3D Printing Class

[Seer]

I was at a local craft show and there was a guy there with a 3d printer who offers classes and the cost starts at $599.00 which includes a BAMBU 3D printer mini but you can upgrade the course for a larger printer. The retail for the printer is about $299.00 but the course goes over everything and includes filaments etc. Curious as to what you all think about this possibility and I am researching it right now. BTW this is an in person class.

 

[JohnU]

That can be a hard question for others to answer for you since everyone learns at their own pace. I don't know anything about the mini or how hard it is to use but I bought the Bambu X1 carbon (which is pretty well automated for setup and running) with no knowledge of them and had no problems getting started. There's plenty of videos and instructions on YouTube. I do know some of them are harder to operate and chances are if you take his class he might be more willing to answer questions later as you encounter them.

 

[mhallett]

Just make sure the 3d printer comes with the ams.

 

[Seer]

That can be a hard question for others to answer for you since everyone learns at their own pace. I don't know anything about the mini or how hard it is to use but I bought the Bambu X1 carbon (which is pretty well automated for setup and running) with no knowledge of them and had no problems getting started. There's plenty of videos and instructions on YouTube. I do know some of them are harder to operate and chances are if you take his class he might be more willing to answer questions later as you encounter them.

Thanks John

 

[SteveJ]

TLDR: Skip the class and upgrade the printer for the same money.

I've got the P1S and my son has the A1. Both were/are simple to learn and run. I would recommend skipping the class and spend the money on either a P1S without the AMS, or the A1 with the AMS. The AMS is nice and I would miss it if it went away, but it isn't absolutely necessary. Same with the enclosure for the P1S, nice but not necessary for most printing. I would miss it since it allows for printing more materials, it also filters out some of the fumes. My son started without the AMS and chose to add it after using the printer for a while, a route you could take as well. I was gifted the P1S with the AMS so never had to deal with manually changing filament mid print. If counter space is an issue the AMS can sit on top of the printer but next to the A1 or A1 mini.

I was up and printing within an hour of unpacking without anyone showing me what I needed to do. Makerworld has more models than you will ever be able to print. Last night I downloaded a file to print new hinges for an old cooler. Printed it without modifications and they fit perfectly.

 

[carlmorrell]

The printer is not the hard part. The 3D modelling software is where the learning curve is. There are many choices, I picked Freecad. Found many very good tutorials on youtube.

 

[Seer]

Just make sure the 3d printer comes with the ams.

Wha is the ams

Thanks John

TLDR: Skip the class and upgrade the printer for the same money.

I've got the P1S and my son has the A1. Both were/are simple to learn and run. I would recommend skipping the class and spend the money on either a P1S without the AMS, or the A1 with the AMS. The AMS is nice and I would miss it if it went away, but it isn't absolutely necessary. Same with the enclosure for the P1S, nice but not necessary for most printing. I would miss it since it allows for printing more materials, it also filters out some of the fumes. My son started without the AMS and chose to add it after using the printer for a while, a route you could take as well. I was gifted the P1S with the AMS so never had to deal with manually changing filament mid print. If counter space is an issue the AMS can sit on top of the printer but next to the A1 or A1 mini.

I was up and printing within an hour of unpacking without anyone showing me what I needed to do. Makerworld has more models than you will ever be able to print. Last night I downloaded a file to print new hinges for an old cooler. Printed it without modifications and they fit perfectly.

Thank You I have a degree in CAD so it should be pretty straight forward thanks for the info

 

[SteveJ]

AMS is Bambulabs Automatic Material System. It allows the printer to switch filament colors automatically, thus enabling you to print four (or more) color objects without the need to pause the print and wait for you to manually switch filament. It also allows you to load 2 rolls of the same filament and the printer will automatically switch to a fresh roll when the first runs out.

 

[moke]

I also have an X1c....that is the most used tool in my shop! It is a riot...I would highly suggest getting the best one you can afford, and also Bambu brand. Bambu, may not be the best one, but it certainly has the best support. It has its own "wiki" pages on how to fix them, complete with tons of youtubes. Parts are readily available, the company is reliable, and ships quickly. I knew nothing about them, and I am only moderately mechanically inclined. They tell you everything....and they do have occasional problems...so the wiki pages are very handy!!! And much like turning, there will be some additional "toys" required...watch the youtubes...."Meade Made" is one the best I have found...The class is not a bad idea, but certainly not necessary if you just use you tube..
Have fun, I have printed tons and tons of stuff....the next door girls have a lot of new Barbie beds and furniture, my wife has many new bowls, knick knacks and spoon rests, my friend with an HO railroad has some new buildings, and my shop has lots and lots of stuff, from storage containers, router table inserts, measuring devices, even a wrench from a carbon fiber material....It is great, mine rarely goes a day with out being run.....it is just plain fun.
BTW if you cast you can make honeycomb type things for the castings....