I've been into the DIY 3D printer scene since about 2007, and cobbled together CupcakeStrap (http://reprap.org/wiki/CupCakeStrap) from spare parts found laying around. Nowadays I work for MakerBot!

And now, a song:
Power supplies and linear bearings,
adhesives and solvents and excessively complex gearings.
Capacitors and resistors and LEDs,
these are a few of my favorite things ~

Laser cut plastic and hand soldered boards,
nuts and bolts and mechanics I hoard.
Wires and motors and and internet memes,
these are a few of my favorite things ~