They are still a good machine. There is a quite extensive upgrade path if you decide to go that route. I tend to focus more on Taz upgrades now, but the AO-101 is still a solid performer and you can get them printing at or better than stock Taz quality if you put in the effort.
Welcome to the forum!
Hey thanks a lot! Love all the links. I just need to get it printing right now. I didn’t print anything yet. I wanted to read up a little more while waiting on the filament. The mod I am thinking of doing first is the LCD. Get that rolling right and then change to the flexible head. Their flexible head is very expensive but I am sure there is a cheaper way. Once I find my way around and all these links are just what I needed.
You can print your own flexistruder if you like as well. the files for it are in download.lulzbot.com . You would need to find another budaschozzle somewhere (itworks3d.com may still have some) and you would need to source the drill bits from McMaster carr, but the instructions to make one are here https://ohai.lulzbot.com/project/flexystruder_assembly/
you would need a different mounting carriage, and the AO-101 wasn’t designed for extruder swapping at all, so swapping It in is a pain unless you change to a different carriage setup, but its doable.
A bit about yourself:
Hi. I’m big_i80, won’t say my name unless I know you. Sorry. I have a mechanical engineering degree and have worked in the medical device industry for nearly 15 years. I’ve worked in multiple machine design and manufacturing engineering jobs over the years. I currently work as a manufacturing engineer working on Mitral Heart Valve Repair. Over the course of my career I’ve made more parts than I could count in the machine shop and designed even more. I have my own company on the side for engineering and design work. For fun and giggles I play with arduino controllers, programming and board level electronics. By being at the right place at the right time I’ve outfitted my shop at home with a mill, lathe, welding gear and nearly everything else I could use for. I also purchased a license for 2016 SolidWorks in December. Fun stuff.
3D printer experience:
Several companies I’ve worked for have had a 3d printer. The last 2 facilities both had Stratasysprinters which were pretty nice but I was not impressed with the fact you had to purchase the material from them. You couldn’t even rewind the spools! Extremely handy for low cost tooling and prototype designs. I figured I would buy one eventually when the time was right. I found a TAZ 5 on an online auctionand won it for $575 out the door. Very nice shape. Not a big deal since I can rebuild anything I want in my machine shop.
Why I got into 3d printing:
Very handy, adds another skill to my tool box and I can use it to make anything I want to create. My kids are excited, they want toys built and Harry Potter glasses. 
Who am I?
I am an early retired guy of 50. I had gotten hurt and can not work anymore. I did that for 25 years here in Chicago and I have also been a furniture maker and Photographer.
What’s with that username?
Just something that is easy to remember and type no meaning to it at all. I have had that since the first post I have made on a computer.
3D printer experience
My 3d printer experience is a big fat 0. I have absolutely none except watching a friend set his new one up and try to print the first calibration and couldn’t. I bought a printer on E-bay that was together plus a bunch of extra parts for real cheap. I know that I can build one mechanically it is just the other part that is hard for me only but because I do not know it yet. So I thought it an easy way to get into it. Then the same day I won another printer! Yea totally unexpected. A Lulzbot AO 101 printer and ended up with two. That one was supposed to work but I haven’t been able to get it to print yet. It was also very cheap so I am ok with that because it is all there and is in great shape. I am very close and once I get my way around things and figure it out I will finish that Prusa I3 I won. With all the extra parts he sent with that one I am thinking of making a third once I figure this thing out! Maybe one of the taller models or even a real small one to do quick prints at my desk. I would actually like to get the Prusa I3 knock off working and get that new multi-head they have. That would be awesome. I have been thinking of 3D printing ever since I heard of it and now I have the chance to do it and I won’t quit. I am going to get these things working!
What I have printed so far
Absolutely Nothing!
Why I got into 3D printing
I am a tech nerd that loves this or any geeky kinda stuff. The kind of stuff that you have to tinker with but when you get it working it is very cool to see what you can make. I also do woodworking and would love to print some Jigs. The jig market for woodworking or metal working is expensive. You can make these things yourself out of wood for cheaper but they are not as accurate or wear quickly. If I can print these things I could save a ton of money and have a load of fun doing it. I can also refine them to be exactly what I want not something that covers things I do not need. I would love to design some jigs. I have a few Ideas. All in all it would be totally worth it. Only of course if I can get this thing going.
