Well, it is officially dead. It needed a new cable for the LCD screen, but Flashforge says they don’t have nor make the cable anymore since it is an older printer.
So next question, what is a good, reasonably priced (under $400) printer to buy?
I am looking at the Elegoo printers. Maybe the Mars 4 or Mars 5 Ultra, or something in that range. I plan on only printing smaller accessory sets and pieces for 1/35 models. Maybe a full 1/35 model, but nothing bigger nor super complex. If these are too much fro what I want to do, less (cheaper) is better.
You’re on the wrong forum. When I’m working on my Triumph Daytona I don’t ask for advice on the Buell/Sportster forum. Sure, there might be a guy oh there who knows a thing or two, But where do you find the folks who know about British track bikes?
Think about it. How many people answered your original post? Two. One of them had his own opinion on what’s good. The offer offered the same opinion that I am.
A friend of mine who was in the search for an affordable printer decided to ask someone who run a 3d printing company. They offered him one of their used ones that was last year’s model for lower than half the price of a new one and gave him all the assorted stuff to go with the printer, since they were using newer printers and had no use for those. It was an Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra or something. He gave around 70 euros for the package plus he got a lot of advice from the operators. Maybe it is worth looking for something similar?
I have the Elegoo Mars 3 Pro. I have no issues printing what I need to print. I got the entire package of printer, was/cure station for less than $220. It was through eBay. This is the only printer I have used/owned. I like it, works great for me.
The entire package was new, not used. It was not refurbished and packaged in it original packaging. I know some have trouble with eBay, but I am a fan of eBay and use it frequently.
The print plate for the Mars 3Pro is 143 x 89 x 175mm (5.6" x 3.5" x 6.9"). Can’t print huge pieces, but I have not had any issues with that yet. I am sure there will be a time when I would like a bigger build plate, but I’m good so far.
Mars 3 Pro is highly recommended as the budget-friendly. This is a 2023 data so Mars 4 or Mars 5 surpassed it. However, you will find many sites stating something similar - Elegoo Mars series is consistently a respected brand.
That is what I use to print some incredible prints with painless set up and very few print fails - almost always human error not related to the machine.
Tons of reviews and comparisons out there - maybe too many.
Personal experience/opinion if you need some recommendation and confirmation - Elegoo Mars series is a venerable product line. If I were to buy a new 3D printer, that is what I will buy again.
Some may recommend the Anycubic line but my “personal” experience was bad. Mike G. had Anycubic 3D printers, and he kept having printing error issues if you remember. I know a couple of other people who had Anycubic models and had issues. They switched to Elegoo, and praising it highly.
Sure, you may go to some 3D printer forums and get million different answers and opinions. Who knows what is objective and subjective with the information overload? If you are asking for my personal “isolated” experience and potentially “biased” opinion? Either Elegoo Mars 4 or 5 Ultra would more than suffice. As already mentioned, I second their opinions also. Highly recommend Elegoo Mars. My 2 cents. You may take it for what it’s worth.