Upgrading the FT-5 R1 to R2?

[Michael_Czeiszperger]

I bought the FT-5 R1 but haven't built it yet, or even opened the box. I was hoping there might be a way to buy just the changed parts in the R2 kit so I wouldn't have to buy a whole new kit. Anyone know if this is a thing?

[mstrauss]

The update kit was showing on the FT site, but it was also showing as sold out.

[csorrows]

There is a kit (currently out of stock due to high R2 demand) but it does not include all the updates. I would suggest either selling your kit and buying the R2 or ask if you could return it and order the R2. Keep in mind, they are costly to ship.

[Ron]

The update kit was showing on the FT site, but it was also showing as sold out.

I saw a notation there that some parts of the kit (unspecified) may be available as "seconds".
That could be an option- piece part it.
Assuming that a person ditches the corner pieces in favor of aluminum or steel anyway, pretty much all that remains that is of interest are the base plate, build plate support and extruder pieces (which are themselves quite easily printed !).
Doesn't help with the 12 volt PSU though.

I have noticed a lot of things that seem to be chronically sold out on their website.
Is this a labor shortage issue or are they just not adequately re-stocking?
For common items (bearings, idlers, lead screws, cables) that only forces users to other websites and vendors.

[csorrows]

This could be due to two things I know about.

• They lost someone but it looks like they are going to hire 2 more
• John is waiting for a big shipment from China of "big parts" for the upcoming CNC. There may also be normal stocking parts in there as well.

Anything related to R2 parts (R1 > R2 conversion and the FT-5 CNC) are put on hold while they catch up on R2 orders.

The "seconds" kits were sold out very quick. They were gone before I even knew about them. These were cut while John was learning the quirks of cutting ACM on a CNC. It goes through cutting bits much faster than expected and leaves a rolled edge as they dull. There are no plans to offer these again as he now knows when to change them.

[Ron]

That all makes sense. Thanks.
I have a neighbor who has visited FT and he said they are a small shop in a small town.
I have passed through Milford myself on the way from Keene to Nashua and beautiful as it is, it is a bit off the beaten path.
That is part of its charm of course. Nice place.
As said earlier, I am not a potential customer for the upgrade kit anyway because I have gone a different route already (aluminum corners and stout diagonal braces, synchronization mono-belt for the two Z motors, front center bar removal -thanks again- and so forth).
I have some planned modifications for the upcoming colder months that include transitioning to single Y and Z motors using totally different belt and pulley setups anyway.
Plus I am just about to install my auto shutdown/overtemp modification (perhaps as early as tomorrow).
Part of it takes the place of the front left lower corner piece and routes wires through the existing bottom plate.
When I do my single motor Z modification I will likely transition to a very lightweight build plate support platform made of aluminum channel as others have done.
Plus I have a crazy idea for a unique (so far as I can tell) auto-level sensor scheme, not that I feel it is all that necessary since I sync'd the two motors.
FT-5 R2-a perhaps?

[PaulS]

Yup, just Like @Ron, we all tend to go a different route, if you are handy, you can get all the upgrades and more by following some of the posted topics and upgrades mentioned here. Kit might be easier in some ways but if you want to work with what you have, make no mistake, it is totally possible to do it your self as well. unlike a lot of similar machines the FT-5 is an extremely flexible starting point even with 1st gen chassis's

[csorrows]