Hello all,
Taking a stop to make the necessary introductions. You can just call me CRobinson (i’m a little skeptical about giving up my full name online) or CR. I have no 3d printing experience except from helping my friends put theirs together and being around for the test run. I must admit that I am very intrigued by the lulzbot printers and I want to take the time to learn as much about them and 3d printing as I can. I have been eyeing a few used models, but I am not sure if I should get one of those or just put in the time and effort to build one of my own. I hope to learn a lot from the more professional printers on here, so please bear with me if i have any newbie questions 
Thanks!
FCL
For my 75th birthday almost 3 years ago my two children, (1 phd female biochemist and 1 male systems engineer, who now runs his own hi-tech 1 man manufacturing company) gave me a Makerbot mini. Totally unexpected and appropriate as I am a retired engineer, formally running a small hi-tech company designing and manufacturing, specializing in underwater acoustic systems. I am also a gearhead, although an EE by training.
I used (or tried to use) the mini for a year and a half, repairing the unrepairable extruder many times. I bought a second, thinking that by now (Fall 2015) surely they would have fixed the problem, (heat creep), but after a few months it too couldn’t be repaired, so in December 2015 my son said why don’t you buy a decent printer?
A little research pointed me to the Taz5, whiich I ordered. Of course shortly afterwards Makerbot introduced their extruder+, which seemed to work fine. However I already had the 5 and was very happy with it, so I gave the Makerbot to local school.
So what do I use it for? Models for my HO model RR, (outhouses are a recent favorite of my RR friends), Prototype parts for my son’s products ( I also have a lathe, drill press, etc) and misc things which I downloaded from Sketchup. Right now I am working on an HO bridge.
Most of my printing has been with PLA (no effort to control humidity), although I am planning to use PETG. I am on Cape Cod, a very humid place in 3 seasons and have never had a problem with moisture.
A bit about yourself:
I’m John. I have 2 (now 3) time consuming hobbies (triathlon/fitness[used to weigh 305, now 190], and playing bagpipes). I own a plastics manufacturing business with my brothers. One brother and I operate it. We mainly injection mold our own grocery/food handling related product line. Some light fabrication, some extrusion, some vacuum forming.
3D printer experiance:
Started off with a DIY kit (mostly just assembly and connecting wires, most of the tricky bits were already mounted/assembled) for Christmas. My Dad got it for me. Initially I was ticked. My brother and I had decided we were going to start off with a ‘commercial’ ready-to-go brand. However, I’m really glad of the way it worked out. I’ve decided that kit was a FORGERY from China of a no-name Chinese brand (you know it’s a hot industry when forgers are forging no-name brands), but that’s another story. But, it was (and still is) a pretty good little jobbie for <$200. To get it to work, I had to learn “enough”. To get it to print better than ‘out-of-the-box’…I had to learn a fair amount. All of that has paid off big time with graduation to the Taz 6. I have far greater understanding. Far greater ability to achieve better results because of what I gained. Someday, I’ll take that thing apart and rebuild the structure itself…for a bigger build area and better results. It’s pretty rickety.
Why I got into 3d printing:
Because it’s fun. It’s interesting. I can create applications for my other hobbies. But, I also own a plastics manufacturing company. And it would be downright dumb not to have an understanding of this tech. Granted, we’re not likely to do a whole lot with it in terms of making usable stuff. A few odd bits here and there we’ve done and will continue to do. But, just like the CNC stuff we did, it will pay off. We bought, gutted, and rebuilt a large format flatbed CNC router. Then built from scratch another one. We’ve used them for production, prototyping, etc…maybe…MAYBE a dozen times. But, the real payoff was learning some form of CAD (in 2D at the time). A few years ago, we developed a mold that required essentially a significant array of what amount to 2d inserts. The first inserts we had done…were by an old-school guy on an old-school waterjet who I assume plotted the G-code straight up. Basically guesswork at what we wanted…and very difficult and expensive to replicate and change. When I figured out that I could apply the CAD that I knew, what used to cost $200 for one part…I can now get done maybe 15-20 pieces for $120 by sending off the blanks and emailing the CAD file to a laser cutter outfit. And the turnaround has gone from a couple weeks to 2 days. And one of those days is an hour of time loading up the template and making the adjustments and driving the blanks over to the cutter.
Greetings! I just got a mini dropped off at my feet on the 15th and it’s been running almost non-stop since I placed it into its new home next to my desk. It’s my first 3D printer and I’m having fun with and loosing lots of sleep as my brain keeps thinking of things to make 
So far I made some parts for my RC Aircraft and am in the middle of a 15hour print for a fan/filter attachment for my machine. If anyone wants I can upload the files when it’s all done. I am also hopping to make an enclosure around it to help keep the work area more thermally stable and particulate free.
