1 Topic by dping28

  • dping28
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  • Registered: 2014-12-18
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Topic: Disappointed in the Filastruder kit quality

I just got my kit a few weeks ago and have been working on it when i can. (V5 kit/instructions) I have to say it feels like no attention to detail was done when putting these kits together.

* Wood was split out of the box
* Pre-drilled holes in the wood dont line up well
* Wood doesnt line up the components correctly- ive flipped the motor board both ways still need to shim the other board up
* The female spade connectors were the wrong size for the buttons (Dont know what else they are for since the digital display takes the C or O kind of connectors which werent in the kit)
* Instructions are a nightmare to follow
* No socket for the power supply connector
* No wire for making all the connections
* Motor has both the wire connectors bent in half, would break them to try and fix

I havent even gotten the electrical portion of the build completed yet. I pray it runs after all this.

I dont mean to come across as a dick, just wish someone paid a little more attention when putting these kits together. The cost of the kit may not be much to some but for others its pretty high and worth some quality control.

2 Reply by elmoret

  • elmoret
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  • Registered: 2012-10-11
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Re: Disappointed in the Filastruder kit quality

It sounds like at least half of that is due to shipping damage. I haven't heard from you, but if you get in touch via the contact form I'm happy to send replacements. As for the other items:

* There isn't supposed to be a socket for the power supply. The power supply is hard wired to the block.
* You use wire from the power supply to wire the controller. The instructions cover this.
* The controller does not need connectors, the wires go under the screw terminals.
* I doubt the motor terminals will break from gently bending them but if they do, I'm happy to exchange it.
* The smaller spade terminals are for the motor. It sounds like you're missing the larger ones for the switch, which I'm happy to send if you get in touch.

What part of the instructions aren't making sense for you? If you have a question, I'm happy to answer it.

If you're disappointed before completing assembly and would like to return it, just get in touch via the contact form.

Filastruder - the robust, inexpensive filament extruder
E3Dv6 All Metal Hotend - the premier 3D printing hotend

3 Reply by dping28

  • dping28
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Re: Disappointed in the Filastruder kit quality

Thank you for the reply. I will be setting aside some time for working on this tomorrow to see if I cant get it finished up.

Packing wise it looked like it was packed well and the box wasnt damaged. However it was packed tight with a filawinder kit in the same box so i guess that much weight anything is possible.

I got only the smaller spade female connectors, more then enough for the two motor connections so looks like i got more of those in place of the larger ones on accident. I will find some of the others locally, I may even have some.

My frustration with the instructions could be caused by all the alterations to my build due to things not fitting together right. Once I get the one board shimmed up right maybe the electrical will go much more smooth. I found a youtube video someone put together of an earlier model build and found that much easier to follow. It could just be me and need a more visual lead instruction rather then text.

I will try bending the motor terminals straight again.  One of them is literally bent in half. that's the one I'm afraid of breaking. I guess if it comes down to it I could try soldering the wire on.

If I require any replacements I will use your contact form. Thanks again for the reply.

4 Reply by cor5151

  • cor5151
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  • Registered: 2014-05-30
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Re: Disappointed in the Filastruder kit quality

can say i felt a little of the same thing opening a box of parts.
being cheap and having put up the cash it felt a little tough to justify.

now its been 7-8 months and my original filastruder is still my goto with best quality and reliable after 40-50lbs of extrusion.
you have to look at these kind of things as an investment in learning and that is priceless.

and you should prob solder the terminals anyways

5 Reply by n2ri

  • n2ri
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  • From: St Louis MO USA area
  • Registered: 2013-02-03
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Re: Disappointed in the Filastruder kit quality

from past experience I have seen wood especially plywood crack when temp humidity changes a lot from factory through shipping, like many things including food items.

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