makersmuse

oh hey its my review lol. I HATE the extruder design, it lets down an otherwise decent mechanical approach to a low end 3D Printer. I'm currently testing the Ender 3 'pro' vs Ender 3 and functionally they're identical. If you get better couplers and closer tolerance PTFE you can substantially boost your printing quality. But bowden style is still not my favourite at all... personally I love the cetus from tiertime for a really decent entry level PLA only 3D printer.

The build volume's of the monoprice ones will leave you wanting more pretty quick. I don't strongly like the Ender 3 but it's definitely a good deal and the community has many upgrades available for it. Other similar machines to consider would be the Tronxy XY-2 and XVico Pioneer - I've tested em all, all have strengths and weaknesses. Don't bother with the ender 3 pro though - it's basically identical with just a better PSU and slight frame changes, still a kit and not at all 'pro'.

The build volume's of the monoprice ones will leave you wanting more pretty quick. I don't strongly like the Ender 3 but it's definitely a good deal and the community has many upgrades available for it. Other similar machines to consider would be the Tronxy XY-2 and XVico Pioneer - I've tested em all, all have strengths and weaknesses. Don't bother with the ender 3 pro though - it's basically identical with just a better PSU and slight frame changes, still a kit and not at all 'pro'.

It's been a while since I assembled mine but the Extruder motor has a 6 pin (only 4 used) plug which plugs into 'E Motor' on the control board. Feel free to post some photos so I can troubleshoot.

Cheap brushless outrunner motors make cheap thrusters that can handle getting a bit wet, the hobbyking 'donkey' ones are good as they havea bushing. Spray them down with laquer before use to seal any bare copper and if you dunk them in fresh water after every run they'll last. Honestly, 1 week is not long enough to make this into a real project. The parts you'll need will take longer to arrive

Cheap brushless outrunner motors make cheap thrusters that can handle getting a bit wet, the hobbyking 'donkey' ones are good as they havea bushing. Spray them down with laquer before use to seal any bare copper and if you dunk them in fresh water after every run they'll last. Honestly, 1 week is not long enough to make this into a real project. The parts you'll need will take longer to arrive

The obsidian is an as yet undelivered kickstarter... You can't go out and just buy it. M3D is a toy and ultimaker is well, like thousands of dollars yeah

Also worth noting that almost all XYZ printers are DRM cartridge locked like ink jet printers... pretty much the only manufacturer to do it.

Also worth noting that almost all XYZ printers are DRM cartridge locked like ink jet printers... pretty much the only manufacturer to do it.

Also worth noting that almost all XYZ printers are DRM cartridge locked like ink jet printers... pretty much the only manufacturer to do it.

You don't need a heated bed to print PLA, but it does help. $250 won't buy you much beyond the most basic of kits like the TronXY X1. You'll spend more money in future on upgrades. If you can save to $350 get the Cetus, it's ready to run, simple and in my experience perfect for a first printer. It just pumps out PLA parts.

lols, yes I browse the LTT forums on occasion.

Why must Australia be so far from... well everything :<. Would be so keen to host a panel on 3D Printing.

I use automotive car bog - it stinks super bad so use in an open area, but mix the hardener in and go to town on the areas of your model you want to patch - then use generously wet sandpaper to bring it back into shape. Use 2 part epoxy to glue pla bits together or fill small areas, and finally... don't even think of using power sanding tools, you'll melt the print apart. Have fun!

The Original Prusa i3 mk2 is a great machine - and a well documented kit with good support, but it's not cheap for an i3 that's for sure. If you can swing it sure, otherwise consider the Wanhao i3 V2.1 (monoprice maker select or something in US). I have both and they both produce decent prints for the cost.