I just got the ender 3 pro for my birthday 2 weeks ago and outta all the viedos my husband and i have watched in the 2 weeks we have had it yours is by far the most informitive on how to get started!! We have been unable to get our printer to do anything but sit in the left hand side of the board!!! I have been through hours and hours and hours of videos that hasnt told us nothing on how to start printing!! We are brand new to this and your video is so far the only one ive found that take us into detail on how to print. everyone else is building it then jumps into printing with out explaing how to set your screen, or anything else.. we got a lot of how to set ur table but none have been as informitive as yours, thank you so very very much!!! Hoping this gets up started in the right direction!
I've been 3D printing for 6 years now but only recently bought a new second printer, not much wrong with the old one other than it was old & not really compatible with the newer packages out there. From what I've learned over the years: * If using ABS make certain you don't have any draughts - a window open the other side of the house can cause chaos with the print. The easiest fix for this is to have an enclosure around the printer so that draughts are kept to a minimum. * Use a heat bed at the right temp for the medium. I use PLA most of the time so the bed is at 60C * Never leave the printer unattended - yes prints can take hours but printers but it's worse if a print fails part way through & you end up wasting element because the print has moved (just like in this video & I had one print do that this week) * Level the bed - you will find you will do this more often than you think. If a print fails with bad adhesion to the bed, check it's still level * Most printers have USB as well as SD ports, so get a Raspberry PI & install Octoprint on it (available as an sd card image). It'll save you time copying stuff over & you can manage & monitor the print as it goes along. Some slicers will even do the upload to Octoprint for you. * If doing dual prints (i.e. 2 or more different colours of filament) make certain you use the same material type for each one, i.e. use all PLA or all ABS etc. Don't mix as it won't work as they have different temperatures. As for modelling, I use OpenSCAD - different to most cad's out there as you write code to generate the object not draw it. As a programmer it's more intuitive for me than drawing even though I did Tecnical Drawing at school back in the 80's For slicing Cura
when you say check that the bed is level...do you mean level to the world and to the nozzle? as in, could the bed be level to the nozzel but still work if the printer is on an un-level table? Cheers!
@@briholt100 When you hear anyone say if the bed is level when it comes to 3D printers, it's to the nozzle - as in whenever the nozzle moves over the entire bed it remains at the same distance from the bed. As for the world, that doesn't really matter. In fact one of my own printers can be wall mounted so the "bed" is almost vertical not horizontal
I really appreciated the beginning error on the bed leveling, as a beginner that demonstration was very helpful. Very nice video and thank you very much for your time!
Very helpful, I found it difficult to find a video explaining this particular printer and this really gave me a better grasp on how to use my 3D printer.
Literally astounded by this printer, bought mine just over a year ago and it's been in use non-stop for business and it's more than paid for itself. You wont be disappointed.
what are you using it for? I bought mine also a year ago- but I rarely use it- the software drives me up the wall (fusion....) and the long printing times keep me from making bigger more useful stuff... but that is just me being an idiot- the printer is good and the prints are way better than I would have thought
I am thinking about getting it for my puzzle boxes I love to design them and even though my school has the exact same printer I think it would be easier for prototyping of parts fiting together by getting my own a ender 3 but should I? Also I am looking to not spend over 200$ canadian. Since I am a high school student. What should I do?
Did you remember to connect the Z-Axis micro-switch connection, Why go with Cura instead of CADKEY 386, Does the 3D Printer have a Ethernet port on it so you can print from your computer.
Thanks for watching my first attempt at using a 3D printer without help! If you're in the market for one this is the one I have: amzn.to/2VShvXf I'm sure you all have plenty of advice and tips so feel free to share your thoughts here in the comments and I'll enjoy reading them thank you. Special thanks to Howard at ruclips.net/user/dubiousengineering for his experience in this video. Neil - RMC
RetroManCave thanks 🙏 kindly for letting me share what I know Neil... enjoy your journey in 3D printing... it offers so many solutions to problems and also offers a few challenges of its own!!! It’s a little like getting your first Dot-Matrix :-) with ribbons to change and concertina folded paper that consistently jams up :-)
I grabbed and modded/upgraded a Monoprice Maker Select Plus just over a year ago now, changed the way I do a lot of things. If I can't find a thing, I'll design or replicate a thing from scratch. I design stuff in Tinkercad--it's pretty simple, which means you need to be creative in accomplishing some things. I guess one example is that I built my niece a PC just before the pandemic that was/is technically defective--it was missing a panel for the PCIe expansion slots on the case (Phanteks P300). I didn't somehow realise until I had built thing, and didn't want to send the case back. I was able to use the one from my PC (Phanteks P350X) as a template, with digital calipers and neodymium magnets. Another is the MICKE Desk from IKEA. Because I needed some extra cable management channels--I designed an extension that clips on the existing channel. Honestly, I feel like I'm in Star Trek every time I'm printing something.
I have my Ender 5 since January... I like it very much. As long as you dont use their crappy Filament... I thought the printer was broken when using the Creality Filament. But using other Filaments solved every extrusion or adhesion problem. There are so many useful addons to print for the Creality printers on Thingiverse... Like a toolholder or anti vibration feet, cable management, filament sensor or webcam holders. Such a great support in the creative community around Creality in general. And the replacement parts are cheap and plenty. There is a special "Creality slicer" ... its basically cura but very well working with the Ender.
Ah, timely! I've been waiting to pull the trigger on buying an Ender 3 Pro for a while now. I am in the same boat as you -- very novice actually dealing with intro-level 3D printers. I have watched a thousand videos, but have never had the confidence to buy one. I will continue to watch how you make out in upcoming videos. Congrats on your purchase, by the way. 👍
Really great video. Just unboxed yesterday. Your clear and concise presentation got me over all of the slightly tricky parts and first print adhered and went start to finish. Thanks.
