All,
I have spent more time than I'd like to admit reading about the various 3D printers out there, looking at test prints, out of the box prints, reading independent (?) reviews and comments by disgruntled kit buyers. I think I've narrowed down my choices to either the MendalMax 2.0 or the MakerGear M2. My notes are attached, and include data on other printers in the $1000 to $2000 USD range. Please keep in mind this sheet was originally for myself so it's by no means complete (and is even subjective at times).
Until now I leaned toward the MendalMax 2 for the following reasons:
I called Maker's Tool Works today to confirm availability; I've read the stories about kit producers claiming units are in stock but actual deliveries being pushed out for weeks. My call was transferred to Sales, and then I got a dead line. This made me pause. I haven't found a dedicated MM2 community (unlike the other kits out there) so it's hard to gauge what I'm buying into based on the 4 posts on the Maker's Tool Work's forum, although it's RepRap based so I wouldn't be an island. By comparison, the MG M2 is (or does a better job of marketing) more "out of the box" friendly. The Airwolf 3D XL also appears like it has a better out of box experience, although I would be pushing my budget at $1900 for the kit + S/H.
I'm a first time 3D printer user/builder. I don't mind assembling a kit and I know all 3D printers take some level of setup and calibration. I also have limited "tinkering" time and I want focus more on my design instead of tweaking/upgrading the tool. It seems like most kits in this range will produce a quality print, at whatever speed. I'm looking for consistancy from print to print (with the understanding that filament types, colors, part design, and room temp may affect settings), and I'm willing to spend more time during assembly/calibration if it means the end result is more bulletproof and repeatable.
Looking at the rest of the market, the Bukobot 8 v2 won't be available for 2-3 months, Type A Series 1 for 1-2 months, Lulzbot TAZ is OOS, and the Rigidbot BIG is shipping in December 2013. For me, dealing with the Ultimaker bowden tube seems like aheadache (some people reporting success, some not). I even looked at the Rostock Max delta style printer kit from SeeMeCNC and, based on some of those build diaries, it doesn't sound like I'm a fit for that printer.
All thoughts and rants are welcome. Thanks in advance.
I have spent more time than I'd like to admit reading about the various 3D printers out there, looking at test prints, out of the box prints, reading independent (?) reviews and comments by disgruntled kit buyers. I think I've narrowed down my choices to either the MendalMax 2.0 or the MakerGear M2. My notes are attached, and include data on other printers in the $1000 to $2000 USD range. Please keep in mind this sheet was originally for myself so it's by no means complete (and is even subjective at times).
Until now I leaned toward the MendalMax 2 for the following reasons:
- [*] Larger print area (1058 vs 640 cu in)
[*] Faster print speed (150 vs 100 mm/s)
[*] Faster move speed (500! vs 175mms)
[*] Higher nozzle temps (240°C vs 220°C)
I called Maker's Tool Works today to confirm availability; I've read the stories about kit producers claiming units are in stock but actual deliveries being pushed out for weeks. My call was transferred to Sales, and then I got a dead line. This made me pause. I haven't found a dedicated MM2 community (unlike the other kits out there) so it's hard to gauge what I'm buying into based on the 4 posts on the Maker's Tool Work's forum, although it's RepRap based so I wouldn't be an island. By comparison, the MG M2 is (or does a better job of marketing) more "out of the box" friendly. The Airwolf 3D XL also appears like it has a better out of box experience, although I would be pushing my budget at $1900 for the kit + S/H.
I'm a first time 3D printer user/builder. I don't mind assembling a kit and I know all 3D printers take some level of setup and calibration. I also have limited "tinkering" time and I want focus more on my design instead of tweaking/upgrading the tool. It seems like most kits in this range will produce a quality print, at whatever speed. I'm looking for consistancy from print to print (with the understanding that filament types, colors, part design, and room temp may affect settings), and I'm willing to spend more time during assembly/calibration if it means the end result is more bulletproof and repeatable.
Looking at the rest of the market, the Bukobot 8 v2 won't be available for 2-3 months, Type A Series 1 for 1-2 months, Lulzbot TAZ is OOS, and the Rigidbot BIG is shipping in December 2013. For me, dealing with the Ultimaker bowden tube seems like aheadache (some people reporting success, some not). I even looked at the Rostock Max delta style printer kit from SeeMeCNC and, based on some of those build diaries, it doesn't sound like I'm a fit for that printer.
All thoughts and rants are welcome. Thanks in advance.
