Topic: To Solidoodle, or Not to Solidoodle
After extensive and exhausting research I've come to the conclusion that this machine has the best features for the price, and I dont get to mess it up while putting it together. However, I've noticed several recurring issue.
The least reported would be computer problems, things I am confident I can fix.
The extruder, on the other hand, seems flawed by design? Not sure how common it is on other machines, but it seems a fair number of customers have had 0 support and broken machines arrive. The lack of a warranty (completely dumbfounded by that) only increases my concerns.
I feel a large portion of these users suffer from a lack of proper understanding of the device in order to properly maintain it, however. A large number of used lower than recommended temps for bed and hotend, which causes the obvious problem. Im also seeing a lot of feeding/motor issues having been posted, and Im curious if it is because of the way it is designed.
Its listed as having a spring to feed the extruder, correct? If that fails (which is common experience with springs, for me at least) then I can see why more would get clogged; it would be solidify in sections and burn in others, double clog. This would be an issue Im not sure how I would approach fixing, if it exists. Im well versed in mechanics and machine design, so I think I could fix a broken most things, but this concerns me.
Also not really an issue, but the wait time is lengthy. If I wait 8 weeks and get a broken printer without any support... I can't imagine what I could do to recover my losses. I'm an engineering student in my third year wanting the Solidoodle for prototyping and accurate, mechanical pieces that simply can't be found in the plumbing section of Lowes Hardware, and I consider my purchase of a printer to be an investment, something financially positive in the long term.
I believe those are all of my concerns. If any experienced users, and preferably Mr. Johnson himself, have any advice, recommendations, and point me towards known flaws and solutions.
ps I love what you guys are doing, whether I purchase from you all or not, you guys have a GREAT business strategy. Completely fits perfectly in the niche of consumer quality/price.
