bought a LDO 0.1 kit (batch 2). It's still sitting in the box though, as I promised my wife I'd finish another project first. This video makes me feel pretty good about my choice in kits and I'm sooo looking forward to putting it together. I know the overwhelming feeling you got when you were sourcing the parts in the BOM. I put together a voron 2.1 a few years ago and made same mistake w/ my belts and pulleys. It prints (sort of) but sadly, that machine is still sitting on top of my Ender 3 enclosure like a camero on blocks in a trailer park front yard. So many projects, so little time.

[@ModBotArmy]

Good on you for doing what you promised first. It is not so easy to put off something you are very excited for. That makes me think of my AM8 I did. I was not super happy with the end result. It was my fault by part choice and waiting way to long to build it but it did not get nearly as much use as I would like. You are going to love this thing.

[@biglouinorlando]

So, I work a 40+ hwr job and have a kid that plays a competitive sport, my time is limited so I feel like going with the kit route would be best for me.

[@Nabikko]

No problem with kits

[@ModBotArmy]

Haha you absolutely will be happier going with the kit then. I would not consider self sourcing with all of that.

[@seangassin958]

It's not as bad as you would think, quite a few manufacturers are making mini kits for things like motion, hotends, etc. Still a commitment though. Only worth it if you have a decent shop full of hardware and extras of common components

[@REDxFROG]

40 hours is normal. I am sourcing stuff myself and even return a few things which aren't up to my expectations. A Voron printer doesn't have to be built within days. This is something that can take time and it's not a problem.

[@tituscassiusseverus6303]

Shipping costs are like the hidden cost or self sourcing, and if the kit goes missing your probably going to be insured, where on smaller items good luck getting your money back. That being said I must hate myself as Im self sourcing, admittedly it's over like six months so I can research and see where the techs going next. Good video

[@Chmied]

Just built a v2.4 350 kit from ldo, the kit was brilliant, so many well thought out elements it's ridiculous. Also having a ton of extra screws etc. Kit is the way to go for sure.

[@birdmananyweather1681]

lol we're in a simulation, thank you for this!!! what perfect timing

[@JonS]

I've gone the LDO kit route. I have little interest in (or time for) self sourcing, or wire crimping. I'd been even happier if there were a kit with all the printed parts. I still got to print them and need to stop printing toys for the kids, for Christmas on my other printer.

[@ModBotArmy]

Have you looked into the Print It Forward program? I dont know the exact details of how it works but I believe through the discord there are approved members that do print out parts. May be worth looking into if you do want to skip the printing parts yourself step.

[@ModBotArmy]

@@jeremytine holy shit I had no idea the wait was that long. Yeah that’s insane.

[@GregsMakerCorner]

Great vid! I am glad there are now kits available. One of my least favorite things to do is sourcing parts... The LDO one does seem to be about the best out there. I hope we get to see more higher quality builds as well, competition is good. Glad to see your machines are working out so well also!

[@ModBotArmy]

I agree. Sourcing is no fun and I always welcome competition. It drives innovation and typically helps keeping price down. Your kit seemed pretty damn good to. :)

[@GregsMakerCorner]

@@ModBotArmy Thanks... yes I really liked the quality of my kit! It has held up very well, and it had pretty well known components. I think the LDO kit is where it's at now, I'm hoping to build one of those at some point. I would like to refresh a few vids in my build series since so many people seem to be going with that kit now, and the wiring seems to be such an improvement.

[@TheSanzca]

I just purchased the v0.1 LDO kit, have not started the build but so far the parts look great everything is to spec and including this video I have not heard any bad reviews. Earlier in the year I purchased the formbot v2.4 kit and it was mostly a disappointment. From a bad build plate, the chains that could not open to missing some bits and pieces and rails that, well I had to purchase new rails plus a lot of other things to replace. Other people had better luck and that is just the thing, it is really a hit and miss with aliexpress kits. It seems that they are better now a days but I would think twice.

[@14Mew]

For me the biggest appeal of self source, is that I got to afford it in small parts rather than having to postpone my build and save up for weeks or even months to buy a kit. Yes, it may be more expensive in the long run, but the benefit is that I get to continue or even start building something right away, which is a big appeal for a lot of blue collar workers people who need ways to unwind at the end of a day.

[@GlennBrockett]

Just finished my V0.2R1. I used a kit. The only issues I had with the kit was that the cooling fans were bad, and there were no notes from the supplier as to what I would have to find for instructions for their upgrades. Not knowing what it was called was half the battle. I will definitely use a kit again, over self sourcing, but I will upgrade things as I build knowing what I'm doing a little better now.

[@TheRealStructurer]

Still a newbie when it comes to 3D printing but targeting a Voron as the next one. Will consider a kit 👍🏻

[@ModBotArmy]

I would make sure you feel ready for it. It is a lot of work and a challenging build. Well worth it but being newish to 3d printing I would not say there is a rush to jump in until you feel confident.

[@DiomedesDominguez]

Waiting for the LDO Voron 2.4 kit.

[@ModBotArmy]

I do not think you are alone there.

