1 Topic by oreo.blatt

  • oreo.blatt
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Topic: Recommendation for Chinese 3D printer at ebay/aliexpress

Any recommendations?

I am looking for a basic FDM 3D printer assembly kit - 600$ max

High resolution isn't important to me. Just for basic parts printing. I have noticed there hundreds of printers out there... which one to choose?

Thank you very much,

Or

2 Reply by Tin Falcon

  • Tin Falcon
  • Tin Falcon
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Re: Recommendation for Chinese 3D printer at ebay/aliexpress

My recommendation is buy from a dealer that ships from the county you live in. better chance of support if something is wrong  as in out of box failure.
Also look for something you can download the documents before you buy . A incomplete, or poorly written manual will make a build difficult.
Another tactic is pick something that looks good to you then read reviews and build logs from others . If the reviews are good and the kit build was overall successful then it is like ly a good choice and you have a go to purchase. If the reviews are mostly negative and the build a major struggle or not completed choose a difference printer.

If you are in the USA  look here

https://folgertech.com/collections/3d-printer-full-kits

They have a choice of 4 kits

all metal I3 I have one they work.

A Makerbot/ flashforge / CTC type clone

metal frame delta

Large format open metal frame Cartesian printer

All kits under $500 so you have a little left for upgrades.

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

3 Reply by heartless

  • heartless
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Re: Recommendation for Chinese 3D printer at ebay/aliexpress

I have (had) 3 of the FolgerTech kit printers - the 2020 Prusa i3 (sold this one because I just didnt use it), the Kossel Rev B, and the large format FT-5 - each one has it's own challenges and quirks, but each one works decently when assembled well - ie: tight and square.

I also have two Solidoodle 4s purchased used and then upgraded.

personally, I would not buy from ebay or aliexpress - just my personal opinion, however.

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

4 Reply by Tin Falcon

  • Tin Falcon
  • Tin Falcon
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Re: Recommendation for Chinese 3D printer at ebay/aliexpress

personally, I would not buy from ebay or aliexpress - just my personal opinion, however.

I have purchased from e-bay That is where I got my SD4. I have never used ali express.
I have purchased small items IIRC less than $20 direct from china via e-bay and done fine saved some money.

But IMHO a 3d printer is something I would not want to order china direct.
The good part is most printers china direct are open source so you can replace a part or two and still be ok.  but if you find many parts are poor quality or out of box failure /not working  all the time you put in is lost.  I work in the service industry . Believe me out of box failure parts cost time and it can be very frustrating . it take time to troubleshoot .
If you do choose china direct make sure the company you deal with has a good reputation for customer service and for quality. Secondly watch  for shipping costs some dealers throw a super low bargain basement price on a printer then add a couple hundred dollar shipping charge.
It will cost a little more to deal with an importer but let them take the risk of a bad apple .
Also what plastic do you want to print ? If you intend on using abs you want a printer with an enclosure  and a heat bed.

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