Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

WARNING - 3D PRINTERS ARE NOT "OUT-OF-THE-BOX" USABLE!!!! If you bought it for xmas, don't expect to get it working 100% same day.. Opened the 'gift' early Sat before xmas. That was a wise move. What doesn't jump out at you is how much work is involved in building and tuning the printer. This was more of a science project than a 'commodity product'. IT IS NOT FOR THE NON-MECHANICALLY-INCLINED!! All-in-all it took two days to properly set up and tune to the point it printed a good result. A mechanic or mechanical engineer might do it in less; a non-science type may want to consider getting assistance or the professional install. I started researching 3D printers back this summer and finally made the decision to buy around Thanksgiving. I didn't know anything about 3D printing at the time, so I studied and watched a lot of videos to learn the gotcha's. Some of it didn't make sense (ex. 'leveling'), but even before receiving the printer, it definitely left the impression that 3D printing was not straightforward at all. I was right. Expect three hours assembly, a minimum of two hours adjustment. Other things you'll need: - Kids glue stick, - Spool of filament, - Set up software (if you want to convert STL into GCODE files the printer can print. - A vent or open window (think 'burning plastic') - Patience. (I'm an engineer and it still drove me bananas getting it to work properly...) Things to check: - Before assembly, ensure all wheels are snug and aren't wiggly (watch the videos to know what that means..) - Look at the videos to see how to string the filament after it's been assembled - Push the knob on the control to adjust the commands - If the room is cold, you may need to raise the temperature (ex. in my case, 216C Nozzle, 60C Bed) - A combination of a kids Glue Stick and adding a "raft" to the base of your item will GREATLY enhance the ability to successfully print!! - If your PLA is not sticking to the bed, the nozzle is too high. Readjust using a piece of paper. First tighten so it can't move, then loosen so it 'scrapes' the paper. - When using the next day, it may be a good idea to warm it up first, release the filament guide, then push a little filament manually through to make sure it drops down straight (if curled, you'll likely have a bad print). - Be careful that some parts are crooked or need additional adjustment. Do not assume that everything will perfectly align - some did, but some didn't and required tinkering with. Having said that, the unit really does some nice prints. Very satisfied with the output and quality, it's just a shame that the 'small things' took away from what otherwise would have been a great experience! :) DEAR ENDER: Honestly, this business about not sticking to the plate was half of my frustration. The other half was (a) add an auto-leveling / axis feature (b) increased ability to align and lock adjustments, (c) options to purchase (ex. an insulated cabinet); let me know when I can buy it! :) Same goes for a bed that really grips the plastic. Lost several tries because they came loose. Didn't give it a 'five' since tuning it was just too much gosh darn work to do over xmas.