Mk2 or mk3 for a totally noob?
So, I'm looking at my first every 3d printer. Originally was looking at the cr10s but heard such raving reviews of the Prusa that I started looking at them. I'm not really interested in tinkering, I want it to work.
So, now I'm looking between the mk2 and mk3. With the 3 kit only being $100 more I want to lean that way, but I've heard that it's still beta, and has issues?
Also, since I'm totally new, would I be better to try a cheap printer like the cr10 mini, before dropping $1000 on the mrk3? Thanks!
Re: Mk2 or mk3 for a totally noob?
I own five printers, including the MK3 and MK2S. Personally I look at it this way...It's a bit easier on the wallet if you end up having a couple hundred dollars of equipment sitting in the corner gathering dust than 600 + if you decide that 3D printing is not your thing.
Neal
Re: Mk2 or mk3 for a totally noob?
I have had the MK2 for only a few weeks when the MK3 was announced and quickly sold it and ordered the MK3.
In terms of print quality it‘s a wash IMHO.
The MK3 is easier to use though, especially the steel flex plate is so much better than scraping off a print from a solid platform!
The way I see it, anyone who gets into 3D printing needs to be aware that you need to learn about it.
There will be issues and you need to learn how to fix them. A lot of the issues reported here are caused by lack of understanding, but the forum is great and the people are patient and supportive.
My MK3 has been a reliable work horse for almost a year now, and it has gotten better with the FW upgrades.
I am not sure if I would have had similar success (and flexibility) with a cheaper printer, and I‘d rather spend 800 Euros on a machine that works than half for one that needs tinkering and fixing.
Price quality is always subjective, but IMHO the MK3 sits in a sweet spot for hobby printing of a pretty wide range of materials. A good technical understanding helps a lot, but interest to learn is mandatory.
Re: Mk2 or mk3 for a totally noob?
MK3 with a PC sheet if possible. But there will be a wait at the moment for that. The PC sheet does make it easier with less initial stuff to focus on to get started printing well, but even a PEI sheet is good, just more things to get right to get good prints at the beginning which is the goal for a new user.
If you get the kit and follow assembly instructions and take your time, it is doable and the printer will work well. It was my first printer and I assembled the kit with no prior experience in 3D printing. Granted, it is a data point of 1, but I had no prior experience to rely on so it can be done. Frankly, that may even be better in some circumstances, but you need to consider your level of confidence with mechanical stuff.
Regardless, you should be aware that there will be issues and tinkering encountered, whether assembling the kit or later during printing, that will need to be diagnosed and fixed. That is something to be considered. Jams and clogs happen and the printer will need ongoing maintenance as it is a mechanical device.
Strange women, laying in ponds, distributing swords, is hardly a basis for a system of governance!
Re: Mk2 or mk3 for a totally noob?
I would like to echo what jbinfl said. I also had zero experience with 3D printing before I ordered a mk3. I have mechanical ability and a little electrical knowledge and had no problems getting the kit assembled and printing. So far it has been working great for me. I've been using it for my hobbies and even made a few bucks selling things that I've designed and printed. Looking forward to adding a MMU but I'm waiting until that device is more developed.
Re: Mk2 or mk3 for a totally noob?
Mk3 kit to save money, but follow the instruction to the letter. Read, inspect, read again, then build. It will save you time and trouble.
I jumped into printing with the Mk3 kit. After a few months and a few hundred dollars of used filament, 3D printing is a tinkerer's sport. There are places it's more art than science... though I'm pretty sure science is in there somewhere.
Regardless of how you proceed, if you do buy a printer: finger prints on the build plate are your worst nightmare. Handle beds by the edges, period.
That said, my very first print turned out nearly perfect and I am quite happy with the Mk3 I built. After owning one for a while, I've learned some of the terms and the more I learn the better the Mk3 sounds. And I am very glad I did NOT spend $3,000 on the competitor I was mulling.