I have absolutely no experience of 3D printers either, but this video was extremely informative and explains the whole process very clearly from a newbies point of view. Now I understand what it's all about and what's involved should I ever get a 3D printer.
I have built that same model of 3D printer for a customer. Not a bad printer at all for the price! And not too hard to put together. I had watched a few RUclips videos about assembly before doing it myself.
As another proud owner of an Ender 3 Pro... Welcome! You have treated yourself to an excellent machine. Certainly one of the best at this price point. One thing I'd recommend if your you to check out Tomb of 3D Printed Horrors' video on building the Ender 3, called "Creality Ender 3 assembly and pro build tips ". It's about 30 minute-long but it goes into many details in how to properly build the frame and setting the right grip on the concentric nuts that hold the bearing wheels. Highly, highly recommended. Enjoy your new toy!
Nice video! I've had my Ender 3 Pro for a little over a year now and it's still functioning perfectly. A couple of things though: - When you're pushing new filament into the extruder, keep pushing on the lever to slide it in easily. - Consider upgrading the bowden tube and couplings to Capricorn, and upgrading the extruder to the aluminium extruder (these are the only mods I've done to my machine, aside from some printed mods).
Ive had my Ender 3 pro for 2 years now it's a great machine Can print some upgrades as well Back cover for the screen board is nice Also a drag chain for the wires to the hot plate save stress on the wires I'd also get a separate holder for the reel having it up the top can cause feed and vibration problems You can print one that slots it onto the lower rails or just buy a free standing one First payed for upgrade I'd get would be a glass bed Second would be a all metal duel gears feeder
Congrats Neil - you did well! Get used to making mistakes as you go - dive in. It's the only way you will build up the comfort level and the experience. Loving mine bought almost a year ago now - still learning stuff about it daily! Best wishes.
Thank you for a very professional walk through of your build process and for sharing your experiences. I have this model ordered which is due to arrive shortly.
I have an Ender 3 Pro as well, got it a few weeks ago! An important thing to print ASAP is a filament guide, (there's a bunch of them on Thingiversw) as stock the filament can get caught on the Z-axis rail and ruin a long print.
Yeah you don't want to get grease on the filament either which can happen if it touches that rod. additionally I'd recommend going to the horizontal spool holder bracket as well. There are versions that use the same screws as the regular and it considerably reduces the chance of snagging your filament, snapping it and prevents your filament from sawing through your extruder tension arm's filament guide (this can also be prevented by upgrading to aluminium).
My ender 3 should arrive in like a few hours, can't wait. I'm an engineering student and I've had so many ideas over the years but never got a printer because I was concerned about noise because I live in an apartment, but the pro I got has the new silent board preinstalled which will make it much quieter apparently. Really being an upcoming engineer without a printer makes me feel naked Glad to see this video makes the setup way simpler, I watched too many videos where I think they took it a bit too far for beginners and those kinds of refinements should only be done after doing a few decent prints
Top tip if you just want to print and don't want to fiddle about with your new 3D-printer: pay some extra money and buy a Prusa. I bought a Prusa mini and not once had a failed print. It has auto mesh bed leveling and a very good print surface that will work every time. You don't have to upgrade anything.. it just works.. The Ender 3 can for sure create wonderful prints but most people have to put a lot of time and effort in to get it right. So if you want to save yourself a lot of hassle just buy a Prusa. I'm not getting paid to say this; i'm just very happy with my printer that has never failed to get great results..
Hi Dave, I have a very similar printer and had to go through some learning iterations. Just one essential advice, every time you print, give the plate a short wisp with an IPA, the models stick on the surface much better then.
Tip: Keep your part-used filament with some dessicant in a bag or tupperware box - some types can absorb water which causes it to pop and fizz when it gets hot. I like printing with PETG as its easier than ABS but more heat resistant than PLA. Great video :)
also good to know that a dessicant bag won't help if the filament is already waterlogged. the bag only draws the moisture from the air, not the filament. if you own an oven or a dehydrator you can fix the filament easily enough though.
Welcome to the fun and frustrating community. There are many helpful and sometimes conflicting advises out there. Do you research and choose what works for you. My number one advise is to let the parts cool before removing (about 5 to 10 minuets) as I have warped many a part with impatience. Good luck and I look forward to seeing what you produce in the future. Great video. Keep up the good work.
I also have this printer.. best addon I added for consistency is the winnsenn dual extruder, but does need extruder calibration once fitte.d MADE HUGE improvment
Have you checked the wheels that hold the print bed to the cross beam and the wheels on the left and right side of the X access ? they have adjustments that might not be setup that well from the factory. This is important to keep the bed level and stop print head and print bed from wobble. There is a add on pack for Cura called CreawsomeMod and it improves print quality with special tuned settings at the cost of print speed, but if you want that extra crisp print or printing first layers that have small circles or tiny details I highly recommend it. Overall the Ender printers are great value for money and have easy to find parts to keep them running. I am not a fan of the print surface that comes with them and change to a glass bed with a pei sheet. The best PLA for the price is Prusament 100% and if you want a special treat get some Proto Pasta HTPLA High Five Blue. Have fun and I look forward to you using it on your retro repairs.
you should consider getting/printing an alternative filament spool holder. having thee spool holder on the top where it currently is with its weight can cause some nasty excessive vibrations. Also dont accidentally use it as a handle.
Had one since last Christmas as a first printer as well, already used it for so many useful things! aside from dealing with manual leveling, which can get pretty fiddly or annoying, it's definitely the #1 fdm budget printer from my experience so far.
As soon as you get a printer you also start to think about learning CAD. Fusion 360 is free for non-commercial uses. Octoprint with a webcam for monitoring builds remotely is useful too.
