These pictures are of the buildplane/buildplatform.  There is a picture of a template, the MDF(medium density fibreboard) board, the corner mounts attatched and the assembly in place. The step after this is to install the z-posts that will raise and lower the platform.

A few more pictures showing how the top and bottom frame are separated with the vertical posts which are also M8 rods. You can also see the base diagonals which are M8 studding (threaded bar) attached with diagonal tie brackets that have been printed fixed with M8 nuts and washers.

Here are a selction of pictures where you can see how using M8 rod and M5 nuts, bolts and washers the frame starts to take shape.

The pictures show the top and bottom parts of the frame, the x-axis assembly (the middle carriage is where the extruder will be mounted) and a picture of the x-axis assembly mountd on the top frame.

Here are a selection of parts that were built at the university on a commercial rapid prototyper. The parts are created using a CAD package by the people at reprap. The .stl files are available to download and are then fed into a computer connected to the rapid prototyper and a build is set up.

X motor Bracket

X Carriage (holds the extruder)

Y motor Bracket

All printed parts (minus a few I missed off list to build, mistake)

These parts are the main difference between my device and the Braes. These are printed parts where the Braes are laser cut.

Introduction

Hi all,
my name is Craig Barbour, I am a 4th (and final woo!) year BTechEd student at Glasgow University. I am also building a reprap machine as part of my final year project. Unlike the Braes project I have sourced the majority of the parts myself and my parts are FDM prototyped instead of laser cut parts. I think Brian said on this blog that sourcing components may be more enjoyable and satisfying, it was but so troublesome I would advise against. (Royal mail owe me circuit boards).
I will post some pictures of my progress so far so you can see how it looks and the similarities and differences between the Braes kit and mine.
Look forward to seeing the Braes progress as well and sharing news, problems and ideas
Feel free to get in touch for any info.

Craig