The LDO Motors Rook MK1 is a 3D printer kit for people who want to get more involved in the process. Unlike plug-and-play printers that are ready to go right out of the box. This kind of kit gives you the chance to build the machine yourself. That might sound like extra work, but it’s also a great way to learn how everything fits together. The Rook MK1 comes with a sturdy frame and a modular design, so it’s built for tinkering and personalizing.

A lot of people choose a kit like this because they enjoy the building part as much as the printing. It’s not just about getting a printer—it’s about having control over how it works and the freedom to make it your own. Sure, plug-and-play printers are quicker to set up, but with a kit, you get a deeper connection to the machine. In this review, we’ll break down what it’s like to put together and use the Rook MK1 to help you figure out if it’s the right fit for your projects.

Design

The Rook MK1 has a simple, no-nonsense design that gets the job done. Its aluminum frame is sturdy and keeps vibrations to a minimum, which is important for clean prints. The frame parts come pre-cut and machined. So while you still get the full DIY experience, you won’t have to deal with cutting or shaping anything yourself. Everything fits together in a way that feels well thought out.

It’s also pretty compact, which makes it easier to find a spot for it on your desk or workbench. The open-frame layout keeps everything accessible, so making adjustments or adding upgrades later is no hassle. It doesn’t go for flashy looks, but it’s clear this design is all about practicality and function, which is exactly what you want in a kit like this.

Assembly

Building the Rook MK1 is definitely a hands-on project, and that’s part of the fun. The parts come well-organized, and the instructions do a decent job of walking you through the steps. It’s not something you can throw together in an hour. Though you’ll need to set aside a good chunk of time to put everything together and get it dialed in just right.

The process isn’t overly tricky, but it does take patience and a bit of focus. If you’re the kind of person who likes figuring out how things work, this will probably be right up your alley. Along the way, you’ll learn a lot about the printer. Which makes upgrades and troubleshooting down the road a lot easier. It’s a different experience from a plug-and-play printer, but for many people, that’s exactly what makes it so satisfying.

What You Get After Assembly

Once you’ve got the Rook MK1 built, you’re looking at a compact and solid 3D printer that’s ready to get to work. It’s built for reliability and gives you plenty of room to experiment. Here’s what it brings to the table:

• Build Volume: 180 x 180 x 180 mm—good for smaller to medium-sized projects.
• Frame Material: A sturdy aluminum frame that keeps vibrations down for smoother prints.
• Motion System: CoreXY setup, which is known for being efficient and giving you consistent movement during prints.
• Hotend and Extruder: It uses a direct-drive extruder, which works with a variety of filaments, so you’re not locked into one material.
• Bed Leveling: Manual leveling is standard here, but you can always add an upgrade if you want to make things easier.
• Electronics: It’s powered by a 32-bit control board that keeps things running smoothly and leaves room for tweaks and upgrades.
• Display: A simple LCD interface to control and monitor your prints.
• Power Supply: Comes with a reliable power supply that’s already set up to keep things safe and consistent.

Final Thoughts

The LDO Motors Rook MK1 is a great pick for anyone who enjoys the challenge of building. And also customizing their 3D printer. It’s not a plug-and-play model, but that’s the point.Tthis kit is all about giving you control and helping you understand how your printer works from the inside out. The sturdy aluminum frame, CoreXY motion system, and modular design make it a solid foundation for reliable printing and future upgrades.

That said, it’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for something that works right out of the box, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re someone who enjoys tinkering, learning, and making adjustments to suit your needs, the Rook MK1 offers a rewarding experience. It’s a printer that grows with you, letting you experiment and improve along the way.