1 (edited by pirvan 2016-04-26 23:13:12)

Topic: post frequency

Does it seem to you guys that post frequency in the Solidoodle areas has dropped off considerably since the news of Solidoodle's demise?

I don't know why that is, but to me it looks like while we still get quite a few posts in the XYZ printing, Atlas scanning and some of the "non-Solidoodle" forums, the Solidoodle forum is not getting as much traffic.

It might be my imagination, but it's like we're loosing steam.  Am I the only one having that feeling?

I mean I'm looking at it right now, and there's only one post today (other than this one).

To print or, 3D print, that is the question...
SD3 printer w/too many mods,  Printrbot Simple Maker Ed.,  FormLabs Form 1+
AnyCubic Photon, Shining 3D EinScan-S & Atlas 3D scanners...
...and too much time on my hands.

2 (edited by jagowilson 2016-04-26 23:17:09)

Re: post frequency

Yeah, there's no longer a steady stream of new users coming in and asking questions. A lot of us (like you and I) already with a Solidoodle here are just busy using it now or some other machine, haha.

3

Re: post frequency

jagowilson wrote:

....or some other machine, haha.

I've no idea what you 're talking about  ... tongue

To print or, 3D print, that is the question...
SD3 printer w/too many mods,  Printrbot Simple Maker Ed.,  FormLabs Form 1+
AnyCubic Photon, Shining 3D EinScan-S & Atlas 3D scanners...
...and too much time on my hands.

4

Re: post frequency

yep lol

Sd4 #9080 with a glass bed. E3d chimera duel extruder. Paste extruder , duet wifi.
Lawsy carriages. linear bearings. Y axis direct drive, Kinect scanner
SD4#8188 glass bed, lawsly carriages, E3d v6, octoprint http://www.ustream.tv/channel/hotrod96z28
Filastruder/filawinder, Custom Delta 300mm x 600mm

5

Re: post frequency

Do you think the closing of Solidoodle would motivate folks to buy other brands ??? He He He

That and it is springtime in the northern hemisphere . Time to do yard work pant a garden mow the lawn paint the house fix the truck............just a bit less time for indoor sports like 3d printing., And forums.
tin

Soliddoodle 4 stock w glass bed------Folger Tech Prusa 2020 upgraded to and titan /aero extruder mirror bed
FT5 with titan/ E3D Aero------MP mini select w glass bed
MP Utimate maker pro-W bondtech extruder
Marlin/Repetier Host/ Slic3r and Cura

6

Re: post frequency

I'm with Tin on this, I know my list of spring chores is a long one.

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

7

Re: post frequency

yup. spring time is the time to go outside and do things - whether we want to or not! LOL
I know for me, I have a 2.5 acre yard that needs spring cleanup (picking up branches & other debris from winter) and needs a good mowing already. Then there is the car that needs work - failing wheel bearing. tongue and other stuff around the house that really should be done now that warmer weather is moving in...
so yeah, not as much time available for playing with the printers.

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

8 (edited by mdrVB6 2016-04-27 14:59:10)

Re: post frequency

Agreed that this forum now has much lower activity than it used to.  Spring and outdoor tasks are certainly one reason and the closing of solidoodle is another important factor. 

But let's not ignore the fact that everything becomes obsolete eventually.  IMO, even a used solidoodle is not worth much anymore.  These days, you can get an I3 or other kit for about $300 bucks and every time a used SD2 or 3 pops up on ebay, the seller wants that much or more than that for a printer that is in need of repairs (and made of poor quality stock rods, hot end, etc).  I used to be interested in buying used solidoodles off eBay and working with a couple friends who are interested in learning printing but I can't even recommend that route anymore when the only parts that I view as quality items are the frame, a few motors and maybe the Z axis (if you get lucky and get one that doesn't wobble).  The time, money and effort of turning a stock solidoodle into a respectable machine is too much compared to some of the kit offerings out there now.  You could argue that a solidoodle is a pre-built machine that is not comparable to a kit, but is it not really a finished product when you have to tear it apart and replace almost every major component.

So an educated buyer these days is unlikely to end up with a used solidoodle and come here asking questions.  Also, those of us who already have a solidoodle have probably already done most of the major mods or can find out here how to do them from existing posts. 

I believe solidoodle (the use of them, not just the company) is going the way of the dinosaurs, and even a supportive community here can only delay that, not prevent it.

SD4 w/ RUMBA, E3D Volcano, all bearings, glass bed

9

Re: post frequency

I dunno - I am still open to buying used machines if the price is right - both of my current SD4s were purchased used. But yes, the time, energy, and parts involved in making them highly reliable is a factor that most are not willing to invest in.

