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Made in gb
Been Around the Block





Hi all,

so after some great advice on my other thread i'm dead set on an FDM printer and getting into printing terrain.

the long term aim will be to have merchant level Patreons and start selling the products. Short term I have alot to learn about making the ruddy things!!

so, which printer?!

Every review I read suggests a different brand or model. Each company comes out with so many new machines that it's not as simple as buying what I can afford either.

I want to make a quality product, I don't want it to take a month. SO I'm thinking a Core XY is what i'm after.

I don't want to spend more than £500 - less if I can help it but equally I don't want to pay £500 when I'll get decent products from a £300 machine.

Knowing nothing about the machines or really ANYTHING my current favourite options is the Ender 6, coming in at £471 with 2kg of filament.

is this my best choice? or do I spend another £30 and get the 7? or do I get something else......ARGH!!!

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/10/07 08:30:42


 
   
Made in au
Regular Dakkanaut



Australia.

I print (largely terrain) as my day job and I use Prusa Mk3S/MK3S+ units - can't recommend them enough. Each one puts 5,000+ hours a year of work in and there's next to no maintenance required out of the box. I don't use glue or painter's tape, I just clean the bed, hit print and come back to a completed print. Can't recommend enough - I think it's about 50 quid more than your budget, but I'm not 100% on import duties etc.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2021/10/07 08:42:53


 
   
Made in gb
Been Around the Block





£700 here sadly. Probably a great machine, but too expensive for the first one i'm afraid. Something to aim for perhaps.
   
Made in au
Regular Dakkanaut



Australia.

Ouch.

I’d look for something which comes with a spring steel bed like the Prusas if possible - that has to be the number one inconvenience of the cheaper printers I had… I can deal with printing slower but having to use glue or tape followed by a paint scraper feels like a huge inconvenience when you can otherwise just lift and bend the plate that sits on the headbed and have the print pop off.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/10/07 10:17:29


 
   
Made in gb
Been Around the Block





i'm beginning to think there's nothing better than your suggestion.

Would certainly rather buy once than need to replace and I think I'll get that with the Prusa. It seems to top alot of reviews and is holding up well after a couple of years.

Hopefully they have a black friday deal! might hold off to find out.
   
Made in si
Foxy Wildborne







I'd take a look at the Anycubic Vyper

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/10/07 13:33:10


Posters on ignore list: 36

40k Potica Edition - 40k patch with reactions, suppression and all that good stuff. Feedback thread here.

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Made in gb
Pious Warrior Priest




UK

I have a Prusa mini, which is nice, but doesn't play well with 3rd party filament (stringing issues due to the extruder not being the best). It was a good first pick and I don't plan to replace it soon. Happier now I can get prusament from a UK store (wedge3d).

At the moment, if I was going commercial, it'd be either an Ender 6 or 7 now or wait for the Prusa XL (which will be more like £1000 on launch + horrific import fees, Prusa don't really do deals and are more expensive post-brexit). Anycubic vyper is a reasonable Prusa-like printer with auto-levelling + spring steel sheet. No corexy, but it'll get you going at a reasonable price, and the bed size is larger

I'd lean towards the Ender 7 now (think you did your research pretty well there), but that's after a year of a experience with the prusa, so I know I can handle the complexity of running and maintaining a 3d printer, plus after a certain price point it's just better to have 2 cheaper printers than one really expensive one.

Large terrain pieces aren't too bad to remove from the bed, it's the small stuff where it's difficult to apply the force needed.

This message was edited 6 times. Last update was at 2021/10/07 13:49:12


 
   
Made in us
Courageous Questing Knight





Texas

I have had nothing but great prints on my Ender 3 Pro and so many super upgrades are available. For a FDM printer, I love this machine, but keep in mind no FDM printer is super fast, as the faster you print, the print quality goes down considerably.

And Enders are fairly inexpensive and tons of videos online to help you out. I very first started with an A8 clone that I built from a kit and learned a lot, but when I upgraded to the Ender it was like night and day the better print quality I got. I think you can find the more basic Ender 3 models out there, but with the magnetic flex plate and other upgrades, it was worth it. You can also find online the top 10 Ender 3 upgrades (Buy or print yourself) and just pick and choose those that seem important to you.

If you end up with this machine, feel free to contact me and I can tell you the cheap and quick upgrades that make this the best FDM printer out there in the sub $250 space.

