Is the price worth the troubleshooting? (Page 1 of 2)

Why would there be more banding at .1mm vs .3mm?

I've heard of problems with the Z being lose or problems in the lead screw, extruder issues, parts lifting off the table and the extruder clogging or shooting out a "curved" extrusion.

Problem is I probably can figure out most of the issues, I sit behind a computer screen with no physical machine to work with and understand the issues. Sure I hear someone gripping about uneven table, extruder issues, program issues, but for all I know thats your average Joe with some extra money and wanted to make a salt and pepper shaker. Everything I'm hearing is based on the user and their experience. I just hope if I do decide to spend $800 (which to a college student with 3 jobs is tough to hand over) I don't regret spending the money.

If you're looking for an easy and quick out of the box solution with good accuracy, the solidoodle is not for you. However, you already knew that so I would recommend that if you're willing to go through the reading and calibration, it is worth it.

I don't know how often or how important it will be to your business, but definitely have a backup plan (probably whatever method you're doing now pre-3d printer). I would rather have all the controls open to me to tinker with (and break) rather than having to call up tech support and have them do it.

The technology is close, but not quite there yet so as long as you keep that in mind I think that it is worth the trouble and hopefully will open new opportunities for your business(?). The question really is, are you willing to put the time to fix it?

Don't forget that this will also be a great topic during interviews if you're looking for a job after you graduate!

I did research before buying my Solidoodle (don't have it yet and probably won't for a while) and what I found is none of the sub $3,000 machines worked perfectly out of the box. So I settled for price and features.  The Solidoodle was my choice at the end.  I was thinking of getting the Replicator 2, but at $2,900 for the same features with software that had almost no settings worried me.  I liked the fact that the forums here give out good info and Ian's videos on YouTube showing calibration was more then most of the others had.  There are also mods available and most you can print or order yourself.

So the best thing you can do for yourself is investigate and pick what does what you need that you can afford.  Some people need the resin type printers, but the cost of the machine increases and so does the material.

And these people just don't choose to comment about their positive experience. Most rarely take the time to praise a product in a forum, but even more will waste the day talking trash about a product!
My SD2 has had 99.7% uptime. and i've gone through 3 rolls of ABS since Oct. 30th!
But...
Negativity Rules!

I received mine in working order in December of last year (heated bed, no case). 

• I have used exclusively PLA (.3mm layers).

• I have used Slic3r through Repetier Host only.

• I use glass on the bed (with PVA glue - standard white glue - diluted and spread on the bed).

• I did take a fair amount of time (4-5 evenings) to calibrate and set up the machine.

• Level the bed.

• Calibrate X,Y,Z for steps in the firmware (through Repetier host).

• Get my temperatures to a reasonable level (PLA - 180 degrees hot end - 60 degrees heated bed)

Since then I have been happily printing with no issues.  I occasionally have to shove a thin wire into the nozzle to get the plastic freely moving.  So far I have probably gone through around 1 spool of filament (I have two, they are both at least 1/2 empty).  I have re-leveled the bed a couple of times when I see my first layer not quite level.

The quality I am getting looks similar to other extrusion based machines based upon the images I see on Thingiverse and other people posting pictures.

Does the machine look as nice as the MakerBot?  NO
Is everything (software, hardware, etc) as polished as the MakerBot? NO
Would I buy it again? YES - definitely

I have no issues with the Z wobble you hear so much about on these forums.  mine works fine.

Quite honestly the biggest issues I see is with the slicing software - either Slic3r or Skeinforge or KISSlicer - they all *mostly* work - and work well *most of the time* - but I think they are a work in progress.  Each of them has their quirks.

I was one of the first group to receive my printer. In response to Book's post, I beg to differ. Mine worked out of the box and I was able to print acceptable quality parts with no issues. After some minor tuning per this forum and other Solidoodle sources, I was able to perfect my prints. I have the old style hot end, Z-rod and other components and have had few issues. I do not notice any major banding issues or cooling problems. I am happy with my printer and would purchase it all over again, even with the extended wait time.  Unfortunately, my printer is down now because I broke the acrylic arm on my jigsaw while performing some maintenance. I've printed several spools of filament through my printer.

Just keep the rods lubricated.  Yes it's good practice to keep the build environment warm it helps prevent shrinkage and warping due to uneven cooling.  A lot of people are using plexiglass or even some using cardboard to accomplish this.  I have the SD2 with case and I'm working on a plexiglass enclosure concept for mine. 

Jump in man, water's fine.

Just wanted to throw out there that even with the very few issues that I have had with either the printer or the company themselves, I do not regret one cent spent nor the time it took to get the machine. Out of the box the printer worked great and immediately was put into heavy use. I got mine towards the end of the school semester, and many of my classmates ended up paying me to use my printer over the school's as there was a long sign up sheet and post print clean up apparently is a lot with whatever powder type printer they have at school. So you stand to easily recoup some money since you're still in school.

In regards to the banding, and me mentioning earlier about the few issues that I have had, the issue was that when I got the printer the z screw rod was not attached to the motor. I got a prompt response telling me what to do to attach it. My z screw currently is not even down on the motor shaft all the way as it should be from what I have seen on other pictures. I couldn't apply enough force to get it on all the way and so the screw sits only partially on the shaft, but the glue has still been holding it tight with no failure since last November. I mention this because even with my z screw not being mounted totally straight, the banding I see on my stuff is hardly noticeable. I have used the parts for appearance models so I do have to finish the parts off, but for the proof of concept mock ups, the banding has never been an issue as far as functionality and fitting of the parts.

Jon we appreciate your concern, but we have worked with you quite a bit. When your parts break, we have offered replacements in the past. We have sent you a number of replacement parts, and we're always open to refurbishing your machine in any way possible. I don't see how the qualifies as "no useful help."  - again if there is *anything* we can do for you, we shall (within reason) do it. If you have been waiting for support to get back to you, please give us a call and we will straighten things out.

Again, I will reiterate that if support does not get back to you within 24 hours please do call us, e-mail us, skype us, twitter us, reddit us, facebook us, or contact us via any other means possible. We are here. We ignore no one.

Again, all I can say is that the vast majority of users have zero problems. That might be hard for those who have had problems to swallow, but it is the truth we have seen so far. For those who have had problems, we are here to help you every day.

Is support slow?

Yes, sometimes it is. We have a finite number of workers, parts, and shipping personnel to work with. This is something even large companies struggle with. You should be able to get replacement parts within two weeks, and contact about you issue within 24 hours.

We are always open to differing opinions. Sometimes I get the sense that some folks are frustrated less by a lack of help, but by the style of help they are getting. If this is the case let us know. In our knowledge, offering free replacements is the cheapest and easiest way for both parties.

I have purchased parts when the originals failed.  Some of those parts failed, and you replaced them.

I have been waiting for two weeks for a call back from Raffaele. I have left a phone message or two, and an email or two.

After a few tries, it sometimes seems simpler to just give up.

There is no such thing, every 3d printer needs adjustments, calibration, maintenance, etc.  Even the over $10k machines need work.