I wouldnt mind getting my hands on a used workbench - for the right price - just to mess with it. smile

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

10

Re: post frequency

Consider that you could build a frame of the same size as the workbench for about $150 from quality misumi extrusions.  Then add about another $100 for Z axis parts and it could be supported on 2 ends, not cantilevered.  Then you have a better frame and Z axis than a stock workbench for about $250 bucks.  I don't know any workbench owners who would let theirs go for that, even if the entire gantry needs to be rebuilt with better quality parts.  Sure, for the right price, I would like to get one too but that price may not be very attractive to any sellers.

SD4 w/ RUMBA, E3D Volcano, all bearings, glass bed

11

Re: post frequency

Although we may see the word "Solidoodle" less and less over time, what created this great community was all of the like minded individuals that meet here every day.  That isn't going to change with the demise of Solidoodle.  In fact, I think we are just scratching the surface in the world of 3dprinting.  Companies will come and go and so will users here on the forum.  I have met some great individuals here, many I am happy to call friends.  A lot of those people we don't see here much anymore and yet I stay in contact with them.  Think of the users that many here refer to as the legends, those guys are still out there and they do pay attention to the forum.  I know this because I see them pop in and out from time to time.  Many of the topics we discuss today really haven't changed so they tend to let others answer the questions, myself included.
What we need to do is embrace the change and encourage users of other brands like the DaVinci crowd to hack and mod their machines.  That is how you get innovation and excitement to build in our community.
I can assure all of you that there are some really exciting things right around the corner.  There will be new companies bringing new innovations that change how we currently think about our hobby.  Those are the types of things that generate enthusiasm and increase traffic. 

As I look around at all the posts (yes I've read every single one) I see what appears to be a decrease in traffic.  At the same time I see a higher level of discussion.  So although we see fewer noob questions we really aren't seeing less traffic.  There is less activity in the Press section and as time goes on we will see a whole new batch of users arrive and new sections created for those brands and models.

As always Happy Printing smile

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

12 (edited by heartless 2016-04-27 15:55:12)

Re: post frequency

@ mdrVB6 - already considered to be honest. smile
the issue I am having with that idea is that I want to use the 2020 extrusions on delrin wheels for X & Y axis instead of round rod (stiffer, less flex over longer runs) but my problem is in designing carriages for the application - I am not an engineer, LOL

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

13

Re: post frequency

Heartless -

Are you looking to use openbuilds V-slot rail? You can always buy and modify their standard carriages or we could help you machine some based off our design.

Here is a link to our printer with a X and Y axis that may be similar to what you would like. There are photos of the gantry you may be interested in. Our printer is open source so you more then welcome to grab the files and modify the carriages to your needs. Everything was done in Sketchup so its really easy to edit the files. 


https://www.revolve3d.com/collections/f … ucts/r-530

www.Revolve3D.com
[email protected]
3D Printer Filament, ABS Pellets, PLA pellets, Colorant, and Accessories

14

Re: post frequency

Revolve3D wrote:

Heartless -

Are you looking to use openbuilds V-slot rail? You can always buy and modify their standard carriages or we could help you machine some based off our design.

Here is a link to our printer with a X and Y axis that may be similar to what you would like. There are photos of the gantry you may be interested in. Our printer is open source so you more then welcome to grab the files and modify the carriages to your needs. Everything was done in Sketchup so its really easy to edit the files. 


https://www.revolve3d.com/collections/f … ucts/r-530

Yes, the gantry looks very similar to what I had in my mind, but larger pics would be very useful...
I am also very interested in the CoreXY system so there would be changes needed to make that work - my brain is working overtime... tongue

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

15 (edited by pirvan 2016-04-27 18:45:44)

Re: post frequency

wardjr wrote:

As I look around at all the posts (yes I've read every single one) ...

Dude, you need a girlfriend or ... therapy ! tongue

To print or, 3D print, that is the question...
SD3 printer w/too many mods,  Printrbot Simple Maker Ed.,  FormLabs Form 1+
AnyCubic Photon, Shining 3D EinScan-S & Atlas 3D scanners...
...and too much time on my hands.

16

Re: post frequency

Maybe true, I'm not too sure how my wife & twin 14 year old boys would feel about that wink
Life is short, make the most of it.  I'm rather certain the number of projects and hobbies I enjoy would make the average persons head spin. 
Therapy sounds like a good idea but who has the time tongue

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

17

Re: post frequency

heartless wrote:

I am not an engineer, LOL

If you need help designing things I can. I love designing things just to do it.