My Novella Collection is available on Amazon - Action/Fantasy/Sci-Fi - https://www.amazon.com/Three-Roads-Dreamt-Michael-Leonard/dp/1505716993/

 
   
Made in gb
Been Around the Block





scarletsquig wrote:
I have a Prusa mini, which is nice, but doesn't play well with 3rd party filament (stringing issues due to the extruder not being the best). It was a good first pick and I don't plan to replace it soon. Happier now I can get prusament from a UK store (wedge3d).

At the moment, if I was going commercial, it'd be either an Ender 6 or 7 now or wait for the Prusa XL (which will be more like £1000 on launch + horrific import fees, Prusa don't really do deals and are more expensive post-brexit). Anycubic vyper is a reasonable Prusa-like printer with auto-levelling + spring steel sheet. No corexy, but it'll get you going at a reasonable price, and the bed size is larger

I'd lean towards the Ender 7 now (think you did your research pretty well there), but that's after a year of a experience with the prusa, so I know I can handle the complexity of running and maintaining a 3d printer, plus after a certain price point it's just better to have 2 cheaper printers than one really expensive one.

Large terrain pieces aren't too bad to remove from the bed, it's the small stuff where it's difficult to apply the force needed.


The Viper is certainly attractive. It's a heap cheaper and could be a nice entry point. I do worry about the Enders, not so much the print quality, but the sheer mass of upgrades. I really don't want to tinker - or need to tinker. This is totally aimed at being a business rather than a hobby into itself. I want reliable machines that don't need a multitude of add ons to do their job. The Prusa seems to be the best choice for that, just at a higher price tag - if the Viper can do the same job and is cheaper then great, but I assume print quality is better on the Prusa (or at least that's what the reviews lead me to believe)

   
Made in gb
Leader of the Sept







Another vote for the Prusa Mk3s. Its a bit more expensive, but mine has been very robust, and needs little maintenance or fiddling to get really good quality prints. The trade off as always with a cheaper machine is how much time do you spend fiddling and recalibrating rather than churning out stuff.

I got mine on a black friday deal and they tend to throw in extra build plates, free postage and some filament, rather than steeply discounting. However, the additionals on mine were worth over £100 I think, especially the postage.

The only thing for the Prusa is that the steel build plate is a consumable. It has a magical surfacing sticker on it that gradually loses its capability. You can resurface it a few times with acetone, but eventually you just work through the particular surfacing chemical. They are 2 sided and each sheet costs about £40, so its not crazy expensive, but something to consider and balance against the tape/glue/whatever that is required for other printers.



Automatically Appended Next Post:
Also my printing blog has examples of print quality from the machine, when used on largely default settings by an amateur tinkerer

https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/783822.page

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2021/10/07 15:43:53


Please excuse any spelling errors. I use a tablet frequently and software keyboards are a pain!

Terranwing - w3;d1;l1
51st Dunedinw2;d0;l0
Cadre Coronal Afterglow w1;d0;l0 
   
Made in gb
Regular Dakkanaut







Elegoo Neptune 2 or /2S .

You can get 2-3 of them on your budget, which if you are planning on filling out large boards with large pieces is a must if you want it done in a timely fashion.
   
Made in us
Courageous Questing Knight





Texas

You will find upgrades for every printer out there - many of which are no brainers, but that is what makes it interesting!

My Novella Collection is available on Amazon - Action/Fantasy/Sci-Fi - https://www.amazon.com/Three-Roads-Dreamt-Michael-Leonard/dp/1505716993/

 
   
Made in gb
Been Around the Block





 Flinty wrote:
Another vote for the Prusa Mk3s. Its a bit more expensive, but mine has been very robust, and needs little maintenance or fiddling to get really good quality prints. The trade off as always with a cheaper machine is how much time do you spend fiddling and recalibrating rather than churning out stuff.

I got mine on a black friday deal and they tend to throw in extra build plates, free postage and some filament, rather than steeply discounting. However, the additionals on mine were worth over £100 I think, especially the postage.

The only thing for the Prusa is that the steel build plate is a consumable. It has a magical surfacing sticker on it that gradually loses its capability. You can resurface it a few times with acetone, but eventually you just work through the particular surfacing chemical. They are 2 sided and each sheet costs about £40, so its not crazy expensive, but something to consider and balance against the tape/glue/whatever that is required for other printers.



Automatically Appended Next Post:
Also my printing blog has examples of print quality from the machine, when used on largely default settings by an amateur tinkerer

https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/783822.page


Yeah that’s the aim really, I mean sure, can buy a cheap model but then if it’s going to add needless hours of tinkering then the cost is there just in a different way. As you say - something to balance.

At the moment it’s top of the list, it seems like it’ll take me where I want to go would hate to grow out of what I buy, just seems a waste. That being said, by the time I get the hang of it there’ll be a new one out anyway haha.

