Seems to be decent vfm. It's a kit, so needs self assembling, but loads of tutorials etc. Previous deal when it was £167 last month has some good info….
Engineered to provide redefined usability, quality, performance
● Made from piano-black laser-cut acrylic frame. To maintain the garage-built feel and the handmade charm
● It is unassembled DIY kit, provide you an unforgettable step-by-step learning experience of 3D printer from scratch.
● Multiple 3D printing filament supportable, support ABS / PLA / Wood / Nylon PVA / PP / Luminescent
● 220 x 220 x 240mm printing volume
● All metal pulleys for improved functionality and performance
● Quick-release feed gears for faster and fluent filament feeding
● High printing precision, stainless steel rail rods, gears, bearings and connectors for smoother movement
Top comments
Nooky
24 May 167#3
You're far better off with a Wanhao Duplicator i3 than just about any other budget printer. It has a steel frame, thousands of users, very active Google and Facebook groups, hundreds of printable modifications on Thingiverse, outstanding 3rd party upgrades by Micro Swiss, and a user-made website which details setup, calibration and troubleshooting:
Just before xmas I bought one this exact printer from one of the top 2 selling Aliexpress resellers for about £150 shipped (plus the dreaded customs...). The kits are all made by a large company, "Hesine" and resold by lots of people on various sites.
For the money, it's all excellent. The kit is well made and thoughtfully designed, however the instructions either basic or non-existent - the manufacturer doesn't provide them so it's up to the reseller. I can post some links to the instructions I used later for the benefit of anybody on this thread buying one. It still needs somebody with some tinking/DIY ability and to treat like a hobby, it's very much not a plug-and-play system at all.
One other flaw was the FTDI serial port chip on the driver board is counterfeit and the latest windows updates will mean it won't function - you need to uninstall it and reinstall an older version.
noahsdad
24 May 163#14
I am no 3D printer expert, but I surely can't be the only one thinking a 3D printer that you have to construct sounds a bit iffy?
Despite various news articles, 3D printing is (IMO) still very much for hobbyists/tinkerers, engineers and artists. The cheaper models require a lot of learning and customisation, and the "turnkey" ones that don't need much knowledge are too expensive for household/novelty use.
jacksonliam
25 May 16#30
If you don't know CAD at all I found TinkerCAD quite good. Its browser based and you just join basic shapes together.
OPENSCAD where you define shapes using programming language is quite popular.
Otherwise it'll just be what the individual is used to.
bignigglet
25 May 16#29
Just wanted to know what CAD software packages everyone uses to create their items with before they print them off? ie Solidworks? Blender?
Nut82uk
24 May 16#27
What is the point of these 3D printers for home use? Are there any useful or cost effective applications you can print out?
fireman1 to Nut82uk
24 May 161#28
Have you not seen some of the amazing, useful and unbelievable things people have created at home on these printers? Me neither.
plagued
24 May 161#26
if you want a commodity device like a toaster that you just take it the box and plug in do not get a printer like this, however if you enjoy learning how things work and like construction kits these are fantastic. the i3 is one of the most popular printers around, designed specifically to be made from bits you can get from a hardware store or print yourself. if it flexes print some 45 degree to mounts and grab some threaded rod from b&q. half the "fun" is setting these up. if you don't think that's fun then avoid.
TopCashback also offer 5.25% on AliExpress purchases.
jacksonliam
24 May 16#21
Corexy is pretty meh. I don't think you can moan this i3 kit is plastic and difficult for a beginner and then point to a corexy kit with plastic printed parts and a bowden extruder (which are a royal PITA and have trouble printing flexibles).
And prusa i3 are like the most popular reprap, so you can't exactly call large following.
Some of these china kits are poo but this one is actually OK and capable of making decent prints. It WILL require learning. But so will ANY 3D printer.
I think you're over playing the frame flex issue.
