WebmakerBot
General Info
What is the Webmaker Bot?
The Webmaker Bot is a Makerbot Replicator 2 that we purchased for the Toronto office. It lives in the community space.
How do I use the Webmaker Bot?
The manual is available online here. There are also some helpful videos here.
The printer is very straightforward to use, but it's possible to permanently damage it if you're not careful! If you're unsure about how to use it, please ask for help! You can also abort a print that's in progress if things start to go badly.
Models you find online will come in STL form. You will need to install Markerware or ReplicatorG on your computer and convert the model into S3G that can be sent to the printer. You can copy your S3G file onto the memory card in the printer, or you can connect your laptop to the printer using the USB cable and print directly from ReplicatorG. You can also use netfabb to simulate your compiled GCode so you can see what each layer of the print will look like.
Make sure to notice the size of the model you're printing and also the estimated printing time. You should also level the build platform before you start printing. Select the appropriate item from the Utilities menu and the machine will guide you.
If you discover some new knowledge that would help other people, please update this document and share what you learned!
My model finished printing! Now what?
Wait until the extruder has moved out of the way and the build platform is lowered. Carefully remove the build platform from the machine and detach your model. Make sure to clean off all the extra bits of filament that may be stuck. When you're done, replace the build platform for the next person.
You should also consider keeping your model around the office for a day or two so that other people can see what you made! You can also take pictures and share them with @webmakerbot on Twitter.
Where can I get more or different colored material?
The Webmaker Bot eats 1.75mm PLA filament only! You can buy new spools in many fabulous colors here.
Where can I find things to print?
There are many models available on thingiverse. However, not all of them have been tested on the Replicator 2, or at all.
How can I contribute to the Webmaker Bot?
If you'd like to donate some funds for the Webmaker Bot, please send them through Paypal to webmakerbot@gmail.com. We use this money for upkeep and maintenance.
Contacts
Please sign up here if you're available and willing to help others with the Makerbot:
- Alan Kligman (email)
To-do List
- Buy a sturdy table
- Buy some sand paper (for cleaning rough edges)
- Buy some glue (find out what will glue PLA to itself)
- Buy a soldering pencil (for manually attaching PLA fragments)
- Set up a mechanism for letting other people know when you want to use the printer (so that everyone has a chance to use it)