Newbie question...
Hello!
Doing a lot of reading and research - this is my first stab at 3D printing and want to start off in the proper direction. I've watched the videos on YouTube and feel very confident in putting together a "kit". I am not in the least bothered by the process - matter of fact, I am actually looking forward to it.
Having said that, I have a few questions please. I am thinking about getting a MK4 - might as well bite the bullet and get the best. At the end of the day, it looks like the self-leveling and extra features of the MK4 make it worth the extra cost over the MK3.
Questions:
- Is the "extra" print sheet necessary? Is the proper "extra" sheet to get the one labeled as "textured"?
- I can't figure out what filament comes with the kit. Is there a spool included, or do I need to get a spool to get started?
- Is there a US distributor for Prusament? If so, who is the authorized US distributor?
- Mind you, I am a newbie and will be learning along the way. Given that what other "things" are recommended when placing the order for a MK4. I see several options - are they necessary for somebody getting started?
I've done the math and the difference between the MK3 kit vs the MK4 kit is really not that much - that is why I am thinking of biting the bullet and splurging on the MK4. The last thing I want to do is have buyer's remorse and get the wrong kit.
I realize these questions get asked all the time - please bear with me I'm just getting started.
Any info would be highly appreciated.
thanks!
RE: Newbie question...
try to keep your order value below $800.00 to prevent the import duty lottery, apparently the US can charge import duty for orders over.
$800.
I prefer the satin and textured build plates to the smooth build plate. the standard kit comes with a smooth build plate at a price of $799.00
if you want extra items, consider making a second order and ask prusa to deliver the second order as a separate shipment to save tax/duty and save courier fees. as a second build plate, my preference would be Satin.
the kit, comes with two 25 gram samples of filament, I suggest you buy some filament locally.
PLA is the sort of 'defacto' first filament don't get glow in the dark, wood filled, or carbon filled filament to start with, as they can be abrasive, and may wear the brass nozzle quickly. E3D ' https://e3d-online.com/products/genuine-e3d-obxidian-prusa-nozzles-for-mk4-xl?_pos=3&_psq=mk4+n&_ss=e&_v=1.0 ' offer ObXidian hardened nozzles they also offer a 'v6 nozzle adapter ' https://e3d-online.com/products/v6-adaptor-prusa-mk4-xl?_pos=2&_sid=25dc0f123&_ss=r '
i bought a v6 adapter plus additional heat block, additional extruder heater and additional extruder thermistor, so that I can use any hardened v6 style nozzle... i expect the v6 adapter will eventually get waste filament in the threads, so i want to treat the v6 adapter as an exchangeable unit. keeping the original heater block for use with different size brass prusa nozzles.
you can get silicone 'socks' which will keep your 'hot end' clean... the tip of the nozzle will protrude through the sock, and it will get filament waste on it eventually, but a sock, will make cleaning blobs of doom, off the extruder, easier,,, and you WILL, eventually get a blob of doom...
I would say that the only absolute necessity, is extra filament. i always like to have a spare build plate, and first choice would be satin... (it's a personal preference, your preference may vary...)
treat the build plate as a precious object, keep it clean, handle it by the edges and keep finger prints off the build area. wait for prints to cool before trying to remove them. (being a bit on the impetuous side... I lift the build plate off the printer heatbed and let it cool faster.)
most printer owners keep isopropyl alcohol (IPA)(91% or better) near their printer...personally I don't like it for cleaning the build plate (i use Dawn dish soap and hot water, with a NEW (grease free) dish sponge for cleaning the build plate (away from the printer...),
BUT when you do get a print, which is reluctant to release from the build plate, and you WILL eventually get a print which is reluctant to release,,, dribble a little IPA, around the base of your model, on the cooled build plate, let it sit a while, then try flexing the build plate again, and the model should release more easily...
the glue stick is provided to be used as an adhesion reducer... it can save your build plate from damage from PETG, and TPU filament... check out the prusa knowledge base for advice on different filaments
a company called 'Printed Solid, is a US based Prusa supplier...
Have a wonderful time... happy printing.
Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: Newbie question...
Thank you!