You did the best review that I have seen so far. I bought an A1 mini a while back and am very happy with it. But I had a shock when I printed the example boat from the first file on the SD card, it prints at a violent high-speed mode that shakes the printer around like hell on a less-than solid desk, but the print turned out perfect for me. This prompted me to go out and buy a 30x30cm paving slab to sit it on. Although, no other prints have featured that "ludicrous" printing mode.
Thanks! I've seen a number of manufactures try to make the Benchy print as fast as possible while still coming out decent. It sure does sling things around fast. I agree that other prints tend to be less violent.
I think you'll be very happy with this printer combo and the price they have it at. It's blown away any of my past 3D printer experiences and I'm looking forward to doing more with it!
Steve, this is a great review/informative video. I think the idea of having one is very cool.... Since I know nothing about them or about creating a design of my own I am software challenged! Lol I really like the option of multi colors. Things holding me back is the software use and technical on my part. The prices are incredible and very tempting! Greg
I think that is a common concern with the software. The nice thing is that you can get a lot of use out of this without knowing anything about 3d modeling with all the files people share. However, I do plan on doing a couple videos on getting started with some basic modeling using free online software like TinkerCad to make some simple items for the lasers.
Steve, more videos would be great, For me having a a way to create a piece for a hobby specific use would be cool, something of my own design would be great. Something that you couldn't find in a store. I see people print things that are available in stores for a dollar or two.... lol I really enjoy your videos! Greg
Both are very similar in quality. The A1 might be a touch better at times than the mini when high speed printing as it's larger and less prone to vibrations. Noise wise they are equal. For super miniatures you'll want to pick up the .2mm hotend, both come stock with the .4mm hotend.
@Vintauri thanks for the detailed response! There is a black friday sale in the bambulab site and I'm ordering A1. I'm hoping to have a great with it as my first printer.
I know some have done that and have had success. Bambu does not recommend it as it places all the electronics in the enclosure which will raise the heat level and components will fail faster that way.
I've been using these for a few weeks and it's diffficult to overcome the "walmart" effect, making something both useful and not avaulable at walmart. So far the best thing I've got is a small holder for those flashlights you buy in packs. And random knick knacks like a phone holder or pencil holder. Hopefully I am wrong though, or I'm out $400...
I think it all depends on your interests. I have a lot of niche hobbies where you just can't find items at mainstream stores. So being able to 3D print parts for them makes it much easier. I also just enjoy anything robotic and computer controlled so that is half the fun for me as well. For those just wanting to experiment, the A1 mini at under $300 is a nice way to go and have some success without a huge financial outlay.
If you start thinking with the printers as a problem solving tool, you can make a lot of practical things. I use it to hang my toddlers climbing toy on the wall because it's huge but on the wall it takes up virtually no space. Car organizers for his Hot Wheels, A bunch of organizers for my tools. You can find a lot of cool models and give them to people as gifts. I fixed a shelf using a 3D printed part... The thing is a tool. Brings your ideas to life. You need to have the ideas first
You'll never find custom jigs for your laser at Walmart. Yes a lot of people buy these and print out plastic decorations but that's just for the fun. 3D printers are not for everyone but this is the first one where I feel someone could purchase it, pull it out of the box and have success without having to tweak, tune and try five times over to just get one thing printed out. Being able to customize the items to your needs and do it easily is where adding them to your shop will make a bigger difference. I'll be showing more of that in future videos.
@@jppalm3944 Understood,. This was just my initial impressions video. I wanted to help show that you can use these without needing to wrap your head around 3D modeling software by using pre-made files to get started. From there you can learn the printer and start playing with the software to modify things to your needs. Plus, just like with lasers, if someone has made something I like and is offering the files for free or cheap, I'll gladly pay them to save the time designing it myself. I'll get into the basics of creating your own files for 3D printers in a future video. Thanks for watching and giving feedback!
@@jppalm3944I print some gifts here and there while I'm calibrating different filaments... But then once I have everything dialed in I tend to only print practical things. Hooks and hangers organization stuff, I built a few mounts around my house for a Microsoft surface (One is in the bathroom, And I will argue with anyone that this is one of my most useful prints lmao) I fixed a shelf in my closet with a custom bracket, printed countless parts for my other 3d printer that I didn't have to buy. It pays for itself over time and with the satisfaction that sometimes you can have an idea and just materialize it in a few hours, sometimes faster with these speedy bambus
@@jppalm3944 i find it super useful for prototyping things like functional parts and cases for electronics, and if you really need you can always take the completed design to somewhere like PCBway to get it 3d printed with metal or even CNC.
Thank you for your very detailed review!
My pleasure!
Can you send me the info on your F1 files for the A1?
@@johndingmansr.5895 This is the jig for the RA2 - makerworld.com/en/models/149943?from=search#profileId-240223
@@Vintauri thank you sir
You did the best review that I have seen so far. I bought an A1 mini a while back and am very happy with it. But I had a shock when I printed the example boat from the first file on the SD card, it prints at a violent high-speed mode that shakes the printer around like hell on a less-than solid desk, but the print turned out perfect for me. This prompted me to go out and buy a 30x30cm paving slab to sit it on. Although, no other prints have featured that "ludicrous" printing mode.
Thanks! I've seen a number of manufactures try to make the Benchy print as fast as possible while still coming out decent. It sure does sling things around fast. I agree that other prints tend to be less violent.
