Im hoping to get one of these shipped to Middle-Earth (aka New Zealand) in the near future but have a few key queries about the kit.

1. I can solder through hole components no problem (arduino shields etc) . but ill mangle SMT everytime. Any SMT chips to solder in the electronics kits?
2. If i wanted to could i run the same software on MakerBot electronics to have the option of a thermo extruder?.I understand the micRO extruder is in development but require filament feedstock for my ideas.
3. I priced up a v2 kit and had a nice shipping quote of $350ish USD haha . Is it possible to not order the base plate when i order to save weight/volume/cost on shipping. I have access to a commercial waterjet for a box of beers if i could grab a DXF/DWG of the baseplate hole positions after i order.

Thats all for now , cant wait to get one.

Regards,
Richard

Well, the baseplate is an option, an holes in it are also an option, so there is no reason to get it - it is just a flat plate of aluminium!

I've actually got a granite mirror polished slab (sounds fancy, but it's a cutting board meant for the kitchen I got from a Ž£1 shop!) that I was going to use before I decided sod it, I'll get a complete finished unit. You could do the same.

I think I've seen other posts where the shipping calculator was WAY off. I bet if you e-mail support@lumenlab.com you can get another, lower shipping quote. I once shipped a large titanium plate to Australia for around $35 IIRC.

Hi Richard, welcome to the fray!

There is nothing to solder at all. Depending on which machine you purchase, you'll either get the computer with embedded amps ready to run, or if you only bought the mechanics + electrics kit, you'd simply wire the amps yourself via simple screw-lug terminations. I'm guessing the shipping quote you got is wrong; please check with Kellie.

Sure you can run the extruder software, and yes you can have the base drawing.

Cheers

Thanks for the help guys , ordered yesterday cant wait to make stuff on it