Build instructions terrible - could shave hours off build with better pictures and instructions
I was excited for the build when I saw what appeared to be a very high quality instruction manual included with my mk3s+. Sadly, the pictures are unclear, and the instructions are frequently baffling. Attach this piece to the hole on the left. Left of what? Left is relative to which direction a part is facing. I stared at step two with the belt instructions for a very long time before I realized that you have to turn the frame upside down to install it. Then I looked at the image for putting the belt around the screw - in the image, the teeth of the belt are on the inside of the loop, against the shaft of the screw, but in the very next instruction you're warned that the belt should be installed in the complete opposite of the picture, with the belt teeth to the outside away from the shaft of the screw. I searched online for a build video but all I can find are high speed time lapse videos or videos with weird transitions and no actual close up pics of the installation. I've assembled and built many things and never had so much trouble with the instructions. If they added bigger, high res pictures and clearer instructions to the manual, I feel like I could shave hours off this build.
RE: Build instructions terrible - could shave hours off build with better pictures and instructions
I would strongly suggest using the online version of the manual, and read all of the comments in each section prior to doing it.
I found the assembly of the MK3S to be quite straightforward.
RE: Build instructions terrible - could shave hours off build with better pictures and instructions
Where is the online manual? I really don't like following along with a computer or phone while I'm working with grease on my fingers but I guess if that's the only/best way to figure out what they're talking about then I don't have a choice.
The assembly itself isn't the problem. It's the several minutes per step I have to spend trying to figure out what the instructions for each step are supposed to mean.
RE: Build instructions terrible - could shave hours off build with better pictures and instructions
Here's the main manual section. And if you are ending up with enough grease on your fingers to make operating a keyboard messy, something is definitely wrong, really. I assembled both the I3 and MMU2S and I sure don't remember anything that requires getting hands greasy.
RE: Build instructions terrible - could shave hours off build with better pictures and instructions
Well, looks like they were good enough for you to get finished. Leave that worry behind you. Now the learning curve begins - welcome!
RE: Build instructions terrible - could shave hours off build with better pictures and instructions
Oh, and if you are instruction manual nerd inclined, Prusa is looking to hire a tech writer ... Not sure if they filled the slot.
RE: Build instructions terrible - could shave hours off build with better pictures and instructions
If your manual is like the one I got with my MK3s, there is a QR code at the front that points to the online manual.
And on the inside of the front cover is the info to check out the online manual with high resolution pictures.
RE: Build instructions terrible - could shave hours off build with better pictures and instructions
@jsw
Thanks. The pics in the online manual is much clearer.
I'm not close to finished yet but the online pics should help.
As for grease, I packed the bearings with the provided grease per comments many people left on the forum. Once the grease is on your fingers, your fingers stay greasy until you wash them, which I really didn't want to do in the middle of the build.
Ideally, they could complement the manual with a series of videos of them building the machine step by step. They are assembling some for customers anyway. I've seen this done very well for home exercise equipment. As I said, the videos people post online generally don't focus on the individual parts or have weird transitions, etc.
RE: Build instructions terrible - could shave hours off build with better pictures and instructions
When I built my MK3S+ I never once looked at the printed manual. I used the online manual, which is more up to date and has good quality photos that can be zoomed in. As others have stated the comments under each step are invaluable as well. There are a few steps here and there that could use some better photos, but for the most part it was excellent.
RE: Build instructions terrible - could shave hours off build with better pictures and instructions
Here's the main manual section. And if you are ending up with enough grease on your fingers to make operating a keyboard messy, something is definitely wrong, really. I assembled both the I3 and MMU2S and I sure don't remember anything that requires getting hands greasy.
When I built my MK3S+ back at Xmas the bearings were smothered in oil/grease, it took several washes to get it off just from taking them out of their bags!!
RE: Build instructions terrible - could shave hours off build with better pictures and instructions
I started using the printed manual, but switched over to the on-line version because you can zoom in on the pictures. I actually thought that the instructions were VERY GOOD! The only thing that puzzled me at first was the purpose of the nylon "filament". Basically, it's just a cable strain support. No big deal, and for all the assembly steps you have to perform only being puzzled by one of them is AOK with me!
Ted
RE: Build instructions terrible - could shave hours off build with better pictures and instructions
I wore nitrile gloves when handling greasy components like the bearings and rods. The grease was easier to wipe off the nitrile gloves while wearing them than it was combined with my already naturally oily hands. This way I didn't always have to get up and wash my hands because I agree that is annoying and a time killer, but sometimes its necessary. I also felt more comfortable squeezing some excess grease out of the plastic bags from the bearings and onto the rods because I didn't care to re-grease the bearings themselves.
RE: Build instructions terrible - could shave hours off build with better pictures and instructions
I think the stuff in the bags was actually anti-corrosion oil. The grease was in a provided tube.
I do agree that the online instructions are much clearer than the book. It's hard to describe some of the steps but being able to blow up the pictures helps. Looking forward to finishing assembly this weekend.
RE: Build instructions terrible - could shave hours off build with better pictures and instructions
Definitely use the instructions on line and dont take ANY "short cuts"....they are actually exceptionally well figured out..I know I assembled seven MK#s ..one right after the other...and got them all correct on the first try because I PAINSTAKINGLY followed EXACTLY what they said to do WHEN they told me to do it...I admit I tried a short cut on the second job..and sure enough it came back to bite me within 3 steps..RESIST ALL TEMPTATIONS to cut corners!
RE: Build instructions terrible - could shave hours off build with better pictures and instructions
I would strongly suggest using the online version of the manual, and read all of the comments in each section prior to doing it.
The comments are very helpful. I would have never gotten the nylon filament in the extruder cable bundle inserted if not for tips in the comments section.
RE: Build instructions terrible - could shave hours off build with better pictures and instructions
I used the printed manual only, and I think it is overall very good. Some pictures are small, but you can use a magnifying glass.
It would have helped if the manual explained what the nylon filament is for. Made no sense to me early on. For a few complex parts like the extruder it would have helped to see an explanation to how the finished part is supposed to work, before you start assembing it.
But I do think the printer is more difficult to assemble than it needs to be. Mounting the belts is too hard. Cable routing is awkward, especially near and inside the controller box. It makes me think "I hope I never have to take this apart again".
RE: Build instructions terrible - could shave hours off build with better pictures and instructions
The Nylon purpose is obvious, but only if you've ever been around equipment that has a moving cable bundle. And how it fits is a travesty of mechanical engineering. Cable layout - I have to agree - is also poor engineering. But hey - this is a tinkerer class product. So we have to tinker. As for serviceability? Pretty sure that thought has never entered their mind space.
I liken it to the ongoing philosophy everyone has a Facebook account with iPhone and all services, features, tools, and support now depend on that device. People are so lazy these days they can't even open a paper booklet that comes with the printer. So the get on their app and ask others to read it to them.
I won't be around to see it - but I do wonder what the 21st century will look like. 100 smart educated people designing the world; and 25 billion sheep?