@@RMCRetro When you start to learn with Fusion 360, one tip I can give you is to test all the different Pan/Zoom settings. The standard settings in Fusion 360 were really annoying for me and I switched to the "Tinkercad" setting. You get to this setting by clicking on your name in the upper right corner and selecting setting or whatever it is called in the English GUI
@@RMCRetro Yup. There's one where you can effectively code your shape in code. FreeCAD? sod that, I'll interactively do it :) So far I've only uploaded one thing to Thingiverse which was to fix a Roland JD800 keyboard contact strip.
What a brilliant informative video. First time I ever saw a 3d printer in action. Love the whole production of the video including the background music.
Just to add my tuppence worth (this really dates me), My preferred CAD package is Design Spark Mechanical which is free. I like it because it's easy to use and you retain control of all your design files locally. I stopped using Fusion 360 when last year they changed their Licensing/TOS and since all of your work is kept remotely on Autodesk servers in the 'cloud' they have complete control over everything you do. DSM is run locally and has a very light web requirement. DSM can connect directly to Cura which in turn is mapped to my two Octoprint instances. 3D printing is slow but it's not as slow as ordering something off Amazon. Also if you need the UV stability or extra strength of ABS then use PETG. I've still got a spool of ABS that I will probably never use because PETG is just as strong and doesn't need a cabinet or stink when you print it. I've been running the E3 since it first came out and while like all 3D printers it can be maddening at times it has produced most of the time truly precision objects that have made our lives easier. I've made everything from custom coffee scoops to a complex mounting cradle that allows my Trigger Finger Pro drum pad to mount on the top of a microphone stand. After hundreds of prints I've found my favourite print surface is a sheet of 2mm picture frame glass sprayed with hairspray. All other surfaces seem to degrade quickly over time and need replacement after twenty or so prints because they get ugly. The picture glass is very light because its only 2mm not the 4-5mm of borosilicate glass or mirror glass. Yes, the picture glass is delicate but it's also really cheap and if you are careful it will stand up to limitless prints. Also never detach a print directly from the bed as this will screw up the bed level. Always remove the print surface with the print attached and then separate the print.
You may wish to print a replacement extruder tension arm while you can. The stock creality one has a tendency to crack and wear out. Consider upgrading to an aluminium extruder assembly if you print a lot.
Little detail: Once you've got a good build surface that the PLA sticks to well, you've then got another problem: Getting the parts off again, if the build surface is strongly attached to the plate, as it should be. I recommend a wood chisel: It has the edge right down on one of the flats of the chisel, so it can go in right at the connection of the part and the build plate and help pop it off.
Having assembled a cheap Anet A8 printer about 2½ years ago, the Creality looks a comparative doddle. The Anet's frame is acrylic panels, whereas the Creality looks much sturdier thanks to metal beams. Still, I've had a little fun with the Anet, though I don't use it half as much as I should. As a Linux user, I'm running SketchUp through Wine, and the Linux version of Cura. It works, though Cura doesn't have a profile for the Anet; it's not too difficult to add one, with tips from elsewhere. It would be nice to upgrade the printer to something better, I'll look into this model.
If you think this is quite a bit of assembly, try Prusa i3 MK3S kit 😀 that's one heck of an IKEA and Lego combined. Took me and my dad like 16 hours over 2 days, but we were not sweating it. Congratulations on getting a 3D printer, it is very useful tool for computer enthusiasts. Granted you have to learn whole new stuff about 3D printing and some 3D modelling does not hurt too, but it is really helpful tool. Enjoy your printer!
Finally got my Ender 3 Pro yesterday. I’ve had some good prints, but now I’m at the state where that first layer decides to scoot around. Fingers crossed I just botched the leveling when I moved it to a new room, and here’s hoping I finally got it fixed.
Thank you for this video (or maybe not) because I just bought one because of it! I was considering the Cetus 3D heavily lately, but this is $60 cheaper than the most basic Cetus model, and has a heated bed. I've never had a 3D printer either, but your video gave me the motivation to finally buy one!
You should install the official Creality BLtouch Kit. It also doesn't hurt to replace the original control board with the BigTreeTech SKR Mini e3, and to replace the LCD with the BigTreeTech TFT35 Dual-Mode Display.
Nice, hopefully we'll see some interesting projects soon?? I was just thinking of buying 3d printer and was just to decide between this CE 3 Pro and Prusa 3D
Your couplers that hold the PTFE tube are missing the small clips that got added to prevent the tupe from slipping out. The couplers are known as low quality and new ones are rather cheap, so replacing them will be the better choice sooner or later. The extruder is also known to fail after a time (the plastic wears out. Older versions didn't have the brass insert like yours) so getting the better aluminium version as a replacement will be a good idea.
I'm a bit late watching this video... I don't know this printer well or any specific printer to be honest because I built my own printer a few years ago. Modifying the printer is the biggest part of the hobby for me. I have learned a TON about making successful prints though. The single best upgrade IMO: the bed leveling probe. Once installed and configured, you never level a bed again and first layers are always good. I currently use a BLTouch, and if I was pressed to make a recommendation on how to install one, check out Teaching Tech, he has done a bunch of videos on this printer specifically. For simplicity stick to PLA, for more heat resistant parts try PETG. If you have problems with warping prints (with the fore mentioned materials) slow down the cooling fan a bit, do not use the cooling fan with ABS (ABS is very tricky to get right and really does need an enclosure). My second favorite upgrade was an SKR 1.3 with TMC 2208 drivers. This upgrade gives you a VERY quiet printer, due to the better drivers and since its a 32bit board it handles the math required plus Octopi (USB) serial connection much better than the arduino that I was using. I use glass with hairspray. You really don't want to print directly onto glass because the adhesion is too good. I choose glass/hairspray because of durability. All the cool bed adhesion flexible sheets are nifty and do work well but they degrade, the glass never goes bad and a bottle of hairspray lasts for months at $2 or less. The "cleaning process" involves dish soap and water. I clean the glass perhaps once a month and reapply hair spray in a small amount onto the area I just printed, after every print until it get to some non definable "dirty" state and I rinse the old hairspray off and re-coat it. If you find that you aren't always happy with the way sharp corners appear on your prints, look into linear advance. There are a ton of good tutorials on what it is and how to enable/configure it. Good luck
My advice, don't get sucked in to mods too quickly the Ender3 prints just great out of the box. Spend some time learning about the printer and the process (it may be more complex than you imagine). Also I recommend the Ender3 Facebook group it's a great forum for getting and giving help
Great first 3D printing video! Going forward I hope you're going to share your makes with us?! Late last year I got the Creality CP-01 but not really had a proper chance to use it as I've been busy with other projects so I'm interested to see what you get up to with yours!