[@ShipwreckedMonki]

Lol, just ordered my kit about half an hour ago- eager to see if i should have waited for this video first!

[@ModBotArmy]

You made the right call :)

[@CanuckCreator]

A madman? MADMAN???

[@ModBotArmy]

Lol I stand by what I said. That shit was insane. SUPER POWERS!

[@nubletten]

Tip: You can shorten a premade wire without the need to re crimp it. You can cut twice, solder together and secure it with shrink wrap.

[@W4TRI_Ronny]

I'm almost totally on the side on self source. EXCEPT where it comes to Ali and their Ilk. Did that a couple of times and will Never again order anything from them direct. You can argue it's all the same from the same factories. Fine. Getting it here is a nightmare!

[@lonsdale16op]

I first built a V0 around febuary, through formbot, I had to imidiatly change the steppers because they did not send LDO motors like they said they would and I was getting mised steppes. other than that I think the kit was pretty good and I cant remember any other issues. once done that build i went on to build a V2.4 but went with BLUROLLS this time. the spider they sent was broken so they offered a $10 refund... and they were missing some M5 hexscrews and again said that with thte $10 discount they offered would cover it... i was not happy about this as it cost more than that to buy them localy. apart from these 2 issues the build went well. i think i might pick up the LDO switchwire or Trident next. EDIT*** i re read this and realized how complains it was. Both printers are up and running fantastic and in the end I am very happy with the kits.

[@ModBotArmy]

That really does not sound too terrible. I mean of course having to purchase anything that should have come working with the kit is not great but I feel it could have been worse. The Switchwire looks awesome :)

[@donuthole7236]

Didn't hear much about the actual quality of the components between the kit and self-sourced. Any major upgrades needed for the kit versions? would have been a good topic to broach.

[@aqhan]

I'm planning to build a Voron this year, but I think I will be going a self-build route since I can buy some parts at a time, spreading the cost over few months.

[@avejst]

Good points with the kit Thanks for sharing your experiences with all of us :-)

[@twincast2005]

My planned printer projects for the next few years are a Voron 0.x in 2022, a Voron 2.x IDEX in 2023, and a Rat Rig V-Core Jubilee Tool Changer across 2024 and 2025. (I'm fully aware that new cool stuff will inevitably pop up and potentially alter plans in the meantime, but I need to spread my budget and wait for others to do most of the hardware design work for the IDEX-ification in particular; I only know that I want to use Rapido UHFs with Zodiac Pros and an SKR Pro with an EXP-MOT.) I will definitely use preconfigured kits (as a basis) for all of them - and most likely LDO ones for the Vorons. I hope that by then my V0.x kit will come with SKR Pico.

[@watchaprintinwillis2644]

I built both of my Vorons self source and printed all of my own parts. I feel like I had the best experience you can with it in both cases. I'm now on my 3rd and I wouldn't even consider a kit

[@jasonwoody8041]

Just finished my Switchwire. Self source, i agree 100% dhipping from dozens of orders made the cost much higher. But i did like that i could get exactly what i wanted to get. Though LDO does have very good quality motors , I wouldn't mind trying a full kit.

[@WhiteWulfe]

With my Trident 300, I went the Formbot route, and it turned out alright. I've had to swap out a few things, but it provided a decent basis. For the v2.4, I'd love to go LDO, but unfortunately they don't offer a 250mm kit for it, so after a bunch of thinking I've decided I'll wind up going the self-sourcing route, simply because it lets me pick and choose every last little detail. If LDO offered a kit in the size I'm looking for, odds are I'd just get their kit, because they're fairly nice and cover most of the things I want. For Salad Fork, which will probably be the printer I build after the v2... Odds are I'll just buy the Fabreeko kit, since that definitely has most of the stuff I want already in there. If I were to build a v0.1 though, LDO's v0-s1 kit looks incredibly tempting, and has so many things just sorted out so you don't have to mess about.

[@kenopyowo]

Time saving, cost saving, frustration saving. sounds great

[@ModBotArmy]

I thought I was going to have a better argument for self sourcing but it was really difficult to justify when I weighed the two.

[@TripleJAu]

Welcome to cost of things if your not in USA or EU... Here in places like Australia cost on postage is a killer... For example the cost mentioned from LDO kit is in USD I assume

[@ModBotArmy]

Yeah it is in USD. Sorry to hear :(

[@powersv2]

LDO kit was definitely worth it.

[@3DPrintingFreak]

Money wise, i went for the self source, i dont have to burn alle the money in one purchase. I spread the pain over 3 months altho its a bit more expensive . but at least you know where to get spares.

[@SeanTaffert]

I'm seriously considering the LDO kit, but the cost here in Canada is $950....maybe after the holidays.

[@LisaHarsh]

If I can ever get my printers dialed in I would like to build one.

[@ModBotArmy]

Both of them still giving problems? :/

[@Leclaron]

I self sourced and bought as many LDO sub-kits (extrusions, motors, fasteners) as were available at the time. I’m about 90% done and my extruder hardware is apparently wrong, I guess that’s the price you pay for building it piecemeal!

[@koontzman123]

Why is the fabreeko link for the kit listed at $649, when printersbay lists it at $453.00? Formbot has it at $399.

