New to 3D Printing

[Tinkerc]

Hey everyone,

I’m just starting to get into the 3D printing life, and I’ve done a ton of research on lots of different printers and what they can do. I came across the FT6 today, and it looks like a pretty sweet printer from what I can see, but I’m having a hard time finding much info on it, probably because it’s pretty new.

I haven’t built or used a 3d printer yet. I was originally going to start with the Anet A8 or the Creality Ender 3 because I think they would help me understand the basics more with more hands-on experience. But at the same time, I want a decent printer that can print larger designs for some future engineering projects I wanna do, and after I build one of the cheaper models, I would likely just buy something like the FT6 anyway.

My question is, is should I start out big and start with the FT6, or should I get something smaller to learn first, and then upgrade? I have a fairly solid understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering and I’m not afraid of soldering or creating custom mods or anything like that - I think that stuff is pretty fun and I enjoy doing it. What is your advice on the matter?

[Wyvern]

IMHO start with the I3 mega and add some supports to it.

The FT-5 is tedious to put together and the amount of error you can build into it can sour your experience. It was my 4th build, and it took about 3 days to get it going well.

The FT-6 will be even more of a challenge.

Also know that the FT-6 is huuuuuuuge, so you need space for it, even the FT-5 is pretty large.

[carefudundae]

the Anet A8

noooo, just no... read up on fire hazards associated with the Anet A8 before you buy one. You can increase safety of it, but doesn't come that way out of the box.

the Creality Ender 3

probably a great first printer, very quick assembly... on a different level of "kit" from the folger tech printers.

FT5 (i have one) and FT6 (i don't have one) will be bigger and better eventually, but will require much more time and basic understanding. If you just want to print things, FT printers are probably not your best option. If you want to learn about mechatronics, all the ins/outs of 3d printing as a hobby, and end up with a good printer in the end, FT is a good way to go.
see this related question and answers:

Buying a new printer

So i have been looking at the Folgertech family of printers for years now. And i am in the market for a new printer I have a Robo R1 Plus but ive never owned a kit where i had to buils it myself. So what kit would the community recomend I have always had my eye on the FT5 for a while now and the new I3 Mega looks good as well. I also see there is no part cooling fan is that difficult to hook up? My expierience with the robo is pretty limited i have installed a E3d V6 hotend but thats about it. …

[Fiero_STS]

I am in the middle of what you are thinking. I did a ton of research on 3d printing, watched lots of you tube videos. I came across the FT-6 and was of the same mindset as you. Why buy 2 printers one to learn on and one to use. I bought the FT-6 I will say there is quite a learning curve. Being this is a new printer and I think right now Folger tech is having a hard time keeping up with orders, you may have to wait a bit longer for tech support.

[Tinkerc]

Yeah, I’ve read a lot of gnarly things about the A8, and I’ve read about a lot of the upgrades and fixes that people make to turn them into usable, safe printers. But by that time you might as well just buy the kit for a better printer!

I’ve looked at a lot of Prusa I3 clones and almost got the Prusa I3 MK3. But then I thought about some of the things I want to do in the future with it, and the build area isn’t quite large enough. It would do most of what I want though, and I could easily see myself having two printers - one for smaller stuff and one for larger stuff.

Thanks for the info! It helps a ton. I still haven’t decided, but I think I might just buy the FT6 and if I get stuck, I can ask around for help or buy a smaller one and use that and play with it for a bit until I understand more to build the bigger one.

[tvdad]

I have a FT-5 R1
FT-6 (90% complete) Dual Extruder / 7" screen / PI
The FT-6 is not complete due to me adding to it, that is where it is nice to have another printer for smaller things.
I did find that the FT-6 went together faster for me, but they may have been due to putting the FT-5 together a couple of times with modding it.
I did melt plastic with the FT-6 over the weekend and everything is moving in the right direction now. Orange Pi has Octoprint on it but not hooked up yet.. I want to move and angle it so I can see it..
You will find that you will tinker a lot
I love to draw something out then print it for the machine
My main use so far, to print parts for the printer.
This can be addicting

[carefudundae]

My main use so far, to print parts for the printer.

haha, parts for the printer and for the recycle bin
#reprap

[Wyvern]

I hate to admit that is the primary use for me, that and calibration prints.

But I have printed a abundance of drone parts and knick knacks.