Interesting machine ,I had a look at their website it appears they have a version 2 coming out in June with a glass bed plate on it rather than the rubber mat [ pre orders available]
Good video, I can't wait to see what you have in store for the PC Engine. I built my Ender 3 about a month ago, but I've hardly been able to use it since then because the spool of filament I ordered took 3 weeks to get here, and when it did arrive, it was completely the wrong color from what I ordered. If anyone reading is in the US, I would avoid buying from FilamentOne.
Upgrade to Marlin immediately! Don't trust the presence or otherwise of thermal runaway protection. I delayed doing it on my Ender 3 because it looked involved: it's not, and the Marlin firmware is better in every way.
Love the Ender 3. Got mine on Banggood for 160$. It works so well and is all metal. Can't stand 3D printers made of plastic as it breaks or warps so easily.
I'm taking notes as I learn useful things, break things and come across problems, so I won't put pressure on to make it an instant series, just to update you when I feel like I have enough useful tips for a part 2 if that's OK
Neil, thank you VERY much for this video. My Ender 3 just arrived, and your video REALLY helped make the build much easier. Out of curiosity: did yours come with some "extra parts"? Mine had three extra screws, one of them being a M5x45. Yes, i DID a double check to see if I hadn't forgotten to install any, and everything seems OK.
Hey Neil, I think I’m similar to you as in I’d be printing things to hold a raspberry pi, or a mount for a computer project or... just general stuff. I was thinking of buying a Prusa because they are rock solid and work really stabile from day 1. No upgrades. However I think I’m gonna order an Ender. I’ve been told to order the standard and do upgrades. Do you like that you ordered the pro? And last question, what upgrades have you put on in 4 months? Thank you.
Be sure to check out teaching tech, he has all of the info you'll need. Not watched the vid yet, but be sure to fix the firmware with a version that has thermal runaway enabled, I wouldn't leave a printer alone without it.
don't feed the filament in like u did...u can create a voltage back in to the motherboard....same for moving the bed by hand fore and backward...just let the machine do the work... ad an raspberry and install octoprint on it...makes life much easyer for you
I've wanted to get one of those but I don't know how safe those are inside your house. And what I mean by that is the fumes from the printer might be toxic. Are there any plastic's you can use that wont kill you?
Looks like a really good printer. Interested in getting one - been thinking about getting a 3D printer for a while. Any idea where to get one in the UK - an affiliate link perhaps?
Thank you for making this video I recently bought an ender 3 pro and videos like these help build my confidence level
You're most welcome Brent
I just got the ender 3 pro for my birthday 2 weeks ago and outta all the viedos my husband and i have watched in the 2 weeks we have had it yours is by far the most informitive on how to get started!! We have been unable to get our printer to do anything but sit in the left hand side of the board!!! I have been through hours and hours and hours of videos that hasnt told us nothing on how to start printing!! We are brand new to this and your video is so far the only one ive found that take us into detail on how to print. everyone else is building it then jumps into printing with out explaing how to set your screen, or anything else.. we got a lot of how to set ur table but none have been as informitive as yours, thank you so very very much!!! Hoping this gets up started in the right direction!
I've been 3D printing for 6 years now but only recently bought a new second printer, not much wrong with the old one other than it was old & not really compatible with the newer packages out there. From what I've learned over the years:
* If using ABS make certain you don't have any draughts - a window open the other side of the house can cause chaos with the print. The easiest fix for this is to have an enclosure around the printer so that draughts are kept to a minimum.
* Use a heat bed at the right temp for the medium. I use PLA most of the time so the bed is at 60C
* Never leave the printer unattended - yes prints can take hours but printers but it's worse if a print fails part way through & you end up wasting element because the print has moved (just like in this video & I had one print do that this week)
* Level the bed - you will find you will do this more often than you think. If a print fails with bad adhesion to the bed, check it's still level
* Most printers have USB as well as SD ports, so get a Raspberry PI & install Octoprint on it (available as an sd card image). It'll save you time copying stuff over & you can manage & monitor the print as it goes along. Some slicers will even do the upload to Octoprint for you.
* If doing dual prints (i.e. 2 or more different colours of filament) make certain you use the same material type for each one, i.e. use all PLA or all ABS etc. Don't mix as it won't work as they have different temperatures.
As for modelling, I use OpenSCAD - different to most cad's out there as you write code to generate the object not draw it. As a programmer it's more intuitive for me than drawing even though I did Tecnical Drawing at school back in the 80's
For slicing Cura
when you say check that the bed is level...do you mean level to the world and to the nozzle? as in, could the bed be level to the nozzel but still work if the printer is on an un-level table? Cheers!
@@briholt100 When you hear anyone say if the bed is level when it comes to 3D printers, it's to the nozzle - as in whenever the nozzle moves over the entire bed it remains at the same distance from the bed. As for the world, that doesn't really matter. In fact one of my own printers can be wall mounted so the "bed" is almost vertical not horizontal
@@PeterMountUK that's what I thought, but surprised to learn it can work mounted on a wall...thanks for the reply!
