Some thoughts as a new user
Just got my first 3D printer. Arrived well package, tasty sweets and all good. I got a part assembled one only as it had a shorter lead time than the kit. I assembled the printer and had a lot of fun doing so. Made a couple of mistakes but hey ho, only very minor.
First problem was the ribbon cable. I didn’t look at the instructions properly and routed it wrong, but that was easily sorted. However, it is a bit short. I watched the video assembly guide and my cable is noticeably shorter by a couple of cm. Not a big issue, but just means I cannot tuck it away so neatly if I wast to use the display in a more upright position.
Getting the first layer was my biggest challenge. In the last year I have gone from perfect close up eyesight being able to dismantle watches and I-hones etc, to struggling to read the text on my phone. Just got my first pair of glasses as I turned 50. So seeing the squish on the first layer as per the manual was easier said than done. I ended up having to set it to -192. I am guessing I may have to adjust the sensor some time in the future to give me more range to play with. Nut it does work perfectly at the moment and after about 22hrs of print I have not yet had a failure since I got it dialled in.
What would be very useful for a new owner like me would be for Prusa to supply a small sample in the box so we know what to aim for quality wise. While the pictures are OK, a small sample, like the last bit of the first layer calibration, would be a great little addition so we can see if we are getting the best from our new toy.
Am really pleased overall and have already designed som macro diffusers for my twin macro flash heads. Looking forward to testing them in the coming weeks. Just waiting for some magnets to arrive for attaching the front and intermediate diffuser panels.
RE: Some thoughts as a new user
... What would be very useful for a new owner like me would be for Prusa to supply a small sample in the box so we know what to aim for quality wise. While the pictures are OK, a small sample, like the last bit of the first layer calibration, would be a great little addition so we can see if we are getting the best from our new toy.
Agree with that!
First layer calibration is deciding factor for "happy new user". And I noticed that many new owners are afraid to go down enough with the nozzle. Ok, some are going down too fast and then there's a disaster... Anyway, over the time, as experience grows, making good first layer calibration is nothing "special" anymore.
[Mini+] [MK3S+BEAR]
RE: Some thoughts as a new user
Very nicely photographed.
RE: Some thoughts as a new user
In the last year I have gone from perfect close up eyesight being able to dismantle watches and I-hones etc, to struggling to read the text on my phone. Just got my first pair of glasses as I turned 50.
Oh boy. I'm in my mid 40's and just waiting for my sight to fall off of a cliff. I literally just ordered my first 3D printer (mini+) about 5 minutes ago. I'll be watching this thread for any updates so feel free to keep them coming. Good luck with your prints!
RE: Some thoughts as a new user
Congrats for your purchase @amesbear 😀
Half the success will depend on your understanding how 3D printer works and the rest depends on your skill and patience. So yes, you can get valuable information in forum, which will prepare you for the "real thing".
[Mini+] [MK3S+BEAR]
RE: Some thoughts as a new user
In the last year I have gone from perfect close up eyesight being able to dismantle watches and I-hones etc, to struggling to read the text on my phone. Just got my first pair of glasses as I turned 50.
Oh boy. I'm in my mid 40's and just waiting for my sight to fall off of a cliff. I literally just ordered my first 3D printer (mini+) about 5 minutes ago. I'll be watching this thread for any updates so feel free to keep them coming. Good luck with your prints!
Great stuff. I didn’t expect delivery of mine until 2022 but was really surprised when it arrived mid early December. It has been superb so far. Learning a lot about filaments at the moment. It is surprising how different brands, and even different colours from the same brand, vary in quality and properties. Got 4 different brands so far.