I've been shopping for a 3D printer for some time but just haven't found what I wanted until now. I didn't want to spend a lot cause I don't think I'll use it a lot but on occasion its nice to have that kind of tool to produce a prototype part or case for my electronic projects. The Makerbot was just too expensive for me and the numerous kits out there just looked like a headache to assemble. The printrbot or solidoodle were the two I was watching the most but both were down in the $499 range and had good reviews but both had some issues for me.
Printrbot started out as a kickstarter project with a low cost kit and then kept innovating to make more low cost versions. But in the process the price kept going up. The $499 version became $599 then $699 while a new low cost version was released. And I wasn't convinced they were getting better by using fishing line instead of gearing or cogged belts despite the positive reviews a model would get. And then only to see the price rise on that model in short time. So I stood by and watched.
Printrbot started out as a kickstarter project with a low cost kit and then kept innovating to make more low cost versions. But in the process the price kept going up. The $499 version became $599 then $699 while a new low cost version was released. And I wasn't convinced they were getting better by using fishing line instead of gearing or cogged belts despite the positive reviews a model would get. And then only to see the price rise on that model in short time. So I stood by and watched.
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Solidoodle looked quite interesting at $499 and it came in a nice metal frame so it seemed sturdy. But the extras quickly put it up to $699 so I had to decide what I really needed and what I didn't. Then they came out with a 2nd generation and then a 3rd and 4th. Each more expensive than the next. So what was wrong with the 2nd that the 3rd and 4th offered? And it never seemed complete with accessories available for extra cost.
Makibox was another that looked interesting at $200 but it was a kit and shipping was high plus it has a 6-10 week lead time plus shipping time. And then my time to put it together.
I just couldn't decide. Then I started seeing printers with LCD screens and SD card and cartridge filament and I decided I just had to start somewhere. So I was ready to start with the printrbot simple but when I went to the site the price had been raised $50. That was it. I was done with that option. So I went back to the solidoodle and somehow in the process of reviewing it I found the Davinci 3D printer from XYZ Systems.
Makibox was another that looked interesting at $200 but it was a kit and shipping was high plus it has a 6-10 week lead time plus shipping time. And then my time to put it together.
I just couldn't decide. Then I started seeing printers with LCD screens and SD card and cartridge filament and I decided I just had to start somewhere. So I was ready to start with the printrbot simple but when I went to the site the price had been raised $50. That was it. I was done with that option. So I went back to the solidoodle and somehow in the process of reviewing it I found the Davinci 3D printer from XYZ Systems.
Davinci has a large build area, 7.8"x7.8"x7.8" for $499 which is much bigger than units in the same price range. I could also get free shipping with my Amazon Prime. It included a completely sealed plastic case which cost extra on other competitors. Includes an LCD display. Includes an SD card storage of the build file so I can disconnect my computer while it builds. It had a lot of nice features for only $499. A similar unit from the other two was close to $1000 (as seen in the Amazon ads above). Reviews for it seem to be pretty good. So I decided to purchase one and do my own review while I learn 3D printing. It just fit what I was looking for. I haven't received it yet but I'll keep you up to date in future blog posts.
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