I really appreciated the beginning error on the bed leveling, as a beginner that demonstration was very helpful. Very nice video and thank you very much for your time!
Very helpful, I found it difficult to find a video explaining this particular printer and this really gave me a better grasp on how to use my 3D printer.
Literally astounded by this printer, bought mine just over a year ago and it's been in use non-stop for business and it's more than paid for itself. You wont be disappointed.
GFBDev what have you been making?
what are you using it for? I bought mine also a year ago- but I rarely use it- the software drives me up the wall (fusion....) and the long printing times keep me from making bigger more useful stuff... but that is just me being an idiot- the printer is good and the prints are way better than I would have thought
I am thinking about getting it for my puzzle boxes I love to design them and even though my school has the exact same printer I think it would be easier for prototyping of parts fiting together by getting my own a ender 3 but should I? Also I am looking to not spend over 200$ canadian. Since I am a high school student. What should I do?
Did you remember to connect the Z-Axis micro-switch connection, Why go with Cura instead of CADKEY 386, Does the 3D Printer have a Ethernet port on it so you can print from your computer.
Thanks for watching my first attempt at using a 3D printer without help!
If you're in the market for one this is the one I have: amzn.to/2VShvXf
I'm sure you all have plenty of advice and tips so feel free to share your thoughts here in the comments and I'll enjoy reading them thank you. Special thanks to Howard at ruclips.net/user/dubiousengineering for his experience in this video.
Neil - RMC
RetroManCave thanks 🙏 kindly for letting me share what I know Neil... enjoy your journey in 3D printing... it offers so many solutions to problems and also offers a few challenges of its own!!! It’s a little like getting your first Dot-Matrix :-) with ribbons to change and concertina folded paper that consistently jams up :-)
I grabbed and modded/upgraded a Monoprice Maker Select Plus just over a year ago now, changed the way I do a lot of things. If I can't find a thing, I'll design or replicate a thing from scratch. I design stuff in Tinkercad--it's pretty simple, which means you need to be creative in accomplishing some things.
I guess one example is that I built my niece a PC just before the pandemic that was/is technically defective--it was missing a panel for the PCIe expansion slots on the case (Phanteks P300). I didn't somehow realise until I had built thing, and didn't want to send the case back. I was able to use the one from my PC (Phanteks P350X) as a template, with digital calipers and neodymium magnets.
Another is the MICKE Desk from IKEA. Because I needed some extra cable management channels--I designed an extension that clips on the existing channel.
Honestly, I feel like I'm in Star Trek every time I'm printing something.
damn, custom cable tidies is a great idea... makes me wonder about pulling the trigger too..
I am a manual and CNC machinist, in the engineering industry and these little devices are fascinating.
Indeed they are. They even run on Gcode, so if you know your way around that, you can set them up to do all sorts of things automatically.
I have my Ender 5 since January... I like it very much. As long as you dont use their crappy Filament... I thought the printer was broken when using the Creality Filament. But using other Filaments solved every extrusion or adhesion problem. There are so many useful addons to print for the Creality printers on Thingiverse... Like a toolholder or anti vibration feet, cable management, filament sensor or webcam holders. Such a great support in the creative community around Creality in general. And the replacement parts are cheap and plenty. There is a special "Creality slicer" ... its basically cura but very well working with the Ender.
Ah, timely! I've been waiting to pull the trigger on buying an Ender 3 Pro for a while now. I am in the same boat as you -- very novice actually dealing with intro-level 3D printers. I have watched a thousand videos, but have never had the confidence to buy one. I will continue to watch how you make out in upcoming videos. Congrats on your purchase, by the way. 👍
Really great video. Just unboxed yesterday. Your clear and concise presentation got me over all of the slightly tricky parts and first print adhered and went start to finish.
Thanks.
I did a few woodcrafting projects but I reached a limitation of small parts.
So this video helps me towards investing time in a 3D printer. Thanks!
The great thing is that they have wood filament that you can stain!
I have absolutely no experience of 3D printers either, but this video was extremely informative and explains the whole process very clearly from a newbies point of view. Now I understand what it's all about and what's involved should I ever get a 3D printer.
I have built that same model of 3D printer for a customer. Not a bad printer at all for the price! And not too hard to put together. I had watched a few RUclips videos about assembly before doing it myself.
As another proud owner of an Ender 3 Pro... Welcome! You have treated yourself to an excellent machine. Certainly one of the best at this price point.
One thing I'd recommend if your you to check out Tomb of 3D Printed Horrors' video on building the Ender 3, called "Creality Ender 3 assembly and pro build tips
". It's about 30 minute-long but it goes into many details in how to properly build the frame and setting the right grip on the concentric nuts that hold the bearing wheels. Highly, highly recommended.
Enjoy your new toy!
Big help. Thank you for the detailed walk-through of assembly.
You're welcome
I really appreciate your showing of the un-leveled bed problem. That would have been pretty frustrating for me
Nice video! I've had my Ender 3 Pro for a little over a year now and it's still functioning perfectly.
A couple of things though:
- When you're pushing new filament into the extruder, keep pushing on the lever to slide it in easily.
- Consider upgrading the bowden tube and couplings to Capricorn, and upgrading the extruder to the aluminium extruder (these are the only mods I've done to my machine, aside from some printed mods).
Ive had my Ender 3 pro for 2 years now it's a great machine
Can print some upgrades as well
Back cover for the screen board is nice
Also a drag chain for the wires to the hot plate save stress on the wires
I'd also get a separate holder for the reel having it up the top can cause feed and vibration problems
You can print one that slots it onto the lower rails or just buy a free standing one
First payed for upgrade I'd get would be a glass bed
Second would be a all metal duel
gears feeder
Congrats Neil - you did well! Get used to making mistakes as you go - dive in. It's the only way you will build up the comfort level and the experience. Loving mine bought almost a year ago now - still learning stuff about it daily! Best wishes.