So yeah, not sure what else to say here, so HI!
Hi, I am new to this forum. Very excited to join the forum. 3D printing a well-maintained forum. I have done a project on a 3D printer. Is it possible to print large objects using a 3D printer?
Hello fellow wife annoying 3D printing chaps!
A bit about yourself:
My name is Martin and I am from the UK. I work as a supervisor for a company that manufactures parts for Airbus. My first passion is playing around with cars but now as I’m getting closer to the big five ‘O’ it’s getting to be more of an effort to roll around under them. Last Christmas I stumbled upon 3D printing which has lead me to you lot
3D printer experience:
Brought a cheap CTC I3 eBay special to play around with over last Christmas and have now found myself building a TAZ 6 clone.
Why I got into 3d printing:
I got into 3d printing because machine shop guys take so bloody long to do your homework when you need it
And because I have at work access to make most things from most materials apart from plastic which I find useful when prototype protects.
Why not make this my first post, right?
My name is Tim, and my wife and I started VB-3D. We are developing a nylon blend filament that uptakes moisture at an extremely slow rate, so you can leave your filament out and keep printing without a problem. Right now, we can go about 4 days with the filament in the open in my garage in North Carolina and still print without any popping or sizzling. We have a couple more tweaks to test before we jump all in. A family member is using a similar formula in a carpet manufacturing business they own and with a filament half as thick as your hair, they are getting months of having the fiber out in the open with no problems.
We purchased a Lulzbot Mini to do our testing, and love the Cura Software. We got into the printing just so that we can test filaments, and once we have figured out the filament blend, and some settings, we plan to go all in and launch a full scale production of the nylon, and introduce a few other fun filaments to the market!
A bit about yourself:
My name is Dennis and I live in New Jersey, USA. Twelve years ago my wife started a school that teaches Robotics and Programming and it has bloomed into a school that has almost 300 students. We compete in robotics competitions Nationally and Internationally. Because of this, we do a great deal of 3D printing for chassis, parts and sensor mounts. We teach a course in CAD design and 3D printing to help kids build their own models to enhance their robots.
3D printer experience:
First printer was a Makerbot 2. Own several Printrbots and an old Robo 3D and now own a Taz 6. Most of my design work is in OpenSCAD (my background is in software development). Sometimes we use Sculptris for more “organic” models.
Why I got into 3d printing:
Work related as mentioned above.
A bit about yourself: Name Kelly, worked as a design engineer for 36 years contributing to aircraft, spacecraft and commercial end items. For the last 15 years I have been working as a full time Design Engineering consultant, trainer and the founder and publisher of the website Engineers Edge.
3D Printer Experience: Just ordered a TAZ6, I have many years of experience ordering rapid prototype model from services suppliers – this will be my first move into actually printing the models myself.
Why I got into 3D printing: Hopefully ~ faster return of models, rebuilt some engineering training models I have, presents, try out some ideals and it’s just cool.
A bit about yourself:
My name is Keith, and was a Manufacturing technician for ~30 years before I started a new career in E-commerce. Which gives me lots of free time to volunteer and share some of my electronic/mechanical skills.
3D printer experience:
Started fixing the local AO-100 printers in a couple local maker spaces when the persons who were, found new jobs and no longer had the time to fix them. Then was asked to help refurbish/repair 3D printers for a local start-up company and train others in fixing Lulzbot printers and others that are sent in for repairs. Have a KITTAZ that I reassembled and is currently a Taz 5, then a Taz 6 I bought, and a Mini prototype. I have printed quite a few replacement parts the last 3-4 years now, where I got a lot of printing experience. I also have couple of other 3D printers Bibo Touch, Tevo Little Monster, and Geetech Rostock clone. Also a couple deltas clones that I still need to finish building. 
Why I got into 3d printing:
Work related as mentioned above.
[/quote]
Hey
This is my second post, I thought I might as well introduce myself as well.
A bit about myself:
I go by the name of Tigershahkhan, I from the south, typical southern boy, I play a hell of alot of sports, I love to read, I do alot and hence the reason I got into 3d printing. I am a very proud owner of a TAZ 5 printer with a flexdually tool head. I started at the makerspace around me Lulzbot mini in Durham North Carolina and then took a class just so I could use the makerspace at North Carolina State University and now have a makerspace in my garage.
