As number 3 on the list to own the new MK3, I am reluctantly putting my MK1.5 up for sale in the Orlando area. At this time I do not plan on shipping it, so local only.

What can I say, this machine feels like a part of me having used it so often over the past 2 years, yet it is in better condition today than it has ever been.

Mine is one of the few that were successfully modified with a belt drive Y axis. What that means is that I can move the gantry at speeds that are unheard of in most of the other MK1 phlatprinters.

An original Phlatprinter has typical speeds of around 40 inches per minute along the Y axis and 7 to 10 on the Z (up and down) axis. My machine can do 1200 ipm on the Y and 40 on the Z when traversing from part to part, but in reality that is too fast for anything practical. I restrict it to a more sensible setting since you really cannot cut foam that fast. I run feed rates for most everything at 130 ipm with 500 ipm traverse.

I can cut all types of foam, balsa wood, lite plywood (up to 1/8") with ease. I cut phonelic parts with it as well such as control horns and anything similar.

I am offering it for $750 which is a bargain considering the upgrades I put into it.

Variable speed Dremel replaced the original 2 speed version.
$300 Gecko G540 controller
$175 Mach 3 software that drives the CNC code.
24volt power supply.
Z axis components upgraded to 1/2" stainless steel rods with oilite bearings, 1/4" Acme thread, anti backlash couplers, and ball bearing support.
Y axis is a custom made belt drive with outboarded aluminum block adjustable ball bearing pulley providing the full range of 22" cutting area.
A Relay board switches the power on and off the spindle and auxiliary florescent light inside the cabinet.
Power Switch and Emergency Stop switches mounted on an MDF electronics housing.
Removable MDF cabinet to house the electronics.
Cooling Fan.
Upgraded stepper motors to produce 260 oz/in of torque
Removable third roller to put more pressure on the material.
Removable hardboard surface plate.

Bonus: Software library of planes, boats, and other goodies

The machine has been in operation for nearly 2 years and performs perfectly to this day. I recently installed a new housing for the Y axis stepper and a gave the unit a fresh coat of paint. It looks and operates as good or better than it did two years ago.

Larry Fortna
35527 Cedar Lane
Leesburg, Florida 34788
(352) 455-5984 Attached files

 

I have decided to allow shipping (USA only). Actual UPS shipping costs would apply.

I realize I am asking more for my Phlatprinter than some of the others, but due to the upgrades such as the Geckco controller, etc, I feel that it is justified.

Also, If you don't need Mach 3, I will drop the price to $600.

 

I just added one more mod to the machine. If I keep this up, I am not going to want to sell it ever!

Recently I have been cutting more and more projects using Balsa and Plywood. I came to notice that I had roughly a quarter inch of sag along the middle of the top plate which caused my tabs to cut thru all the way. Sag is no problem when you are cutting foam, but it can be a pain when you are trying to do precision cuts with wood.

I came up with a great solution which as to install a ruler along the opening for the bit where the top is at its weakest point.

A few more minor adjustments were made to make sure the bit travel from end to end was consistent and now we have a fine precision cutting piece of machinery and I also added a roller mod to put more tension on the top roller.

I also upgraded the paint and put back the made in the USA artwork.

This machine is now in tip top condition. Attached files

 

Update...

I have been convinced by my friend up the street, not to sell my G540 controller with the Phatprinter as he is working up an interface for the new USB card, so here's the deal...

I will exchange the Gecko G540 controller (http://www.geckodrive.com/product.aspx?i=14469) for the Easy CNC controller (http://www.easy-cnc.com/3axisdriver.html) that ships with the Phlatprinter 3 and reduce the price on my MK1.5 accordingly.

The G540 sells for $299 and the Easy CNC controller from Mechtronics sells for $149, however, I only paid $199 for my Gecko because it was a limited offer on sale at the time.

Thats a $50 difference which I will subtract from my $750 price making it $700 plus shipping to your USA address.

I will need to wait till my Phlatprinter 3 arrives before I can sell this one. Probably will make a nice Christmas present for someone, hint hint.

Considering you will still need Mach 3 to cut anything serious, that makes the price of the actual Phlatprinter come in at around $550.

Not a bad price considering the belt drive mod, upgraded power supply, relay board, high torque stepper motors, controller housing, third pressure roller, switches, fans, lighting, and bearing driven Z axis were all added to the original MK1.

 

Hello Flash, Where did you get the Aluminum Pulley Block?

 

A friend made it for me on his milling machine.

 

Okay, last chance to get a great bargain before Christmas... Local Pickup only.

Reduced to $350, includes Computer, wireless keyboard and mouse, Mach 3, and a brand new Mecktronics controller (never opened). Phlatforum members get an additional $50 off.

You will have to hook up the controller as I removed the Gecko controller from it and used it in my Phlatprinter .

Gotta make some room in my shop...

 

Sold to a guy who works at the LHS. I advertised on Craigslist and got a lot of responses. One guy came out and looked and wanted to think about it. Thirty minutes later and it was too late. Will be picked up Thursday and I will once again have room to move about in my shop.

 

I practically gave it away, but at least I know its going to a good home. The first fellow was a landscaper and was looking at it to carve 3D reliefs and has CAD experience and Sketchup experience.

The fellow to whom it was sold wants to use it build a foam plane to sell where he works. It is funny, because I talked to him about it a couple months ago before I had decided to buy the Phlatprinter . He was interested but money was tight. I talked to him again last week and left my business card in case he changed his mind.

He decided to team up with another guy to help with the costs but by now I had reduced the price so he probably could have gotten it on his own.

I hate to see it go really. It has been a real workhorse. I have cut a lot of foam over the past two years. But on the other hand, I am really excited to have the 3rd generation machine in house. I can see exciting things to come as we forge ahead in the next year. Mark's never ending mind is always coming up with brilliant new things and with the ideas and help from everyone on the forum, I am sure that the new year will bring lots of new ideas.

 

Yes, as a matter of fact, it is Jason! Amazing that you, in California, would know Jason. What a small world we live in.

 

Dang, nothing's a secret in the RC world! Thanks for the compliments Chris but I feel like I'm startng all over again with 3D and pattern designs. I guess it proves you can teach an old dawg new tricks Now I've got to clear the shop and get some other projects out of the way. I just set up the machine today and have to figure out everything now. Mouse doesn't seem to activate on screen buttons(only if I hit enter)-got to figure that one out. Will try another mouse and see if that's the problem. Larry did a great job on assembling the Phlatprinter and I can't wait to get it all sorted out and start making some foam/balsa dust! Thanks again Larry! Here's my blog on RCG-PM me and I'll send you some files

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/member.php?u=63092

Regards,
Jason

 

Welcome to Phlatland Jason,

I am sure you will get much enjoyment out of my ole machine. Until I get my sorted out, it probably cuts better than my new machine

As I mentioned when you picked it up, the mouse is pretty tired. It has so much foam dust in its belly from eating foam cheese that it don't work so well anymore. Have to press really hard on the left button. The right button works good, but you will need to replace the mouse if you don't want to fight it.

Looking forward to seeing what you can do with your new toy.

 

Thanks for the support guys. I'm sure I'll have a few questions the more I get into it. Look forward to not using so many razor blades! And I've got a Miss Wind Bipe Neu motor mount to cut out for one of the first projects. Better get that sucker on line quick

 

Thanks Mark and Trish for the warm welcome! I've got the mouse problem licked now so it's on to calibration. Got to get a bundle of blucor for some test cuts before I put in the good stuff and start cutting. Looking forward to getting back into CNC and cutting out some fun projects I've got lined up.

Regards,
Jason