Awesome! They're so handy. I'm always printing random stuff with mine
A good upgrade for the ender 3 is replacement bed springs you then don't have to level the bed as often and upgrade to a glass bed helps with adhesion
Thank you for a very professional walk through of your build process and for sharing your experiences. I have this model ordered which is due to arrive shortly.
I have an Ender 3 Pro as well, got it a few weeks ago!
An important thing to print ASAP is a filament guide, (there's a bunch of them on Thingiversw) as stock the filament can get caught on the Z-axis rail and ruin a long print.
Yeah you don't want to get grease on the filament either which can happen if it touches that rod. additionally I'd recommend going to the horizontal spool holder bracket as well.
There are versions that use the same screws as the regular and it considerably reduces the chance of snagging your filament, snapping it and prevents your filament from sawing through your extruder tension arm's filament guide (this can also be prevented by upgrading to aluminium).
Thanks for the vid. Very useful, I've just groupfunded a new model from creality and will construct following all this fabulous advice.
Nice. The company I work for bought one last year, and I've already printed a few parts for my old Sega MegaDrives I've been restoring
My ender 3 should arrive in like a few hours, can't wait. I'm an engineering student and I've had so many ideas over the years but never got a printer because I was concerned about noise because I live in an apartment, but the pro I got has the new silent board preinstalled which will make it much quieter apparently. Really being an upcoming engineer without a printer makes me feel naked
Glad to see this video makes the setup way simpler, I watched too many videos where I think they took it a bit too far for beginners and those kinds of refinements should only be done after doing a few decent prints
Congrats, the Ender Pro is a very capable printer. As a creative person, you'll be impressed how useful it will be in your projects!
Top tip if you just want to print and don't want to fiddle about with your new 3D-printer: pay some extra money and buy a Prusa. I bought a Prusa mini and not once had a failed print. It has auto mesh bed leveling and a very good print surface that will work every time. You don't have to upgrade anything.. it just works.. The Ender 3 can for sure create wonderful prints but most people have to put a lot of time and effort in to get it right. So if you want to save yourself a lot of hassle just buy a Prusa. I'm not getting paid to say this; i'm just very happy with my printer that has never failed to get great results..
Yep, I got a ender 3 and it needs a lot of fiddling to get to work right.
Hi Dave, I have a very similar printer and had to go through some learning iterations. Just one essential advice, every time you print, give the plate a short wisp with an IPA, the models stick on the surface much better then.
Tip: Keep your part-used filament with some dessicant in a bag or tupperware box - some types can absorb water which causes it to pop and fizz when it gets hot. I like printing with PETG as its easier than ABS but more heat resistant than PLA. Great video :)
also good to know that a dessicant bag won't help if the filament is already waterlogged. the bag only draws the moisture from the air, not the filament.
if you own an oven or a dehydrator you can fix the filament easily enough though.
Welcome to the fun and frustrating community. There are many helpful and sometimes conflicting advises out there.
Do you research and choose what works for you. My number one advise is to let the parts cool before removing (about 5 to 10 minuets) as I have warped many a part with impatience.
Good luck and I look forward to seeing what you produce in the future.
Great video. Keep up the good work.
Oh man you’re up for a treat :) this was my first 3dprinter too, five months ago. Great choice! It’s all 8-bit fun, can’t miss getting you hooked.
Thank you for the video, it did indeed give me confidence to get a printer, and how I laughed when my first print did the same as yours!
My Ender 3 pro should arrive tomorrow! This video will definitely help in building it!!
I also have this printer.. best addon I added for consistency is the winnsenn dual extruder, but does need extruder calibration once fitte.d MADE HUGE improvment
Have you checked the wheels that hold the print bed to the cross beam and the wheels on the left and right side of the X access ? they have adjustments that might not be setup that well from the factory. This is important to keep the bed level and stop print head and print bed from wobble. There is a add on pack for Cura called CreawsomeMod and it improves print quality with special tuned settings at the cost of print speed, but if you want that extra crisp print or printing first layers that have small circles or tiny details I highly recommend it. Overall the Ender printers are great value for money and have easy to find parts to keep them running. I am not a fan of the print surface that comes with them and change to a glass bed with a pei sheet. The best PLA for the price is Prusament 100% and if you want a special treat get some Proto Pasta HTPLA High Five Blue. Have fun and I look forward to you using it on your retro repairs.
you should consider getting/printing an alternative filament spool holder. having thee spool holder on the top where it currently is with its weight can cause some nasty excessive vibrations. Also dont accidentally use it as a handle.
Had one since last Christmas as a first printer as well, already used it for so many useful things! aside from dealing with manual leveling, which can get pretty fiddly or annoying, it's definitely the #1 fdm budget printer from my experience so far.
Additionally, I got rid of the magnet bed straight away, so much easier to use a glass bed instead.
As soon as you get a printer you also start to think about learning CAD. Fusion 360 is free for non-commercial uses. Octoprint with a webcam for monitoring builds remotely is useful too.
I've tried a few now (you'll see this printer used in next weeks episode for a fix) and I've found Fusion360 is the one I get on best with.
@@RMCRetro When you start to learn with Fusion 360, one tip I can give you is to test all the different Pan/Zoom settings. The standard settings in Fusion 360 were really annoying for me and I switched to the "Tinkercad" setting. You get to this setting by clicking on your name in the upper right corner and selecting setting or whatever it is called in the English GUI
@@RMCRetro Yup. There's one where you can effectively code your shape in code. FreeCAD? sod that, I'll interactively do it :)
So far I've only uploaded one thing to Thingiverse which was to fix a Roland JD800 keyboard contact strip.
lots of fun and useful for retro computers
What a brilliant informative video. First time I ever saw a 3d printer in action. Love the whole production of the video including the background music.
