I’ve been getting into buying “broken” and “as-is” used Snapmaker machines and repairing them to give to my friends, and often these machines are missing components (or components broken beyond repair), have stripped screws, or something along those lines. While Snapmaker’s store has more options for spare parts than ever, I believe there is still room for improvement on what’s available.
An example being some of the odd length screws such as M4x70 Low Head (on the 2.0 machine), M4x28 Ultra Low Head (on the 2.0 enclosure), and M4x35 Low Head (on the 2.0 enclosure). I cannot get these screws from a place like McMaster Carr or AliExpress due to the odd lengths. Another part I need a lot of are just the motor with extruder gear on the 2.0’s 3D printing module because the gear is stripped. Without reaching out to support, I’d have to buy the whole module on the Snapmaker Store. There are other items that come up occasionally, but these are just a couple examples.
I recommend that Snapmaker carry a more general stock of parts on their store which would prevent a lot of interaction with the support team and would speed up the process for myself and others that know what parts they need.
Biggest issue with that would be shipping. You might need a handful of screws for ~80 cents, but it’ll cost $15 to ship. It would only be worth while if they offer it on say their Amazon page. Then stock them at a local warehouse so you get free or local shipping.
I agree that shipping could get out of hand for some small quantity of parts, but I already have to pay that shipping charge if I email support. McMaster Carr shipping isn’t always cheep either, but it is fast. If Amazon had it, at least those with Prime could get free shipping.
I agree with you, this would make things much easier and support has time for real stuff.
When i think about the worm screw in the 3d print head, it was frequently asked here… @Jade, please stock up the warehouse with screws and other usefull things?
also agree. frankly, i would be very motivated to buy a bunch of small parts. it would also be an easy decision to add other things to the order to make shipping worthwhile.
Can you get the low head and ultra low head screws longer? My wire cutters can also cut small bolts. A quick ebay search turns up some M4x50 bolts with reasonable shipping. The cutters do bugger up the end a little, but you can clean them up by running the fresh end through the cutter a few times until it’s less chunky.
In the past, when I’ve been looking for resistors, it’s been cheaper to buy a roll of 1000 mounted for automated assembly versus a single loose one. I’m not sure if bolts come that way though.
I know that doesn’t address all your needs, but hopefully it unblocks some of your projects.
That may be the solution I am looking for. A set of parts that’s regularly worn on a used machine plus a whole new set of hardware.
@TK4132 That’s what I’ve been doing for certain parts (motors, PCBs), but it would be nice for the parts to be at a local warehouse.
@clewis When I get hardware from McMaster, that’s my current operation. I run an M4 die on the threads, cut them where I need, and run the die back off to clean the threads. It’s not as clean as a manufactured bolt, but that’s all I can muster for now.
Sounds to me like a ready made business for you. Work a deal with SnapMaker to resell their parts (small commission that matches their business discount to you); add in new and used parts you get from other sources; and be the next Elon Musk entrepreneur. I think you could buy new complete machines and part them down and make a profit. Just a thought.