OK, last week found a guy who had bought one of the RS printers so went to have a look.
Machine is well build compare to the rest of the reprap machines but as I guessed it uses the same open source software as the kits.
I got him to print a small file I had which took 42 minutes and to be honest I wasn't impressed on the quality. Lacked square corners and furry in places with the layers clearly visible.
Having also seen and had a test print done by one of the UP printers, which incidentally took 25 minutes for the same part, bit the bullet and bought one.
Bought it from Cutwel [ yes correct spelling ] same price as everyone else but did get a deal on some ABS filament.
Set it up on the coffee table last night whilst relaxing with planning permission from her indoors. Very quiet, nearly silent and only a whiff of smell from the ABS but hey it's testing time.
Dead easy to setup, first print came out perfect [ pics later ] had a couple of problems on later prints getting started but it was down to me not following a procedure, once this procedure is picked up so far every print has come out OK.
So far printing off the spare parts needed in the event of a breakdown which are on the disc.
Done one spiral bevel gear which has finished up with an awesome surface finish.
Plenty of gizmo's to print if you fancy over at Thingiverse but what i have noticed is that in most cases the finish I'm getting is far better than the ones shown, presumably done on repraps ?
From what I can gather the secret of the UP's in in the software and the way it supports the work. One part i have printed is a clamp to hold the belt on the X axis and it has two small slots for the belt to go though.
It looked to have printed solid but when stripping there were two support pads keeping the two sides apart which when cooled easily pulled out.