While I've had fun converting my CNC router to a 3D printer, I am ready to get it back to its intended purpose. My first thought was to go with a Metal Plus upgrade kit, but I'm not sure I want to spend that kind of dough. Then I saw the MendelMax 3 kit, which is absolutely beautiful, and I am soooo tempted, but it starts at $1300. I've looked at MakerFarm, and I know they get excellent reviews. I have realized, though, that my two Simples have spoiled me to, well, simple design. Especially the Printrbot metal printers. It looks like they really streamlined the printer and the process. I don't want a build that will take days.
So what would you recommend around $1k? Obviously less is better, but in the end I don't want to have to mod (too much, anyway) or spend countless hours tinkering to get things to work just ok.