I would like to buy an entry-level assembled 3D printer to build toys for my kids. I am currently considering the FlashForge Finder or the Qidi Tech X-one as they are similarly priced with comparable features. Any thoughts on which one I should choose?
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I have the X-ONE and it is a solid, straight forward printer. QIDI support is excellent. Also a profile for S3D is in the works. The slicer they send a cura version does an acceptable job also.
I have Flashforge Creator Pro’s and they are good but I can not speak for the Finder directly.
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One of the comments on the Qidi X-one on Amazon mentions that it can be loud when printing, is it really the case? Also, have you had any technical issues with the printer so far?
I guess it can be “loud” but that is subjective really. The stepper motors make noise, no getting around that. I don’t find it bad but I have four printers three of which are bigger so I am used to it I guess.
I have had no real issues to speak of. Recently the X axis stepper cable went bad but this is common on printers for these cables to go out. They bend a lot. QIDI is sending new ones.
Remember, this is a new model so there could be issues. I have not really found anything yet. 3D printing is going to be a lot of frustration and failed prints with moments of glee when it goes right! Don’t want to discourage but there is a lot to learn and it is not “turn key”. It is really fun though when things start to work right and failed prints become the exception!
Stock up on some things for the printer ( what ever you end up with) so you can fix things when they go out and you don’t have to wait. Motor cables, nozzles, PTFE tubes etc.
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Thanks for your answers! Have you found FlashForge consumer service to be as good as Qidi’s? Regarding spare parts, are they equally available from both companies?
Flashforge was ok on support for a minor issue I had. Parts should be readily available for flashforge. I have noticed that the Flashforge creator pro and the QIDI Tech-1, both basically the same printer, the parts from flashforge are much higher than QIDI. For instance, I bought a complete dual extruder setup from QIDI for $85 and Flashforge wants $285. Don’t know if there is any difference.
I think either way you go will probably be good.
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Thanks for the advices! I finally decided to go with the X-One.
Good luck with it. Let me know if any issues.
You can check out this area - QiDi 3D Printer Forum
I also have a QIDI Facebook, search for “QIDI 3D” (I think!)
A side note, there is not a specific profile in S3D right now but it is in the works. The supplied slicer does a decent job and I can tell you how to set up a generic profile that will work ok in S3D if needed.
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Hello All-
Seems that the S3d has a set profile now for the X-one but it doesn’t seem to be spot on. Some prints are good and others not so much. Leaves some lines semi open and the default ending g-code tries to lower the bed more than its allowable limit when its finished. Have you had any luck setting up a “perfect print” with the X-one in Cura? I don’t think for $150.00 I paid for S3D that it is worth it… but I want to make sure Cura does a good job of slicing and printing before I return the software within the 2 week period.
Here is a google drive link for the info I have one the X-one and a "fixed profile for the bed lowering from 149 to 145, only other change is the prince of filiment to 25$. The rest is stock, the pictures are before the export of the “.fff” file.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0ByxH-hER33FRWXlMNkduX3lrTk0?usp=sharing
One last question: since the bed of the X-one is inverted meaning it only moves down while printing how is that set up in Cura?
Seems that the S3d has a set profile now for the X-one but it doesn’t seem to be spot on. Some prints are good and others not so much. Leaves some lines semi open and the default ending g-code tries to lower the bed more than its allowable limit when its finished. Have you had any luck setting up a “perfect print” with the X-one in Cura? I don’t think for $150.00 I paid for S3D that it is worth it… but I want to make sure Cura does a good job of slicing and printing before I return the software within the 2 week period.
Here is a google drive link for the info I have one the X-one and a "fixed profile for the bed lowering from 149 to 145, only other change is the prince of filiment to 25$. The rest is stock, the pictures are before the export of the “.fff” file.
One last question: since the bed of the X-one is inverted meaning it only moves down while printing how is that set up in Cura?
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0ByxH-hER33FRWXlMNkduX3lrTk0?usp=sharing