Just to add my tuppence worth (this really dates me), My preferred CAD package is Design Spark Mechanical which is free. I like it because it's easy to use and you retain control of all your design files locally. I stopped using Fusion 360 when last year they changed their Licensing/TOS and since all of your work is kept remotely on Autodesk servers in the 'cloud' they have complete control over everything you do. DSM is run locally and has a very light web requirement. DSM can connect directly to Cura which in turn is mapped to my two Octoprint instances.
3D printing is slow but it's not as slow as ordering something off Amazon. Also if you need the UV stability or extra strength of ABS then use PETG. I've still got a spool of ABS that I will probably never use because PETG is just as strong and doesn't need a cabinet or stink when you print it. I've been running the E3 since it first came out and while like all 3D printers it can be maddening at times it has produced most of the time truly precision objects that have made our lives easier. I've made everything from custom coffee scoops to a complex mounting cradle that allows my Trigger Finger Pro drum pad to mount on the top of a microphone stand.
After hundreds of prints I've found my favourite print surface is a sheet of 2mm picture frame glass sprayed with hairspray. All other surfaces seem to degrade quickly over time and need replacement after twenty or so prints because they get ugly. The picture glass is very light because its only 2mm not the 4-5mm of borosilicate glass or mirror glass. Yes, the picture glass is delicate but it's also really cheap and if you are careful it will stand up to limitless prints. Also never detach a print directly from the bed as this will screw up the bed level. Always remove the print surface with the print attached and then separate the print.
You may wish to print a replacement extruder tension arm while you can. The stock creality one has a tendency to crack and wear out. Consider upgrading to an aluminium extruder assembly if you print a lot.
Little detail: Once you've got a good build surface that the PLA sticks to well, you've then got another problem: Getting the parts off again, if the build surface is strongly attached to the plate, as it should be. I recommend a wood chisel: It has the edge right down on one of the flats of the chisel, so it can go in right at the connection of the part and the build plate and help pop it off.
Having assembled a cheap Anet A8 printer about 2½ years ago, the Creality looks a comparative doddle. The Anet's frame is acrylic panels, whereas the Creality looks much sturdier thanks to metal beams. Still, I've had a little fun with the Anet, though I don't use it half as much as I should. As a Linux user, I'm running SketchUp through Wine, and the Linux version of Cura. It works, though Cura doesn't have a profile for the Anet; it's not too difficult to add one, with tips from elsewhere. It would be nice to upgrade the printer to something better, I'll look into this model.
Very nice. Congratulations. I have ordered the Ender 3 Pro, I'm waiting for the package that should be here in a few days.
Thanks. This really does give me some confidence to jump into this whole thing.
If you think this is quite a bit of assembly, try Prusa i3 MK3S kit 😀 that's one heck of an IKEA and Lego combined. Took me and my dad like 16 hours over 2 days, but we were not sweating it.
Congratulations on getting a 3D printer, it is very useful tool for computer enthusiasts. Granted you have to learn whole new stuff about 3D printing and some 3D modelling does not hurt too, but it is really helpful tool. Enjoy your printer!
Finally got my Ender 3 Pro yesterday. I’ve had some good prints, but now I’m at the state where that first layer decides to scoot around. Fingers crossed I just botched the leveling when I moved it to a new room, and here’s hoping I finally got it fixed.
Wow and hearing some very nice background music for a RMC mixtape :)
I must make another one soon, I do enjoy spending a Sunday afternoon with a big mug of chocolate making a mix tape
nice job Neil great stuff to watch
Glad your up and running Neil.....
@RMC I recomend Repetier Host a front end for Cura...gives you far more flexibility and control form pc or smartphone...
Good video, I've been curious about 3D printing for a few years now.
Thank you for this video (or maybe not) because I just bought one because of it! I was considering the Cetus 3D heavily lately, but this is $60 cheaper than the most basic Cetus model, and has a heated bed. I've never had a 3D printer either, but your video gave me the motivation to finally buy one!
Good luck! You'll see more of this in next weeks video
You should install the official Creality BLtouch Kit. It also doesn't hurt to replace the original control board with the BigTreeTech SKR Mini e3, and to replace the LCD with the BigTreeTech TFT35 Dual-Mode Display.
Thanks this was helpfull and wil be watching as I set up my Ender 3 Pro.
Nice, hopefully we'll see some interesting projects soon?? I was just thinking of buying 3d printer and was just to decide between this CE 3 Pro and Prusa 3D
I did release the bolts of my bottom horizontal legs and retighten as I found the printer had a minor rock on my desk
Your couplers that hold the PTFE tube are missing the small clips that got added to prevent the tupe from slipping out. The couplers are known as low quality and new ones are rather cheap, so replacing them will be the better choice sooner or later. The extruder is also known to fail after a time (the plastic wears out. Older versions didn't have the brass insert like yours) so getting the better aluminium version as a replacement will be a good idea.
The Creality printers are pretty great. Wait until you go down the rabbit hole of upgrades...best to start putting some money aside now :).
I'm a bit late watching this video... I don't know this printer well or any specific printer to be honest because I built my own printer a few years ago. Modifying the printer is the biggest part of the hobby for me. I have learned a TON about making successful prints though. The single best upgrade IMO: the bed leveling probe. Once installed and configured, you never level a bed again and first layers are always good.
I currently use a BLTouch, and if I was pressed to make a recommendation on how to install one, check out Teaching Tech, he has done a bunch of videos on this printer specifically. For simplicity stick to PLA, for more heat resistant parts try PETG. If you have problems with warping prints (with the fore mentioned materials) slow down the cooling fan a bit, do not use the cooling fan with ABS (ABS is very tricky to get right and really does need an enclosure).