Dang it Steve, you just made me spend $600! Getting the A1 Combo now. Thanks 😂
I think you'll be very happy with this printer combo and the price they have it at. It's blown away any of my past 3D printer experiences and I'm looking forward to doing more with it!
Great job on the review.
Thanks Ryan! I'm looking forward to doing more with these printers! Lot's of CNC mods I need to make. :)
Steve, this is a great review/informative video. I think the idea of having one is very cool....
Since I know nothing about them or about creating a design of my own I am software challenged! Lol
I really like the option of multi colors.
Things holding me back is the software use and technical on my part.
The prices are incredible and very tempting! Greg
I think that is a common concern with the software. The nice thing is that you can get a lot of use out of this without knowing anything about 3d modeling with all the files people share. However, I do plan on doing a couple videos on getting started with some basic modeling using free online software like TinkerCad to make some simple items for the lasers.
Steve, more videos would be great,
For me having a a way to create a piece for a hobby specific use would be cool, something of my own design would be great. Something that you couldn't find in a store. I see people print things that are available in stores for a dollar or two.... lol
I really enjoy your videos! Greg
Thanks for the video Steve. Been wanting to get into some 3d printing, looks like this is a good starter model.
great video !
Thanks for watching! I'm looking forward to doing more with them!
Great, now you have me wanting to try this ;p
It's a fun rabbit hole to dive down!
Any difference in terms of print quality between these two? Especially while making super minitiature prints?
Also, how loud are they compared?
Both are very similar in quality. The A1 might be a touch better at times than the mini when high speed printing as it's larger and less prone to vibrations. Noise wise they are equal. For super miniatures you'll want to pick up the .2mm hotend, both come stock with the .4mm hotend.
@Vintauri thanks for the detailed response! There is a black friday sale in the bambulab site and I'm ordering A1. I'm hoping to have a great with it as my first printer.
@@kristis3755 happy to help! The A1 series is a great printer to start on.
I’m not finding the tool holder you made, can you post the link to it I would really like to make one.
Here you go. makerworld.com/models/97881
@@Vintauri Thanks! I found it and now I’m printing it.
If you have an enclosure. Can you use the other filaments "ABS, ASA, PC, PA, PET,
Carbon/Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer"?
I know some have done that and have had success. Bambu does not recommend it as it places all the electronics in the enclosure which will raise the heat level and components will fail faster that way.
terrible audio quality
Noted...
I've been using these for a few weeks and it's diffficult to overcome the "walmart" effect, making something both useful and not avaulable at walmart. So far the best thing I've got is a small holder for those flashlights you buy in packs. And random knick knacks like a phone holder or pencil holder. Hopefully I am wrong though, or I'm out $400...
I think it all depends on your interests. I have a lot of niche hobbies where you just can't find items at mainstream stores. So being able to 3D print parts for them makes it much easier. I also just enjoy anything robotic and computer controlled so that is half the fun for me as well. For those just wanting to experiment, the A1 mini at under $300 is a nice way to go and have some success without a huge financial outlay.
Looks like you wasted your money. These printers are tools. It's like buying a welder when you have no need to weld metal.
If you start thinking with the printers as a problem solving tool, you can make a lot of practical things. I use it to hang my toddlers climbing toy on the wall because it's huge but on the wall it takes up virtually no space. Car organizers for his Hot Wheels, A bunch of organizers for my tools. You can find a lot of cool models and give them to people as gifts. I fixed a shelf using a 3D printed part...
The thing is a tool. Brings your ideas to life. You need to have the ideas first
Yup.. knick knack toy maker for 95% of people.. and then it is a wonderful dust collector!
Whoa this is hard to watch. Your audio is way too loud and too high in pitch. Turn that down and keep it low. Watch your gain.
All I see is stuff made that can be bought at the Dollar store or Walmart. I have seen some great stuff that solve interesting problems though
You'll never find custom jigs for your laser at Walmart. Yes a lot of people buy these and print out plastic decorations but that's just for the fun. 3D printers are not for everyone but this is the first one where I feel someone could purchase it, pull it out of the box and have success without having to tweak, tune and try five times over to just get one thing printed out. Being able to customize the items to your needs and do it easily is where adding them to your shop will make a bigger difference. I'll be showing more of that in future videos.
@@Vintauri not meant at all as criticism of your review. Just an observation of a person interested in all technology
@@jppalm3944 Understood,. This was just my initial impressions video. I wanted to help show that you can use these without needing to wrap your head around 3D modeling software by using pre-made files to get started. From there you can learn the printer and start playing with the software to modify things to your needs. Plus, just like with lasers, if someone has made something I like and is offering the files for free or cheap, I'll gladly pay them to save the time designing it myself. I'll get into the basics of creating your own files for 3D printers in a future video. Thanks for watching and giving feedback!
@@jppalm3944I print some gifts here and there while I'm calibrating different filaments... But then once I have everything dialed in I tend to only print practical things. Hooks and hangers organization stuff, I built a few mounts around my house for a Microsoft surface (One is in the bathroom, And I will argue with anyone that this is one of my most useful prints lmao) I fixed a shelf in my closet with a custom bracket, printed countless parts for my other 3d printer that I didn't have to buy. It pays for itself over time and with the satisfaction that sometimes you can have an idea and just materialize it in a few hours, sometimes faster with these speedy bambus
@@jppalm3944 i find it super useful for prototyping things like functional parts and cases for electronics, and if you really need you can always take the completed design to somewhere like PCBway to get it 3d printed with metal or even CNC.