Contemplating getting a K1 or K1C in the nearish future as it looks to be the most cost-effective core-XY platform that allows open-source firmware. All I’ve found are compensated reviews so far so, figured I’d see if anyone on Lemmy has a less biased experience.

Any thoughts on these or suggestions for alternatives. Would like to move away from bed-slingers.

  • @bitwise@lemmy.caEnglish
    7•7 months ago

    I’ve got a K1. Works great, use it all the time to print stuff. Only physical modification I’ve made to it was a printed dryer hose hookup that mounts to the back vent fan so I can pump fumes outside.

    I rooted it to install Mainsail directly onto the printer’s onboard computer and I use OrcaSlicer so you won’t be stuck with the Creality slicer app if you don’t like it.

    I haven’t done anything maintenance wise yet except keeping the rails and screws lubed.

    Massive step up from my Ender 3 Pro. Only gripe I have is the filament run-out sensor sucks because it won’t stop your print if the filament breaks in the Bowden tube (but there’s a simple mod for the stock extruder to put a run-out sensor directly inside it to solve that problem).

    If you can afford the cost/space and want to print big stuff, get the K1 Max instead.

    • nickwitha_k (he/him)OPEnglish
      2•7 months ago

      I’m still on an Ender 3 non-pro (1.5?) with an SKR miniE and a hotend that I need to try to clean. No need on the big prints, personally. I’ve yet to come across anything that couldn’t be divided into multiple parts, if needed but I’ve rarely needed.

    • @bluewing@lemm.eeEnglish
      4•7 months ago

      I don’t own one - yet. But I have spent a good amount of time reading about users experiences with the brand. They seem to be pretty decent. The company offers good support and works to solve product issues. And users seem to be genuinely positive in their overall comments.

      Just from my own research, they seem to be kind of a hidden gem that no one notices. I think it wouldn’t be wasted time for you to take a closer look them. I just need to talk myself into believing the carbon fiber rods on the X-Smart3 are fine. As always: YMMV

    • nickwitha_k (he/him)OPEnglish
      3•7 months ago

      Depending on when I can justify the purchase, that one does indeed look like a good contender. Will have to look into it more. Thank you!

    • @ShepherdPie@midwest.socialEnglish
      1•7 months ago

      I hadn’t heard of it and just briefly browsed their page and I notice they don’t even mention that it’s CoreXY, which is odd. They really seem to want to highlight that it has dual motors on the Z screws and dual ABL sensors though.

      The current price of $469 is pretty good. That’s what I paid for my Sidewinder X2 bed slinger several years ago.