And the best thing is, I'll make it open source 
I have the same printer lol its great.I have a Makerbot Replicator X2, and I'm about to build my first 20 cob fixture.
I already printed a perfect heatsink out of ABS, and my friend will try to make a mould out of it so we can pour our own passive pin heatsinks in aluminium for like $0.50 each.
I had the idea for my light to design a modular system, which means that my design can be used for creating a fixture as big as you'd like and expand it later to fit your needs.
Currently I'm waiting for some parts to come in at the store, after I have all the parts I will adjust the designs I already have. Its going to be awesome
Can i ask you guys ,how much for one of these 3d printers used vs new .and is it worth getting a used one or maybe what to stay away from?
You could get a small one for a few hundred but the build plate will be 4" max There are a lot of different features and filaments you can use. Not all filaments are interchangeable. Its going to be a matter of preference on the features you want the build size type of material you can print plastic metal flexible wood pva to name a few.
would cast aluminum have similar thermal performance to cold forged?
I dont know mate, I think alot also depends on the type of aluminium used for the cast. This will be an experiment, might work - might not
Any 3d printer can do that, even if the build plate is not big enough.
is that what ABS pipe glue is?Any 3d printer can do that, even if the build plate is not big enough.
There is software available with a so called "slicer" function, which cuts up a design into pieces which fit on the build plate.
You'll need good glue tho
I've printed a big part like this in ABS filament. ABS filament can be "welded" together with the use of acetone.
not necessarily. you can slip fit a rack kit with molded connector corners together in your living room in 5 min. not everyone has a drill (or should be using one)
You and me need to talk, bro.
I feel you, but for me personally there is also that optical / design factor what's important to me. CNC/3D printing/designing is a hobby, as well as growing plants, so I combine them and take my time untill I'm satisfied with the result.
And like you say, it also counts.I feel you, but for me personally there is also that optical / design factor what's important to me. CNC/3D printing/designing is a hobby, as well as growing plants, so I combine them and take my time untill I'm satisfied with the result.
A frame could basically be made from pieces of scrap wood and a couple of screws or any other other materials you might have kept around in your garage, so even the purchase of sheet metal or metal profiles is not entirely justified, but where's the fun in that approach?
Besides the eye-candy-factor it's also nice to include cable guides, bolt holes, etc. in one printed design so there is no fiddling around with different parts. I just design it where I want it
En zoals ik al zei, het oog wil ook wat