If you want speed and quality get an Ultimaker or lulzbot or e3d bigbox. If you want cheap and quality get a Printrbot. If you want to DIY and cheap this is the way to go.
(FYI I have a mendlemax which is made from printed parts and extrusion)
cheesemint
24 May 16#20
This comment would have been far more helpful/interesting/worthwhile if you explained why the Tevo Tarantula is better and where to buy it for a similar price.
I for example think a PS4 is better, but I would advise holding out for the release of PS4.5 (aka PS4K).
It's only a small site, I linked to the kit version of this but they have it prebuilt too
matthat
24 May 16#18
404
This page is not available
OrigamiB
24 May 161#17
Smarttrapcore, http://smartfriendz.com/en/home/70-smartrapcore-alu-2597462281828.html. A great and very rigid framed 3D printer. has a large following, so lots of great advice out there. Solid extrusion frame is highly modular, easy to expand or add new features. It's fast. much faster than a Prusa i3. The parts are easy to source too, you could probably source most pieces yourself for cheaper if you're savvy.
The prusa in this deal is cheap for a reason, they are bombing in price as people are getting wise to these nasty chinese knock offs, this one in particular has a plastic frame which will flex as you print giving bad quality. Newer chinese printers are actually getting better with all metal frames or even solid extrusion frames with CNC style delrin wheels for motion. I suggest looking into these if the smarttrapcore is still out of your price range
someguy003
24 May 16#16
This one is tough to construct- also there some design faults, such as the live wire to the printer terminal has to be connected by you and is not sufficiently covered.
Godspeed
24 May 16#15
noahsdad
24 May 163#14
I am no 3D printer expert, but I surely can't be the only one thinking a 3D printer that you have to construct sounds a bit iffy?
john52
24 May 16#13
Can you share any links for better kits?
fishmaster
24 May 162#12
No one has ever said this before on a 3D printer deal thread, well done.
OrigamiB
24 May 161#11
Time, or money? So much time will be spent on this kit... It's not plug & play. You'll spend at least a month calibrating it to get a decent print. Spend a bit more, get a better kit.
neinneinnein
24 May 162#10
Step 1: Buy 3D Printer
Step 2: Use 3D Printer to print another printer.
Step 3: ???
Step 4: Profit
jacksonliam
24 May 161#9
Nice update! It's a very good price for a set of parts.
Just before xmas I bought one this exact printer from one of the top 2 selling Aliexpress resellers for about £150 shipped (plus the dreaded customs...). The kits are all made by a large company, "Hesine" and resold by lots of people on various sites.
For the money, it's all excellent. The kit is well made and thoughtfully designed, however the instructions either basic or non-existent - the manufacturer doesn't provide them so it's up to the reseller. I can post some links to the instructions I used later for the benefit of anybody on this thread buying one. It still needs somebody with some tinking/DIY ability and to treat like a hobby, it's very much not a plug-and-play system at all.
One other flaw was the FTDI serial port chip on the driver board is counterfeit and the latest windows updates will mean it won't function - you need to uninstall it and reinstall an older version.
john52
24 May 16#7
Available with free shipping on aliexpress.com
Utakos
24 May 161#6
Tevo Tarantula much better
cianmartin88
24 May 16#5
Shipping to Ireland is coming in at $180 :disappointed:
bertie wooster2
24 May 16#4
Don't forget the customs / VAT charges!!
Nooky
24 May 167#3
You're far better off with a Wanhao Duplicator i3 than just about any other budget printer. It has a steel frame, thousands of users, very active Google and Facebook groups, hundreds of printable modifications on Thingiverse, outstanding 3rd party upgrades by Micro Swiss, and a user-made website which details setup, calibration and troubleshooting:
you do get a lot for your money - although I don't like the way the wire runs are just hanging, I think without some more support they will snag, which is were I guess they have saved money!
