MK4 Kit Build, flawless first print!
This is my first post on these forums, though I have been hanging around Printables for years. I just finished building and setting up a Prusa MK4 kit, it is finishing up the first print as I type this. I have only been into 3D printing for the past couple of years, though I am have been a huge geek since the 70’s, and have followed developments in 3D printing for 30+ years. I have been a HAM operator since the 90’s and have built many electronic kits, projects and computers over the years. Building this kit has been extremely enjoyable, though some parts of the build were a bit fiddly and the y axis install was particularly frustrating. Any frustration I felt however completely melted away when this printer functioned flawlessly after flipping the switch!
A couple of years ago, I purchased an Ender-3 S1 Pro and passed on buying a Prusa MK3 because of the LCD touch screen on the Ender. I realize now just what a mistake that was! Although I was able to print on the Ender straight out of the box, it was never perfect and it took me literally months of calibration to finally get it to print a decent benchy! Bed leveling issues, Z-Axis problems, flakey firmware and multiple other issues with that printer almost led me to give up on 3D printing entirely. I also had some experience with a Flashforge Adventurer 3 at the school where I work, and aside from the proprietary Flashprint software, that was a much better experience and it printed well.
The first print on my MK4 just completed and it is a perfect benchy in galaxy black PLA in less than half an hour, very impressive! Even though this kit is built using 3D printed parts, it still feels rock solid, and much higher quality than my Ender 3-S1 Pro. I just wanted to take a minute and say a big Thank You to Mr. Prusa and his entire staff, they have created an amazing printer that just works! Although my first 3D printer wasn't a Prusa, my last one will be!
