Should I buy these older model Printrbot plus?

[mcshannon]

Hello, I am just wanting to get started in 3d printing I am wanting to get in at a lower dollar amount.

I got the opportunity to buy used Printrbot plus 2.1, I have attached photo.

I am trying to decide if I want to start with this, or a new kit printer off ebay.

I am thinking that even though the printrbot is older it was made with better parts then the kits in the low price markets, so I am leaning to the printrbot, but looking for feedback.

Thanks!

[RetireeJay]

Do you know how much the Plus was used before it was offered for sale? And why the current owner is selling?

The plywood Plus has served a lot of people on this forum well, including me. There may not be much difference in quality between older units and newer ones regarding the smooth rods and the stepper motors. A metal frame is, of course, more rigid than plywood - but also harder to modify. If the unit you're proposing to buy still has a Ceramic Ubis, then you may find that you want to upgrade to an E3D or Ubis 13S.

The Plus in your picture does not seem to have a bed-leveling probe; in my opinion that is a good thing, but probes are pretty much the accepted state of the art now.

A lot depends on your skill levels at both hardware and software. Buying an older unit will almost surely come with some challenges, but the design of the plywood Plus makes almost everything "visible" so you can experiment, tweak, debug, and fix it yourself.

[mcshannon]

I don't think it was used a tone. I talked with the person selling a bit, and seems the brother that bought them just did not get into it much. You are right it does not have self leveling,

I think no matter what 3D printer I get, I will have a bit of learning and need to be working on the machine and I except that going in.

I am going to go observe it working before I buy if I do.

Thank you for your reply. I am leaning more now to get this if it seem working well then getting a cheap China printer off ebay.

[mcshannon]

Bonus question: If it is in good condition, what dollar value would you put on it?