We have a Makerbot Replicator 1 in our Makerspace and it actually works well and is very useful. But we modified it quite a bit (mainly with an enclosed and hea

We have a Makerbot Replicator 1 in our Makerspace and it actually works well and is very useful. But we modified it quite a bit (mainly with an enclosed and heated print volume and also a more sturdy build platform). A lot of the quality of a 3D-print comes from the software and Makerbot actually did a good job there. I also don't think the parts are too weak. Certainly, machined aluminium or lasercut MDF is more robust, but for a lot of things I find that 3D printed ABS or PLA is plenty strong enough ;) I very much agree on the usefulness of laser cutters! Unfortunately they are too big for our space :(