We have a functioning printer! More details in the next few days…

I’ve been racing to get my printer done before spring break starts (now) and I leave for a conference next week (Tuesday). The X and Y decks are in, the power is in, the boards are mounted, and endstops are mounted, the Z deck is in… but… I managed to destroy two of the three ribbon cables used to connect the motherboard to the stepper boards. Not sure how I’m going to replace them as they are no for sale on Makerbot.com. Looks like it’s time to email Bre.

Additionally, while building the plastruder, the insulation tape ripped and I am very unhappy about how loose it ended up being around the print heater. I am likely to order a supply of new items, like the insulation tape, to eventually replace it (summer)?

I’m angry at the build directions, as I can not find how the endstops should be connected, how the wires should go, and if I need to wait to do this. If one follows the directions to a “T”, you would not connect them. Finally, I completely don’t understand the popsicle stick and endstop directions. Can someone post a good close of series of photos of how yours looks? I’m not clear on where I’m gluing the sticks, size of the sticks, where they are placed, etc. The directions are far, far too vague.