Sd4 #9080 with a glass bed. E3d chimera duel extruder. Paste extruder , duet wifi.
Lawsy carriages. linear bearings. Y axis direct drive, Kinect scanner
SD4#8188 glass bed, lawsly carriages, E3d v6, octoprint http://www.ustream.tv/channel/hotrod96z28
Filastruder/filawinder, Custom Delta 300mm x 600mm

18

Re: post frequency

wardjr wrote:

Maybe true, I'm not too sure how my wife & twin 14 year old boys would feel about that wink
Life is short, make the most of it.  I'm rather certain the number of projects and hobbies I enjoy would make the average persons head spin. 
Therapy sounds like a good idea but who has the time tongue

^...A girlfriend or therapy would take too much of my time as well...and like wardjr, I'm pretty sure my Wife of 31 years (Anniversary Today) would agree to the girlfriend!

SD2 - Stock - Enclosure - Heated Bed - Glass Plate - Auto Fire Extinguisher
Ord Bot Hadron - RAMPS 1.4 - Bulldog XL - E3D v6 - 10" x 10" PCB Heated Build w/SSR - Glass Plate
Thanks for All of Your Help!

19

Re: post frequency

Would or wouldn't agree wink
Happy anniversary

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

20

Re: post frequency

IronMan wrote:
wardjr wrote:

Maybe true, I'm not too sure how my wife & twin 14 year old boys would feel about that wink
Life is short, make the most of it.  I'm rather certain the number of projects and hobbies I enjoy would make the average persons head spin. 
Therapy sounds like a good idea but who has the time tongue

^...A girlfriend or therapy would take too much of my time as well...and like wardjr, I'm pretty sure my Wife of 31 years (Anniversary Today) would agree to the girlfriend!

Congrats on your anniversary.

My wife of 37 years tells me I need therapy with all the hobbies I have.

To print or, 3D print, that is the question...
SD3 printer w/too many mods,  Printrbot Simple Maker Ed.,  FormLabs Form 1+
AnyCubic Photon, Shining 3D EinScan-S & Atlas 3D scanners...
...and too much time on my hands.

21 (edited by IronMan 2016-04-28 10:47:56)

Re: post frequency

wardjr wrote:

Would or wouldn't agree wink
Happy anniversary

Some kind of positive/negative...but yes, would agree to NOT having the girlfriend smile

Thanks wardjr and pirvan!

SD2 - Stock - Enclosure - Heated Bed - Glass Plate - Auto Fire Extinguisher
Ord Bot Hadron - RAMPS 1.4 - Bulldog XL - E3D v6 - 10" x 10" PCB Heated Build w/SSR - Glass Plate
Thanks for All of Your Help!

22

Re: post frequency

LOL, you guys crack me up. big_smile   girl(boy)friends, therapy... yeah, ok - i got no time for any of that! LOL  too many other things going on!

and Happy Anniversary (a day late) to IronMan and his Mrs.

@Kronikabuse - I may just shoot you a PM to discuss things a little, not in any huge rush to do this, but yeah... would be interested in talking to you about it.

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

23

Re: post frequency

@heartless cool any time.

Sd4 #9080 with a glass bed. E3d chimera duel extruder. Paste extruder , duet wifi.
Lawsy carriages. linear bearings. Y axis direct drive, Kinect scanner
SD4#8188 glass bed, lawsly carriages, E3d v6, octoprint http://www.ustream.tv/channel/hotrod96z28
Filastruder/filawinder, Custom Delta 300mm x 600mm

24

Re: post frequency

as for myself, my health lately and the fact I am changing internet providers has me falling behind on even outdoor work so web use is on back burner a bit ATM.

Solidoodle 2 with Deluxe kit cover & glass bed with heater. and 2nd board SD2 used not 3rd and alum platform not installed yet still wood. also need cooling fan installed to board. use Repetier Host couple vers. Slic3r also have all free ware STL programs

25

Re: post frequency

I'm as active as ever, but I'm not always logged in. I have noticed a little dip on the post frequency pretty much everywhere except for the XYZ areas. I have seen quite a few users here as well as on FB who recently purchased used Solidoodles. We will see a small drive in the future to rehash old conversations we've had a billion times, but we still haven't exhausted every possible mod for the Solidoodle as mdrVB6 has recently shown in his Core XY conversion.

Personally, I've been focusing on Filastruder/Filawinder related stuff lately. That will change fairly quickly since I have way too much filament at the moment.
What to print.....

Printit Mason and Printit Horizon printers
Multiple SD2s- Bulldog XL, E3D v5/v6/Lite6, Volcano, Hobb Goblin, Titan, .9 motor, Lawsy carriages, direct Y drive, fishing line...the list goes on
Filawinder and Filastruder #1870.....worth every penny!