3D Printer & Tools Review

3D Printers and Software: Flashforge Creator Pro with Flashprint Creator Pro is one of the earliest printers that I bought and it worked right out of the box with the software and I didn't have to understand any of the settings to make it work since I used the default profiles of the software which were perfect. The dual nozzle of this printer can be useful for specific applications and I usually print with ABS only on this printer as it has an enclosure to keep the heat in. It has a direct drive extruder. I still use the Flashprint software to modify the STL files, cut pieces or repair files before I save them as a new STL and upload them on Simplify3D for other printers.

Winbo SuperHelper 155L (stock) with Simplify3D or Cura This is my smaller printer (yellow one in the back) that's just easier to carry around with its handle on top weighing a few kilograms. I use this for smaller prints like rings, small test prints and for showcasing 3D printers at local events to people.

Tevo Tornado (stock) with Simplify3D This is one of my favorite printers which is why I have 2 of them. With a 300x300x400mm build volume its bigger than the previous 2 printers and so I usually use it for bigger prints. I think this printer handles the flexible filaments perfectly and since it has a glass surface I can put glue on the surface in case I want the filament to stick better to the bed. I use TPU filament ONLY on this printer. The control box can be seen in the bottom right corner of the picture.

Tevo Nereus (stock) with Simplify3D This is also an excellent printer and space saving as all the electronics are underneath the headbed (pictured in the centre with the orange housing) so there is no separate box for control like with the Tevo Tornado or Creality CR-10S5. With a build volume of 320x320x400mm this one worked out of the box for me too and has additional functionality of filament detection like CR-10S5, which is lacking in the Tornado. Though the heatbed surface is not glass, its still pretty smooth and easily cleaned with alcohol. Its the only one of my printers that has WiFi connectivity capability built in though I've never fully used that feature.

SparkMaker Original (stock) with SparkStudio or Chitubox

I use this SLA printer (kept in the protective thermocol case that it came in pictured in the back) for really small parts that need very high detail, like figurines. Though the cleanup time is a lot more compared to FDM printers with UV curing and the proper handling and washing of the resin but the results are worth it. I only use it for high-detail parts smaller than 50mm though and do not always utilize its full print volume.

Creality CR-10 S5 (with 0.8mm nozzle) with Simplify3D

It came with the default 0.4mm nozzle but after a few prints I shifted it to 0.8mm for faster prints on the 500x500x500mm giant printer (pictured on the extreme right). I usually use it for really big prints (The whole of Do3D Ironman MK50 suit's back fits easily on the printer). It also has a filament sensor. Printing at 0.4 or 0.6mm layer height can have some problems with nooks between layers but that's easily fixable post printing. I print things at larger layer heights with this printer that I don't intend to sand later on after using a filler. I also use my Thibra Skulpt flexible filament on this with ease. which is great for things where you need a little flexibility like the joints of knees, or elbows... or my favorite, shoes of the Ironman suit!

Flashforge Thor500 (stock) with Simplify3D

This is my latest 500x500x500mm printer and has the default 0.4mm nozzle (pictured on the extreme left). I've only printed a few things on it so far but in terms of performance right-out-of-the-box it has not disappointed. It has a flexible magnetic build surface which helps remove the prints easily. It has a filament sensor and comes with a pretty stable spool holder that goes on top of the frame. Like the Creator Pro it has a direct drive extruder instead of the bowden extruder mechanism in the other printers above. The biggest advantage it has over the CR-10S5 is that the electronics are fitted underneath the bed so no side controller box which can be an issue when trying to find a place for printers of this size.

My Simplify3D profiles for different printers and Filaments (PLA by default) are here for perusal and editing as you see fit: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OS6hQ1zJ1d4XiH_iW1r2wmnTn6g-yTqU

I bought all my printers from RoboRium.com

My projects can be seen on my instgram.com/BeardedMaker

Filaments: PLA, PETG, and sometimes ABS for solid parts

TPU and Thibra Skulpt for parts that need a little more flexibility

Resin: Sparkmaker

Common Tools:

Gluesticks OR Glue+Water mixture for making things stick to the headbed if needed

Masking tape to put on some heatbed surfaces for protection before butting glue on them

Spatulas for lifting prints off heatbed when needed or a blunt spatula for cleaning a sticky glass surface with alcohol

Tweezers to clean up extra filament that hangs from nozzles before the print starts or when the hot end requires cleanup

Ethanol for cleaning heatbeds and washing away unused resin from SLA prints.