My second favorite upgrade was an SKR 1.3 with TMC 2208 drivers. This upgrade gives you a VERY quiet printer, due to the better drivers and since its a 32bit board it handles the math required plus Octopi (USB) serial connection much better than the arduino that I was using. I use glass with hairspray. You really don't want to print directly onto glass because the adhesion is too good. I choose glass/hairspray because of durability. All the cool bed adhesion flexible sheets are nifty and do work well but they degrade, the glass never goes bad and a bottle of hairspray lasts for months at $2 or less. The "cleaning process" involves dish soap and water. I clean the glass perhaps once a month and reapply hair spray in a small amount onto the area I just printed, after every print until it get to some non definable "dirty" state and I rinse the old hairspray off and re-coat it.
If you find that you aren't always happy with the way sharp corners appear on your prints, look into linear advance. There are a ton of good tutorials on what it is and how to enable/configure it. Good luck
My advice, don't get sucked in to mods too quickly the Ender3 prints just great out of the box. Spend some time learning about the printer and the process (it may be more complex than you imagine). Also I recommend the Ender3 Facebook group it's a great forum for getting and giving help
I have alot of trouble with PETG adhesive. Parts just doesn't stick on plate and I have cleaned it and bed level also.
A hoot indeed! 🦉 🦉 🦉
I got mine a month ago.
Great first 3D printing video! Going forward I hope you're going to share your makes with us?! Late last year I got the Creality CP-01 but not really had a proper chance to use it as I've been busy with other projects so I'm interested to see what you get up to with yours!
Interesting machine ,I had a look at their website it appears they have a version 2 coming out in June with a glass bed plate on it rather than the rubber mat [ pre orders available]
That seems to be a very nice 3D-printer... And not mind bogglingly expensive either...
Maybe one day...
Excellent content, as always!
Great video! Especially because you printed the Owl, which is part of my logo ...:)
I just bought the Ender 3 and finished building it last night, and it too is my first 3d printer. Amazing coincidence! Not the pro sadly
How did the build go?
Went really well, I didn't pre order filament, that comes on Saturday. Thank you for the video 👍
Thanks for sharing your first experience of 3D printing. I think you should video Ms. RMC's reaction when you present her with the owl!
Amazing they just sent you a load of painted rexroth withe there stuff attached. Never knew how common it was.
Good video, I can't wait to see what you have in store for the PC Engine.
I built my Ender 3 about a month ago, but I've hardly been able to use it since then because the spool of filament I ordered took 3 weeks to get here, and when it did arrive, it was completely the wrong color from what I ordered. If anyone reading is in the US, I would avoid buying from FilamentOne.
Overly sick shot dude
Just the video i've been looking for! Thanks ;-)
It might be useful to index the steps perhaps so you can flick back and forth if following your guide?
Superb video. Well done. Looking forward to PC engine build.
Upgrade to Marlin immediately! Don't trust the presence or otherwise of thermal runaway protection. I delayed doing it on my Ender 3 because it looked involved: it's not, and the Marlin firmware is better in every way.
Love the Ender 3. Got mine on Banggood for 160$. It works so well and is all metal. Can't stand 3D printers made of plastic as it breaks or warps so easily.
Really hope this is going to be a series....
I'm taking notes as I learn useful things, break things and come across problems, so I won't put pressure on to make it an instant series, just to update you when I feel like I have enough useful tips for a part 2 if that's OK
@@RMCRetro that sounds exactly right! Basically a beginners guide from a now-not-quite beginner in x months time!
i was wondering about the price, seems to be around the 200 quid mark, not bad for a starter's kit.
Neil, thank you VERY much for this video. My Ender 3 just arrived, and your video REALLY helped make the build much easier.
Out of curiosity: did yours come with some "extra parts"? Mine had three extra screws, one of them being a M5x45. Yes, i DID a double check to see if I hadn't forgotten to install any, and everything seems OK.
Yes I remember I had some spares and also some tools that didn't get used. Hope you enjoy it!
Welcome to the hobby.
Funny coincidence, I've bought my Ender 3 pro two weeks ago... and haven't had a day without a print since then ^^
Where do you get the flexible plastic micro adhesive surface? That would be so helpful for me! xx
what program do i use? i got this for my son and we dnt know wat we doing..lol... i can't even find a vid on how to use A program for it
even if it is too late to answer, the programs u can use are prusaslicer or cura
Hey Neil, I think I’m similar to you as in I’d be printing things to hold a raspberry pi, or a mount for a computer project or... just general stuff.
I was thinking of buying a Prusa because they are rock solid and work really stabile from day 1. No upgrades.
However I think I’m gonna order an Ender. I’ve been told to order the standard and do upgrades. Do you like that you ordered the pro?
And last question, what upgrades have you put on in 4 months? Thank you.
I'd like a 3D printer, but don't have the room, currently --- but, with luck, some day my prints will come.
Hard to say as a man, but ALWAYS read the
instructions! That white paper thing you always get in your stuff...that one.
Be sure to check out teaching tech, he has all of the info you'll need. Not watched the vid yet, but be sure to fix the firmware with a version that has thermal runaway enabled, I wouldn't leave a printer alone without it.
don't feed the filament in like u did...u can create a voltage back in to the motherboard....same for moving the bed by hand fore and backward...just let the machine do the work... ad an raspberry and install octoprint on it...makes life much easyer for you
Just purchased one today to compliment my Flashforge :-)
Dang it, I am super jealous. I have ordered one of these to be my first printer and am still waiting for it.
Same :/ if nothing goes wrong mine will arrive tommorow
4:48 - This one we call Usul. The strength at the base of the post.
I've wanted to get one of those but I don't know how safe those are inside your house. And what I mean by that is the fumes from the printer might be toxic.
Are there any plastic's you can use that wont kill you?
Looks like a really good printer. Interested in getting one - been thinking about getting a 3D printer for a while. Any idea where to get one in the UK - an affiliate link perhaps?