![Fresh Breakfast Meat Box (Using code) @ Campbells Meat [Haggis / Lorne Sausage / Bacon / Black Pudding & More]](/images/topics/208684_1.jpg)
![[Xbox One] Q. u. b. e: Director's Cut on Deals with Gold](/images/topics/208716_1.jpg)
Opening post
http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/prusa-i3-diy-3d-printer-kit-167-delivered-gearbest-2426011
Engineered to provide redefined usability, quality, performance
● Made from piano-black laser-cut acrylic frame. To maintain the garage-built feel and the handmade charm
● It is unassembled DIY kit, provide you an unforgettable step-by-step learning experience of 3D printer from scratch.
● Multiple 3D printing filament supportable, support ABS / PLA / Wood / Nylon PVA / PP / Luminescent
● 220 x 220 x 240mm printing volume
● All metal pulleys for improved functionality and performance
● Quick-release feed gears for faster and fluent filament feeding
● High printing precision, stainless steel rail rods, gears, bearings and connectors for smoother movement
Top comments
http://3dprinterwiki.info/wiki/wanhao-duplicator-i3/
For the money, it's all excellent. The kit is well made and thoughtfully designed, however the instructions either basic or non-existent - the manufacturer doesn't provide them so it's up to the reseller. I can post some links to the instructions I used later for the benefit of anybody on this thread buying one. It still needs somebody with some tinking/DIY ability and to treat like a hobby, it's very much not a plug-and-play system at all.
One other flaw was the FTDI serial port chip on the driver board is counterfeit and the latest windows updates will mean it won't function - you need to uninstall it and reinstall an older version.
Latest comments (32)
OPENSCAD where you define shapes using programming language is quite popular.
Otherwise it'll just be what the individual is used to.
Facebook group -
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TEVO.3dprinter.owners/
AliExpress seller -
random link.
TopCashback also offer 5.25% on AliExpress purchases.
And prusa i3 are like the most popular reprap, so you can't exactly call large following.
Some of these china kits are poo but this one is actually OK and capable of making decent prints. It WILL require learning. But so will ANY 3D printer.
I think you're over playing the frame flex issue.
If you want speed and quality get an Ultimaker or lulzbot or e3d bigbox. If you want cheap and quality get a Printrbot. If you want to DIY and cheap this is the way to go.
(FYI I have a mendlemax which is made from printed parts and extrusion)
I for example think a PS4 is better, but I would advise holding out for the release of PS4.5 (aka PS4K).
It's only a small site, I linked to the kit version of this but they have it prebuilt too
This page is not available
The prusa in this deal is cheap for a reason, they are bombing in price as people are getting wise to these nasty chinese knock offs, this one in particular has a plastic frame which will flex as you print giving bad quality. Newer chinese printers are actually getting better with all metal frames or even solid extrusion frames with CNC style delrin wheels for motion. I suggest looking into these if the smarttrapcore is still out of your price range
Step 2: Use 3D Printer to print another printer.
Step 3: ???
Step 4: Profit
The all aluminium ones are down to 250 if you're looking for something with a bit more of a solid frame as the acrylic on this WILL crack. http://m.banggood.com/Geeetech-Aluminum-Prusa-I3-3D-Printer-DIY-Kit-Support-5-Filament-p-998030.html?p=HO1614632392201406RX
For the money, it's all excellent. The kit is well made and thoughtfully designed, however the instructions either basic or non-existent - the manufacturer doesn't provide them so it's up to the reseller. I can post some links to the instructions I used later for the benefit of anybody on this thread buying one. It still needs somebody with some tinking/DIY ability and to treat like a hobby, it's very much not a plug-and-play system at all.
One other flaw was the FTDI serial port chip on the driver board is counterfeit and the latest windows updates will mean it won't function - you need to uninstall it and reinstall an older version.
http://3dprinterwiki.info/wiki/wanhao-duplicator-i3/
look on amazon
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/peripherals/printers-and-scanners/printers/ooznest-prusa-i3-1308127/review