Ha you are clearly more knowledgeable about 3D printers than I am :).

Reprap for anyone reading this is totally awesome. I didn't include it in my post but Reprap is an open source 3D-printer that can make itself...

It's basically the hardware version of the singularity: http://reprap.org/

Well, it can kinda "make itself".

Electronics and strong materials (steel mostly) are not included, and it takes quite a bit of assembly.

But yes, it awesome.

Lathes had been making themselves for ages before 3D printers.

That's a good point! I guess the iteration cycle has gotten an order of magnitude quicker and cheaper with 3D printers.

The most interesting thing about reprap is that it is a long lasting community who does (real) open innovation. There open innovation is not a buzzword. The reprap community didn't invent 3D printing, but they lowered the price and access and are the single (ahem, multiple) cause of the present flood of low cost, reliable 3D printers. They experimented, took many false paths, and continue to push in new direction. They also are the origin of many growing companies : Aleph, Prusa, even the French Dagoma…

Ha Ha! I have spent way too much time staring at 3D printers to get a good print! :)

Not to be overly pedantic but the Singularity is defined as the point at which AI has reached runaway growth during which it would improve itself beyond anything imaginable by humans.

I think you're just talking about a self-replicating machine like a Von Neumann Probe. (check out the show Lexx if you want to see the hilarious end result of this)

If I don't have the time to build a reprap myself, what would be a good version to buy?

If you can afford one, the Ultimaker 3 is fantastic and extremely easy to use! I've been using one for two weeks. It was pre-built and after unboxing I began a complex print with water-soluble PVA support material in about 20 minutes.

Ultimaker is a supporter of open source hardware: https://ultimaker.com/en/blog/17799-releasing-our-source-fil...

If I were replacing my Prusa with something off-the-shelf, I'd buy Ultimaker. My previous maker space had four of them, and they ran those things constantly with minimal fuss.

They are a bit pricey, but there's the option of buying used - lots of people buy 3d printers, and then realize they don't use 'em and so sell them second hand.

Let me first apologise for the late response. I am sorry I had forgotten about this thread.

The best 3D printer IMO is the Original Prusa sold by Josef Prusa himself. shop.prusa3d.com

3D Hubs also has a great section on 3D Printer reviews and ratings.

Flashforge, about 700 to 800 on Amazon. qidi clone is 400. Monoprice.com has a basic one for 349. Parts cost about 200 if you diy, I am told.