1 Topic by iowajames

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Topic: Thinking about buying another Solidoodle..

I owned a Solidoodle 2 for some time, did some case mods, had to replace the z axis lead screw due to horrendous wobble... (search me for details) and had sold it.
I'm thinking about buying one again, but need to know if their build quality has gotten any better.
Any constructive input from actual owners is much appreciated.
Thank you in advance.

No trees were harmed in the creation of this email, though some electrons were horribly inconvenienced.

2 Reply by iowajames

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Re: Thinking about buying another Solidoodle..

Bump

No trees were harmed in the creation of this email, though some electrons were horribly inconvenienced.

3 Reply by redbarret

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Re: Thinking about buying another Solidoodle..

Solidoodle 4 owner here.
Would not recommend. Sorry.

Quality control is bad, lots of thing need adjusting and recalibrating after getting the printer.
Stock power supply has high fail ratio (I burnt two, searching the forum shows Im not alone).
Uneven bed heating, so difficult to print large ABS models without lifting/warping.
Most users so far haven't been able to fix backlash issues (maybe bad quality belt, or rod).
Some still report issues with the Z axis wobble.
Sure you can fix all this if you have the knowledge, so depends if you're ready to pay extra for upgraded parts and the time to do all that.

Solidoodle 4

4 Reply by wardjr

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Re: Thinking about buying another Solidoodle..

I am not an actual owner of any of the new models.  I am sure if you follow any of the Press threads you can easily decide if a new model will meet your expectations.

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

wardjr's Website

5 Reply by DePartedPrinter

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Re: Thinking about buying another Solidoodle..

SD4 is not a current SD model. Those issues you mentioned have been the same with version 2 & 3 as well.

I just got around to starting to play with my Press and I am impressed with the build quality. There are a few things that need to be addressed but they are improving significantly in my opinion.

SD2 with E3D, SD Press, Form 1+
Filastruder
NYLON (taulman): http://www.soliforum.com/topic/466/nylon/

6 Reply by n2ri

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Re: Thinking about buying another Solidoodle..

DePartedPrinter wrote:

SD4 is not a current SD model. Those issues you mentioned have been the same with version 2 & 3 as well.

I just got around to starting to play with my Press and I am impressed with the build quality. There are a few things that need to be addressed but they are improving significantly in my opinion.

yes it is still a current model, just same slow delivery times as the others

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

7 Reply by DePartedPrinter

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Re: Thinking about buying another Solidoodle..

n2ri wrote:
DePartedPrinter wrote:

SD4 is not a current SD model. Those issues you mentioned have been the same with version 2 & 3 as well.

I just got around to starting to play with my Press and I am impressed with the build quality. There are a few things that need to be addressed but they are improving significantly in my opinion.

yes it is still a current model, just same slow delivery times as the others


It has been out for over a year now. I'm not saying they don't currently sell it. Just that it isn't a current model.

SD2 with E3D, SD Press, Form 1+
Filastruder
NYLON (taulman): http://www.soliforum.com/topic/466/nylon/

8 Reply by redbarret (edited by redbarret 2015-01-19 19:19:56)

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Re: Thinking about buying another Solidoodle..

Well to be fair he did not state he wants to buy a "current model" (not sure what you mean by that).

But OK, Solidoodle Workbench Apprentice is almost identical to SD4 from what I've been told except the motherboard, thinner bed in X dimension, dual extruder, PSU and lack of enclosure. So most issues are still there. But the WB guys will need to comfirm this in this thread.

I read lots of people having quality control and design issues with the Press as well. Again, someone owning one will need to repost his issues here, or you'll need to check the threads in the Press subforum like wardjr suggested. I can't tell until I own one (probably won't).

Solidoodle 4