[@ModBotArmy]

Very different kit. This is the LDO kit. Cannot speak on the Formbot kit firsthand but have beard their other kits are typically lesser quality in comparison.

[@bobellison2547]

A little off topic, but could you point me at the STLs for those storage boxes you are using for the extra screws and small parts? I've did a search on thingaverse but couldn't find it. I have a lot of small parts that this solution will work for.

[@ModBotArmy]

Of course! Here is the link: thangs.com/mythangs/file/23915

[@bobellison2547]

@@ModBotArmy Thank you so very much! Happy holidays.

[@davethetaswegian]

I am looking for an enclosed corexy printer and I have been considering the Formbot Voron 0.1 kit.The LDO kit is more expensive than the Formbot, is it worth the extra money?

[@raptorzoz6251]

Yes, the formbot kit isnt nearly as consistent and regularly ships with parts that have to be replaced

[@ModBotArmy]

Cannot speak firsthand but from what I have heard yes the quality is superior.

[@prongATO]

@ModBot would you recommend building a v0.1 before tackling a v2.4? I am new to 3D printing and currently have a mini but want to do more. I have an engineering background (electrical BS and general AAS)

[@prongATO]

Prusa mini

[@Dr.Ratio69]

Is there a Vofon trident kit?

[@HillWillE]

Where can I find the STL for that spacer between the printer and the tophat? Thanks for your videos!

[@imst4722]

Where'd you get that hinged tophat extension?

[@jon9947]

How much time do you think it would take you to put together another LDO kit now that you are familiar with the kit and extra familiar with the entire Voron build? Wondering if these would make sense for someone looking for print farm printers.

[@ModBotArmy]

Hmm, great question. If I did not stream and just hauled ass I would say under 10 hours. Which if you can use that time for other things is going to be pretty expensive if you times that by 10 machines so 100 hours. I am not saying they are not viable as print farm printers but I do think ROI would need to be calculated before diving in.

[@jon9947]

@@ModBotArmy Talked the boss into buying a 3d printer a while ago, and now we are developing a new product that I think we could 3d print part of it, so have him talked into buying a small fleet of printers. Think the prebuild Prusa machines are sounding like the way to go. Thanks!

[@thepvporg]

You have all those links but not an LDO kit link.

[@stefanrupertsberger5935]

Can someone provide a link for the organizers he is shaking at 13:15?

[@ga6287]

I love the voron models great vids. Will you do rat rig in the future or any annex? I'd love to see it.

[@ModBotArmy]

I would love to. Not in the starts currently but it is not off the table. I really try to keep the channel as diverse as possible without tunneling in to hard in one direction. (This does not always happen.)

[@ga6287]

@@ModBotArmy i understand completely i was just curious, glad to hear that its on the list.

[@tdtrecordsmusic]

I want to build one just to build one ! There is no room 4 it, but I still want to build

[@stevehanwright481]

Good conclusions..

[@BoxOfGod]

It's not over engineered but it's exactly what every printer should be. Instead we get these wobbly mess of a printers. Disclaimer: I might be a machinist snob working with 15 - 20 t rigid monsters.

[@showmytime9177]

Note that reviewer kits might be handpicked to actually work good. I ordered an LDO v0.1 for almost 1000EUR and it is shit. Got tons of problems with the kit and the way the printer is designed, I can't print the tophat.

[@britewires4305]

Now let's do a RatRig V-Core 3.

[@onewa712]

HUGE con: they don't ship to Mexico (this is where I live) 😟

[@ModBotArmy]

Is there an LDO distributor for Mexico?

[@onewa712]

@@ModBotArmy no :( I wanted to get that Voron 0 kit and found that it's only sold in US & Canada

[@dragnet53]

That is a small build plate.

[@TommiHonkonen]

Never do cheap always proper kit. You might think you save some meaningless amount self sourcing but it will bite you when you buy things twice. With cheap kit you but the whole thing twice.

[@JSunBurns]

Costs are high. Let's Go Brandon!

[@proto_hexagon5649]

that kit include Pi3 but dont come with it hahahaha

[@kitastro]

self sourcing is a fun time waster but still a time waster

[@AndrewLeathers]

waaay too small printer for that price...

[@Nabikko]

It’s quality though Edit also many good designs are multi print therefore you can build really big assemblies that go together. This printer is nice for the people taking multi print assemblies, (which are arguably better) to the next level.

[@AndrewLeathers]

@@Nabikko i dont know about that. Never seen any hq prints from a voron. Only fast ones

[@ModBotArmy]

They can print fast and high quality. I am not talking about the 1000mm/s but I have my V0 at 150-200 and it prints equal to my other machines that print around 60mm/s. Its definitely not for everyone but it performs well.

[@AndrewLeathers]

@@ModBotArmy nice. Still would like to see that(every video showcases only the 1000mm/sec). And its still veeery small. Its literally resin printer size. And i doubt it can print as hq as a resin printer.

[@Smokeisprogress]

You sound like you are trying to convince yourself the kit is better, this sauce taste weak. :D

[@theglowcloud2215]

$650 for this? Jesus.