Alright guys, I was trying to be humble and not a braggart about the machine and price tag, but this write-up wouldn't be complete without that kinda info.
The machine that I found that best fit my wish list above was the LulzBot Taz 6.
Here a link to their page with full pricing and specs:
https://www.lulzbot.com/store/printers/lulzbot-taz-6
It is open source hardware and software.
It is upgradeable with a dual extruder (for printing two colours at once), and other special heads for flex material, etc.
The maximum print envelope is about 11 x 11 x 10 inches.
The nozzle diameter is 0.5 mm.
It currently sells for USD $2500.
I was going to get it direct from Lulzbot as they offered free shipping in Canada (almost unheard of!) from their "Canadian Fullfillment Centre".
However, I actually found it slightly cheaper (also with free shipping) on amazon.ca.
After dollar conversion, taxes and with 6 spools of different colour filament (o.5 kg each), it was CAD $3800.
Also, I knew if I didn't buy one soon then that saved money would be spent on something frivolous like new windows for the house
.
With this machine a large number of the components are themselves 3D printed. In fact, the SD memory card that came with it has the models for all the printed parts.
I figured this would give me an instant 3D printer setup, and offer the ability to duplicate the machine in the future.
Here's a video showing their "fleet" of 109 printers making parts for more printers:
I don't have pictures of my printer yet, but will get some........
-brino