Reddit reviews HICTOP Auto Leveling Desktop 3D Printer Prusa I3 DIY Kit High Accuracy CNC Self-Assembly 10.6" x 7.9" x 7.4" Printing Size【Filament Not Included】

It looks to be the Hictop Aluminum, either the standard or "High Accuracy" model with auto leveling. Easiest way to tell is to check if there's a green sensor at the same height as the nozzle on the back plate with the pillow blocks for the bearings. They're notable for having a somewhat oblong build volume, with a bed that's a decent bit longer than the de facto standard 200mm on one end, providing a significant boost to the size of models it's capable of printing. They're not exactly known for being reliable, though, so if it was in a dumpster, it may very well be for a major fault. Of course it could also just be because someone got frustrated working with a printer, which isn't exactly an unknown phenomenon. Either way, it has a lot of parts compatible with most other printers, so if it doesn't work outright, it's still got a lot of useful components that can be put to good use elsewhere.

The printer I went with was a kit from amazon - learning curve exists, but a fun hobby. http://www.amazon.com/HICTOP-Leveling-Accuracy-Self-assembly-Printing/dp/B015IHMOSK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1465218885&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=HICTOP+3d+printer&psc=1

Another option would be 3rd party printer service (shapeways) or as some others have suggested, check libraries and maker spaces.

Its a great hobby!

Haha! yea so I printed this with a raft after messing around with Cura a bit just to see how it would print. I plan on printing another without a raft.

Yea sorry about that I goofed on submitting:

Printer: Hictop Prusa I3 DIY Kit

It is the Hictop 3DP12, the Amazon price is a little higher now.
https://www.amazon.com/HICTOP-Leveling-Self-assembly-Size-Filament-included/dp/B015IHMOSK/ref=sr_1_2/168-6285419-8329745?ie=UTF8&qid=1479876595&sr=8-2&keywords=hictop+auto+level

I noticed that Amazon reviews sometimes mix different models together so they do not always reflect the current model.

I bought the hictop model which is pretty similar although more expensive. The instructions were poor and one hole was not threaded. Other then that it works well.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015IHMOSK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Looking to buy another kit or pre built printer. I have some experience. What do you guys think of this printer: https://www.amazon.com/HICTOP-Leveling-Accuracy-Self-assembly-Printing/dp/B015IHMOSK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Thanks for the additional info:

Since you commented the other link was not as good because of the Acrylic frame. What about this one which has an aluminum frame?

In the printing world is aluminum OK in place of steel?

I just checked my Slic3r settings, the nozzle diameter is set to 0.5mm.

I have this printer.

The specs say it's actually a 0.4mm nozzle diameter (which I just changed in my Slicer settings).

Just like u/tipsygelding said, this is in fact a HICTOP Prusa i3 clone. Here is a link to the Amazon page. It's not available, but from other sites I've looked at, it looks like it's ~$1000, so I'm glad you were able to grab it!

Oh, and welcome to the sub!

My personal recommendation (hictop prusa) is about $270. For $330 you'll have plenty of choices on Amazon. In hindsight I wish my printer had a metal frame but after some tuning it's a good work horse with a large print area. Good for the price just don't expect 1 micron resolution.

EDIT: just found two that I really want. Both with metal frames, one for sure has auto leveling (very very very good to have) and it's $520

HICTOP Auto Leveling Desktop 3D Printer Prusa I3 DIY Kit High Accuracy CNC Self-assembly 10.6" x 7.9" x 7.4" Printing Size【Filament Not included】 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015IHMOSK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_omnKzbNWBYW4W

HICTOP CR-10 3D Printer Prusa I3 DIY Kit Aluminum Large Print Size 300x300x400mm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSF5MGT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_OmnKzbTRAT56S