Pete B Posted February 2, 2019 Report Share Posted February 2, 2019 One member asked about which 3D printer I have, it is the Creality Ender 3. This is hands down the best bargain but it is essentially a kit with a 1-2 hour build time. I see it as an advantage since I'll learn how to make a few adjustments. I had some trouble finding it for $200 shipped even with Amazon Prime, but then tried ebay and Creality-Direct has it listed for $204.99 shipped but will take an offer for $200. It has a high build volume and excellent print quality once tuned up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8Z-9ncYsps I was tempted to buy the Creality CR-10 for $400 but mostly it is essentially the same with a bigger build volume. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete B Posted February 9, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2019 I followed this build video and it went quite smoothly, it is now printing a test: Also followed his other video on how to level the bed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete B Posted February 9, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2019 Here is an interesting video on baking the PLA part for more strength, any chemists here who might comment on the validity of this for ordinary PLA? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete B Posted February 10, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2019 Here is another opinion on the Ender 3 with concerns about the unit to unit consistency: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete B Posted February 11, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 11, 2019 This printer comes with a test dog to print, it did fine for the first 80% but became stringy for the last 20% which indicated under feeding. There is a known issue with the feed tube pulling out or not being fully seated. This guy shows how to fix it and suggests about $3 worth of upgrade parts but I'm pretty sure mine already has them: I fixed it without any new parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete B Posted February 19, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2019 It has been working great without any further issues. Here is the plate that I designed. I've printed 3 of these and they all came out just fine: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete B Posted September 26, 2021 Author Report Share Posted September 26, 2021 The YouTube person who complained about stringing got a lot of comments from other users who pointed out that one free "slicer" program works best with the Ender printers and that's what I use. No problems with stringing at all. I began to have trouble with the first layer sticking to the bed after about 50 prints. The Ender printers have a unique sandpaper like finish on the print bed, other people print on a smooth surface, some even use glass for flatness. One of the first things you'll learn when printing on smooth beds is that you need to help the first layer stick, many use glue stick, some use hair spray. I did not need anything for the first 50 prints or so and I've come to the conclusion that some of the rough surface has worn off so now I use glue stick and it works perfectly again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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