I’m gunna hold out for Black Friday, I did speak to Prusa asking if they’ll have a deal this year and they hinted as you’ve said, won’t be a discount on the unit but probably include freebies. So worth holding out for
   
Made in us
Courageous Questing Knight





Texas

angrygriffin wrote:
Ouch.

I’d look for something which comes with a spring steel bed like the Prusas if possible - that has to be the number one inconvenience of the cheaper printers I had… I can deal with printing slower but having to use glue or tape followed by a paint scraper feels like a huge inconvenience when you can otherwise just lift and bend the plate that sits on the headbed and have the print pop off.


My Ender 3 Pro has the removable bed and I would never print without one!

My Novella Collection is available on Amazon - Action/Fantasy/Sci-Fi - https://www.amazon.com/Three-Roads-Dreamt-Michael-Leonard/dp/1505716993/

 
   
Made in gb
Leader of the Sept







I like them so much I’ve fitted my resin printer with them

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/10/07 20:29:54


Please excuse any spelling errors. I use a tablet frequently and software keyboards are a pain!

Terranwing - w3;d1;l1
51st Dunedinw2;d0;l0
Cadre Coronal Afterglow w1;d0;l0 
   
Made in au
Regular Dakkanaut



Australia.

 Flinty wrote:
Another vote for the Prusa Mk3s. Its a bit more expensive, but mine has been very robust, and needs little maintenance or fiddling to get really good quality prints. The trade off as always with a cheaper machine is how much time do you spend fiddling and recalibrating rather than churning out stuff.

I got mine on a black friday deal and they tend to throw in extra build plates, free postage and some filament, rather than steeply discounting. However, the additionals on mine were worth over £100 I think, especially the postage.

The only thing for the Prusa is that the steel build plate is a consumable. It has a magical surfacing sticker on it that gradually loses its capability. You can resurface it a few times with acetone, but eventually you just work through the particular surfacing chemical. They are 2 sided and each sheet costs about £40, so its not crazy expensive, but something to consider and balance against the tape/glue/whatever that is required for other printers.



Automatically Appended Next Post:
Also my printing blog has examples of print quality from the machine, when used on largely default settings by an amateur tinkerer

https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/783822.page


I wonder if that’s specific to the flat PEI sheet? I only use the powder coated sheets and haven’t had one side wear out yet - 99% PLA printing, though, nothing exotic and really hard to get off the bed.

Thought PLA wouldn’t adhere to them at first but after hitting them with a scotchbrite sponge to give the surface some bite it’s fantastic.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/10/07 20:53:06


 
   
Made in gb
Leader of the Sept







Yes, its the PEI coated things. I have a powder coated sheet as well, but I couldn;t get anything to stick to it. Its supposed to be for PET-G, but even that barely works.

I'll try the old elbow grease and abrasion and see whats what

Please excuse any spelling errors. I use a tablet frequently and software keyboards are a pain!

Terranwing - w3;d1;l1
51st Dunedinw2;d0;l0
Cadre Coronal Afterglow w1;d0;l0 
   
Made in gb
Pious Warrior Priest




UK

I've gone through 10kg of PLA on my Prusa Mini without even cleaning the flat PEI sheet, never mind having to flip it over or replace it.

It's looking a little worn, but I think I'll get At least another 30kg out of it before replacing.

I've been gentle when taking prints off, relying more on flexing the sheet to pop the print off rather than the suggested metal spatula (I use a silicone spatula + leverage by bending the sheet enough to wedge it in).

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/10/08 22:23:00


 
   
Made in gb
Leader of the Sept







I burned one plate out at the start of the pandemic printing PETG masks. Tore bits of the sticker off after a while. A second one I just got loads of failed prints after a 10 spools or so. Ive been cleaning the surface with IPA before each print as recommended by Prusa and I guessed I’d just wiped away the reactive surface. I’ve still got it, so maybe I’ll try it again after a while.

Please excuse any spelling errors. I use a tablet frequently and software keyboards are a pain!

Terranwing - w3;d1;l1
51st Dunedinw2;d0;l0
Cadre Coronal Afterglow w1;d0;l0 
   
Made in gb
Been Around the Block





Been looking at the mini with a keen eye.

I’m a little torn between the two, I.e the mini and the standard.

Wondering if the mini is a better starting point, I mean I want to make terrain but the files I’ve seen seem to be small components so I’m wondering if I really need the size of the standard or if the mini will do what I’m after.

