Kits needed to get started

You are correct that you need those 2 items. You will also need to 3D print your covers and spacers and you also may want to install a gripper or tool holder depending on your application. There is a servo gripper and pneumatic gripper option on the robot kits page or you can use any tool holder that you need.

Thanks for your help!
I currently have a budget of 1500$USD and based in Australia (shipping may be expensive). The two above kits would be (1329+729) ~$2100USD + shipping. Do you have any ideas on how to reduce the cost of the build?

Absolutely, there are a couple ways to reduce cost. The first would to to 3D print all the structural components, In the download file for the printed parts there is a folder for the structural components, obviously they wont be as rigid as the aluminum components but there are several filament options that are bit more rigid than just PETG, for example you could use a carbon fiber reinforced PETG, there are also nylon and polycarbonate options. I believe some of the nylon filaments are also available in a carbon fiber reinforced option. The print files also has a folder with some of the larger parts split into 2 files so you can print them on a standard size print bed and epoxy the 2 pieces into 1.

I have also tried to keep as many of the hardware and electronics components 'off the shelf' as possible and the bill of materials in the manual shows all of the parts in detail so you might be able to save money that way. The only hardware part that I haven't been able to find an off the shelf solution for is the J3 pulleys, so you would need to purchase either the hardware kit or the J3 belt upgrade.

The one thing you don't have much choice on is the stepper motors and drivers from Stepperonline as the robot is designed around their integrated gear-drive motors. I hope this helps and I hope you have fun with the project. Let me know what other questions I can help with -Chris

Thanks for your help Chris Annin !