3D Printer Suggestions

I bought the Monoprice version of it https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-11...018GZBC3Y/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 about 5 months ago for around $350 don't know why they went up in price.....pretty much the same machine. I love it, spent most of the first couple months printing upgrades for it from thingiverse, and ordered some new bearing and an all metal hot end. All in I have well under $500 into the machine and it does well more than I'm able to. All in all I would buy again, it's a total blast and I have no regrets buying it. Just know there is a learning curve with the software (slicer) and your going to have some failed prints, not not the end of the world.

Have fun.
MJ
 
The monoprice one is a decent starter.
Just don't go solidoodle.
If you can get a used replicator / makerbot or I've seen great results on a Flashforge creator.

Or you could build a sla resin printer from a kit.
 
CommonGround said:
I bought the Monoprice version of it https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-11...018GZBC3Y/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 about 5 months ago for around $350 don't know why they went up in price.....pretty much the same machine. I love it, spent most of the first couple months printing upgrades for it from thingiverse, and ordered some new bearing and an all metal hot end. All in I have well under $500 into the machine and it does well more than I'm able to. All in all I would buy again, it's a total blast and I have no regrets buying it. Just know there is a learning curve with the software (slicer) and your going to have some failed prints, not not the end of the world.

Have fun.
MJ
Click to expand...

Thank you for this, i had no clue that this existed. It will be a while until I can afford this, but it looks like its worth it
 
Valcrow said:
Stay away from the makerbots! There are much better choices out there for that price.
Click to expand...
Ain't that the truth!

I use an Ooznest Prusa i3 until i finish my own custom leadscrew version.

One thing I will say is lookup Mutley3d on reprap forums. His Printbite sheet is a must have upgrade for the bed.
 
falloutboy said:
Just don't go solidoodle. .
Click to expand...

Second that, the company officially went under a few months ago actually. If you have a micro-center in your town I'd highly recommend getting one of their PowerSpec 3D printers, I have 4 that I grabbed all "open box" models of for only $500 each :) They're literally just re branded Flashforge Creator Pros.
 
I own a Flashforge Creator Pro, a Wanhao i3, and a robo3d.
The Flashforge and Wanhao are exceptional, in my opinion.
I WOULD strongly suggest that you pair your new printer with the simplify3d software. I've only been using it for a couple of months, but I am very impressed.

also, if you get the wanhao, i would recommend that you print a set of these:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:921948
 
I also have the Wanhao duplicator I3 V2.
I've had it for a couple of months and with the upgrades you can print yourself with a few screws and threaded rod makes it awesome for the price.
 
squidsicle said:
I own a Flashforge Creator Pro, a Wanhao i3, and a robo3d.
The Flashforge and Wanhao are exceptional, in my opinion.
I WOULD strongly suggest that you pair your new printer with the simplify3d software. I've only been using it for a couple of months, but I am very impressed.

also, if you get the wanhao, i would recommend that you print a set of these:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:921948
Click to expand...

What is your opinion of the robo 3d ?
 
OBI WAN KEN0B1 said:
What is your opinion of the robo 3d ?
Click to expand...

I backed their Kickstarter campaign for the PLA only model.
I'll preface the following by saying that I've never had any problems with the usability or reliability of the machine.
With that being said, I personally feel that there is a LOT of room for improvement and I dont consider it a turn-key solution.
Most users, myself included, only start to really appreciate the ROBO3D after they have added a bunch of upgrades ( e.g. smart LCD Panel, extruder, hot-end, Lights,enclosure,etc.) The chasis is almost comically large, and i find it a bit noisy compared to the other machines.

If you're willing to put some time and money into it, you will end up with a reliable machine with good quality and a huge build volume.
Additionally, the Robo3D community is very helpful when it comes to troubleshooting and upgrades.

Do I like the machine? yes.
Do I think other machines (e.g. wanhao & flashforge) offer more value? yes.

I should also mention that I find the flashforge EXCEPTIONALLY easy to work on. I actually purchased mine on ebay as a "broken/ for parts" unit.
I stripped it down, cleaned it, and replaced the extruder. It's like a brand new machine
 
squidsicle said:
I backed their Kickstarter campaign for the PLA only model.
I'll preface the following by saying that I've never had any problems with the usability or reliability of the machine.
With that being said, I personally feel that there is a LOT of room for improvement and I dont consider it a turn-key solution.
Most users, myself included, only start to really appreciate the ROBO3D after they have added a bunch of upgrades ( e.g. smart LCD Panel, extruder, hot-end, Lights,enclosure,etc.) The chasis is almost comically large, and i find it a bit noisy compared to the other machines.

If you're willing to put some time and money into it, you will end up with a reliable machine with good quality and a huge build volume.
Additionally, the Robo3D community is very helpful when it comes to troubleshooting and upgrades.

Do I like the machine? yes.
Do I think other machines (e.g. wanhao & flashforge) offer more value? yes.

I should also mention that I find the flashforge EXCEPTIONALLY easy to work on. I actually purchased mine on ebay as a "broken/ for parts" unit.
I stripped it down, cleaned it, and replaced the extruder. It's like a brand new machine
Click to expand...

Thanks for the incite. I know they have upgraded the machine alot since then , I really like that it is a American company. I will have to do some research on the Flashforge Thanks again
 
Out of curiosity, how many of you are running your printer(s) almost 24/7? And how are you finding the printer is holding up?
 
Valcrow said:
Out of curiosity, how many of you are running your printer(s) almost 24/7? And how are you finding the printer is holding up?
Click to expand...

I refuse to have mine on for more then a few hours a day as it cost me BGP £1 per hr in electricity.
and i dont trust it.
 
JamesPurcell said:
I refuse to have mine on for more then a few hours a day as it cost me BGP £1 per hr in electricity.
and i dont trust it.
Click to expand...


Hmm I haven't calculated my electricity cost since it's at my workplace, but I'm happy running overnight 15hr jobs. Do you not trust it because it might fail? or burn the place down?
 
JamesPurcell said:
I refuse to have mine on for more then a few hours a day as it cost me BGP £1 per hr in electricity.
and i dont trust it.
Click to expand...

Hi James, are you sure about that figure? it seems awfully high. I'm no electrical expert but given an average unit cost of 15p/KwH your printer would be running at something like 6500W. surely it can't consume that much power.
 
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