And it’s a lot easier to add a second mini than it will be to add a standard… can’t quite decide
   
Made in gb
Leader of the Sept







I think the mini would let you do scatter terrain and terrain components easily enough, like bits for buildings that can get added to otherwise scratch build terrain (doors, AC units, vents). There are also quite a few modular terrain and building systems
out there that should fit on the print bed.

But obviously you just won’t be able to do larger pieces, however as you say it could be a good introductory stepping stone.

Please excuse any spelling errors. I use a tablet frequently and software keyboards are a pain!

Terranwing - w3;d1;l1
51st Dunedinw2;d0;l0
Cadre Coronal Afterglow w1;d0;l0 
   
Made in gb
Been Around the Block





Yeah I keep going full circle with it really, I do like the mk3, but with the new model due I think I’d prefer to hold off for that and still have a good 2nd machine. The mini being that bit newer should hopefully be a better match at that point. Larger one for big pieces, mini for donkey work. But even in worst case, the mini would be nice machine for most things I’m likely to make
   
Made in si
Foxy Wildborne







If you get a Mini I forsee a lot of annoyance with most terrain pieces being sized an inch too large for the build plate.

Posters on ignore list: 36

40k Potica Edition - 40k patch with reactions, suppression and all that good stuff. Feedback thread here.

Gangs of Nu Ork - Necromunda / Gorkamorka expansion supporting all faction. Feedback thread here
   
Made in gb
Highlord with a Blackstone Fortress






Adrift within the vortex of my imagination.

Anyone got a good reason why I should not buy this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/402868217743

n'oublie jamais - It appears I now have to highlight this again.

It is by tea alone I set my mind in motion. By the juice of the brew my thoughts aquire speed, my mind becomes strained, the strain becomes a warning. It is by tea alone I set my mind in motion. 
   
Made in si
Foxy Wildborne







Because it's a brandless Ender clone from a seller named kxy392

Posters on ignore list: 36

40k Potica Edition - 40k patch with reactions, suppression and all that good stuff. Feedback thread here.

Gangs of Nu Ork - Necromunda / Gorkamorka expansion supporting all faction. Feedback thread here
   
Made in gb
Highlord with a Blackstone Fortress






Adrift within the vortex of my imagination.

 lord_blackfang wrote:
Because it's a brandless Ender clone from a seller named kxy392


What does that mean? They are all clones since the entire industry went open source after the patents expired, Ender included.
As for the seller what do you know about that?

n'oublie jamais - It appears I now have to highlight this again.

It is by tea alone I set my mind in motion. By the juice of the brew my thoughts aquire speed, my mind becomes strained, the strain becomes a warning. It is by tea alone I set my mind in motion. 
   
Made in gb
Pious Warrior Priest




UK

I'd stay clear, even if you are going for a budget option, the extra £100 for an Ender 3 max or something will save you a lot of headaches over going with something where if (e.g. when) something goes wrong you can't just troubleshoot it amongst the community of thousands of other people with ender printers who can give great advice.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/10/13 18:42:58


 
   
Made in gb
Highlord with a Blackstone Fortress






Adrift within the vortex of my imagination.

OK, that at least sounds reasonable, and there is a cheap source of Ender 3 Pro's I have found. £150 each, not bad eh.

I have one Ender 3 already so I know them, I like what I read about the Xvico autolevelling, and there are a number of good reviews, but there were also bad ones.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/10/14 20:59:34


n'oublie jamais - It appears I now have to highlight this again.

It is by tea alone I set my mind in motion. By the juice of the brew my thoughts aquire speed, my mind becomes strained, the strain becomes a warning. It is by tea alone I set my mind in motion. 
   
Made in us
Courageous Questing Knight





Texas

I can say with my experience with an A8 clone, via an open source 'kit' is it was a super and irreplaceable learning experience, but it was no where near the actual quality of a real A8.

When I bought my Ender 3 Pro, I got it from Creality, which was really only a few dollars more than the 'clones' you find. Not only was the quick assembly super quick and easy, but the machine it self printed leaps and bounds better than my A8 clone. I fully recommend going to Creality if looking for an Ender, which you can find on Amazon - just be sure to see who is selling it to you, as some try to hide this fact.

My Novella Collection is available on Amazon - Action/Fantasy/Sci-Fi - https://www.amazon.com/Three-Roads-Dreamt-Michael-Leonard/dp/1505716993/

 
   
Made in gb
Regular Dakkanaut





the ender 3 v2 is recomended by most people i know as a first printer. Its quite good as it comes and allows gentle modding. It also gives very good results when calibrated properly.

   
 
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