Hello all. I started 3d printing over 4 years ago on the Original Prusa i3 MK2 kit and one year later I assembled the Original Prusa i3 MK3. The journey these printers have taken me on has been such a great and wonderful learning experience. Everything from assembling the kits, calibrating, experimenting and learning the quirks of different filaments, printer breakdowns, upgrades, to software and object orientation was and is fun. I can’t express how much I love the Prusa brand. For me, the printers have been a solid, reliable machine. The majority of breakdowns of failed printed has been because of something I did to cause it; bad object placement, lack of support material, improper calibration of filaments, etc. Although, there has been hiccups and/or delays in getting printers, upgrades, and accessories out when originally planned. (I had waited almost eight months to receive the multi-material upgrade of which I still haven’t installed due to numerous reasons.) My opinion of the delays was that Mr. Prusa and team wanted to deliver a good quality product rather than push out garbage. He continues to push the 3d printing hobby industry forward. I look forward to his large format printer whenever that may be. I hope to be in the first batch of pre-orders and anticipate the long wait to receive it.
The downside for me and these printers is the print volume. It is the perfect size for smaller objects/parts but it would be really nice to print a full size helmet without cutting it up and gluing the pieces together. Someday…
My current projects are multiple Iron Man helmets, Iron Man MK43 & MK 85 Suits, Black Panther Helmet, Infinity Gauntlet. One of these days I’ll finally finish something.
I primarily print with PETG filament; Amazon Basics, Overture, Hatchbox. The rigidity/strength and heat resistance of the plastic is why I use it the most. I’ve dropped pieces made from PLA and had them crack or break. I’ve also left things in my car only to come back to a soft mushy object. PETG can be difficult to print with; bed adhesion and stringy-ness. Gluing pieces together is also an issue. Cyanoacrylate glue is the only thing I have found that holds my MK85 pieces together. Get the good stuff and the varying consistencies; thin (like water) to thick (like gel). Sanding is a breeze with a palm/orbital sander and 120grit and 220grit.
TL;DR: Prusa Printer Fanboy. I own a MK2.5S & MK3 printer. Good: reliable, upgradeable, great prints, great company. Bad: Long wait time to get printers/upgrades and print bed volume. I have many projects in the works and primarily print with PETG.