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What Printer Do I Use?

Hi guys,

I don't have any skin in the 3D printer debate.  To me, it's a tool, nothing more.  I like mine just fine but I would consider a different one if I had to buy another one tomorrow.

I chose the Creality Ender 3 in 2018 because there was lots of info about it, everyone seemed to agree that it was pretty good and it's reasonably priced (about $300 US).

Ender 3 Upsides:

  • affordable
  • common
    • lots of people post info and helpful bits and files
    • Check out Chep on the YouTube and be sure to download his Ender 3 bed leveling file if you buy this printer
  • easy to get parts (I haven't needed any)
  • very easy to assemble (I'm a DIY guy so it's hard to judge)
  • relatively easy to use
  • lots of info out there
  • no need for glue/hairspray voodoo to get prints to stick to the build surface
    • DO NOT USE GLUE with the stock build surface (IMO).

Ender 3 Downsides:

  • Bowden setup, so some filaments are not ideal (PETG and flexible may not work well)
    • PETG was misery for me but Solutech flexible works GREAT
  • No enclosure, so ABS is doable but not without some hassle
  • Bed does heat to 100 but safety might be an issue
    • there have been a few reports of fires
    • you have to take this with a grain of salt
      • some YouTubers may not be impartial
    • heating bed to 55-90, nothing has gotten hot on mine

Is 3D Printing Idiot Proof?

Guys, based on my experience, 3D printing is never going to be truly easy.  Why?  When something like the moisture in the air becomes an issue, you know that it is not going to be idiot proof enough for everyone without costing a fortune.  And filament is not consistent enough in quality.  Those two things make life difficult at times even if you're not afraid of a little messing around to solve problems.

That said, when you have a good roll of plastic and your printer is dialed in, 3D printing is really easy.
  • I level my bed about once a month unless something is amiss
    • some oddball filament is really sensitive to nozzle height
  • In over a year of use I've only had to:
    • adjust tensioners
    • new nozzle about a week ago
    • clean it periodically
    • clean the build surface
      • a light wipe with acetone got my old build surface working great again
      • I think the acetone damaged it because I ripped/cut it shortly after - not sure.  It had almost a year of printing on it.
    • change the build surface
      • subsequent build surfaces have been less durable
      • they were cheap
      • shrug
  • Living in a dry climate, humidity has not been a major factor
Guys, it takes some time to figure out 3D printing.  If you don't like it when things go wrong, you'll be the guy raging about a crap roll of filament and throwing it in the garbage.  I have never had to throw out a roll but I have gotten two rolls I would legitimately call bad.  I farted around and printed parts that didn't have to be perfect.  It was a pain in the arse both times.  I don't know if spending more on filament is the way to go because plenty of people rage about expensive filament too.  I buy cheap stuff that is rated highly (over 4 stars) and used by a lot of people, as judged by Amazon reviews.  Like I said, 2 bad rolls out of about 12.  And PETG was misery for me.  I got some acceptable results but then found out that the parts are strong but brittle and still haven't gone back to it despite having two partial rolls sitting around.

So, for all that time and effort, I've made gifts, parts, tools and designed and built my own RC cars.  I find 3D printing very useful.  I think personality has a lot to do with whether it will work for you.  What do you think?  Feel free to share your thoughts.

Wrench to drive or drive to wrench?

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