Why I got into 3d printing
Well, thats a hard question for me, I think I got into it because I saw the future. Not the future of a 3d printer in everywhere (even though I think it will come) I saw my future. The ability to come up with anything, my imagination can run wild, I said why not? I thought myself Solidworks and now the rest is history. I have printed bottle caps, wall brackets, many a alienmen and octupi? Now looking to use this skill to the next level with dual extrusion printing
Anyway, I would say I am intermediate, I am saying that because I have read some post and am aware of many of the topics since I have had many similiar issues with people here. Other then that, glad to be part of the forum
PEACE
Hello all,
Apologies, Probably should have done this a while back.
A bit about yourself:
My name Kyle Vick. I am a Navy orofacial pain specialist. I treat pain from the collar bone up. I have training in jewellery making, dentistry, and landscape architecture.I also have a compulsion to create… ( a sickness really) and my Rhino 3D and Taz 6 let the creativity out!
3D printer experience:
I didn’t really learn much 3d drafting until I bought my Taz 6. I am still a newbie to 3d printing but am learning quickly.
Why I got into 3d printing:
I have also been a car freek for most of my life and built several hotrods. I was carving matt wax and casting shift knobs in bronze. I had done lots of 2D drafting while working for a planning department - using Autocad 10/11… on a sun workstation… yes i’m old They were just getting into 3D then and it was really difficult. I started playing with Zbrush and Rhino hoping to reduce the difficulty in reproducing a design for casting.
A bit about myself: We are a group of technicians that work on electrical utility equipment. Transformers, circuit switchers, circuit breakers, capacitor banks, reclosers, digital relays, etc. A lot of this stuff is old and the manufacturers are out of business. Some manufacturers just try to rob you on repair parts. (read on)
3D Printer Experience: Taz 6 - 18 months; added a V2 Dual Extruder - 2 days
Why I got into 3D printing: We purchase a part that costs $70 that we can make for $0.50 in filament.
Where I want to go with my 3D Printing: Be able to draw upgraded parts, useful tools, and gadgets. We use 123Design, the free Autodesk software, and we hate life because of it.
Coolest thing, to me, that I’ve printed so far: Everything.
Mark here, just got a Lulzbot TAZ6 with the idea I will make NLA parts for chainsaws (my real passion). For the next while I will have the Engineers where I work draw up the parts and I will print them. So far they have a couple of items designed and I have made a few parts, even sold a few.
We printed a few items at work (president of the company wanted the Engineers to get innovative so they bought a Lulzbot TAZ6) so I knew it was possible.
Now to come up with some more suitable items to produce.
Mark
A bit about yourself:
Hi all. My name is Peter. Well, let’s see. I used to take radios apart and make contraptions. Fast forward many years, and I got into 3D surface modeling (I need to say “Surface” but back, I had no idea about solids, circa 1987). I was once of the first kids on the “block” with an Amiga computer. I hocked my Apple IIe system and got a paper route to make up the cost difference. I learned Ray Tracing, and ended up in the video game biz around 1992. It’s been quite a few years since I modeled anything, as my career took me our of art and into product management. I always had a love for 3D, but I needed more…
Introducing the Newmatter on the funding site. I bought one as in intro. It was great…until it wasn’t. No details. Let’s just say, it jammed up…big time. But the bug had bit. I’m researching printers, looking around, and low and behold, there, on eBay, was a gentleman in FL selling a ever so slightly used TAZ 5 for an unreasonably good price. After talking with him, it seemed his wife wasn’t thrilled about the printer, and he wasn’t the most mechanically inclined. My gain…
3D printer experience:
So that’s where I am today. I got rid of the NewMatter and have made some mods fro my TAZ5. I installed Piercet’s z-wobble fix, put thicker PEI sheet on, added an Octoprint unit, some lights, beefed up the bearings and rods, and here I am. Oh, I also just upgraded to an Aerostruder head!
Why I got into 3d printing:
Why? Why do dogs lick…OK, too graphic, but hey, as a guy, that’s the answer.
I love 3D. Modeling is deep in my DNA. Solids gives me an opportunity to manifest ideas into reality. I’ve designed and built a number of doodads (technical jargon). Some are practical, some are not. I’ve printed a bunch of stuff from the web (some practical…). But its the joy of creating something from nothing (or at least a strand of plastic). And I’m digging the new composite materials, like iron, wood, etc.!
OK, there you have it.