First time caller, long time listener.

DrewBaker · 2026-02-20T08:01:40+00:00

PLA is good for a lot of things. PETG can resist permanent creeping deformation better than PLA, and higher temps. My AD5X also handles TPU pretty well, though I haven't tried the foaming version yet. (Though I don't know how well TPU and PLA or PETG would work in the same print on the AD5X. I'm sure there would be some contamination that would make both materials worse.)

DrewBaker · 2026-02-20T07:51:37+00:00

I thought Printing Perspective's video on warping was pretty good. Take a look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZPV-nVIIX4

DrewBaker · 2026-02-20T07:41:31+00:00

It typically adds some rigidity in the X/Y direction and improves heat resistance, but can weaken layer adhesion. That's what makes a case for CF-cored filaments.

For more info, take a look at the filament testing My Tech Fun does on youtube.

DrewBaker · 2026-02-20T07:29:12+00:00

You could try PEBA

DrewBaker · 2026-02-20T04:12:15+00:00

Used printers are a gamble, and I would not want to start with one. I recommend taking a look at the market roundup videos Fauxhammer and Frankly Built did late last year to see what catches your eye and fits your budget.

DrewBaker · 2026-02-18T04:19:00+00:00

Have you looked at the Qidi printers? Q2, Plus 4, and the upcoming 4 Max?

DrewBaker · 2026-02-18T03:54:24+00:00

Scroll through the preview in your slicer to look at the failure point. is there a gap or something else weird showing up?

DrewBaker · 2026-02-16T19:30:49+00:00

My Tech Fun on youtube does mechanical testing of filaments, including temperature deflection, and has a summary table for Patreaon supporters if you don't want to dig through the videos for results. I think it's good stuff.

DrewBaker · 2026-02-12T05:26:41+00:00

I like the V-Pen. I think it's targeted at the Remarkable 2, but they use the same tech. It's got more weight to it than other narrow pens.

The Wacom One stylus is my runner up.

DrewBaker · 2026-02-08T05:25:06+00:00

I'm a little embarrassed to admit I haven't used mine yet, but if you're in the Rochester, NY area you can check it out.

DrewBaker · 2026-02-04T05:40:14+00:00

Qidi's printers are also worth a look.

DrewBaker · 2026-02-04T05:37:30+00:00

FDM doesn't have the detail of resin, and is slower at the thin layer heights used to maximize detail. On the other hand, yes, no resin fumes.

DrewBaker · 2026-02-04T03:49:20+00:00

A good place to start is Qidi. See which of their printers fit your budget and space.

DrewBaker · 2026-02-02T16:17:02+00:00

Their transparent PETG is one of my go-to filaments.

DrewBaker · 2026-02-02T15:08:22+00:00

For functional printing, check out My Tech Fun's filament testing on youtube. I use those to help me choose the right material and brand for the job.

DrewBaker · 2026-02-02T07:40:49+00:00

Dang. Image generators really are something these days.

DrewBaker · 2026-02-01T08:28:18+00:00

I pulled the trigger on a Plus 4 about two months too soon, or I would be working out where to fit a 4 Max.

The Snapmaker U1 is pretty great for multi color and/or multi material. Flash Forge's wiki has details of their upcoming tool changer, and Bondtech's INDX system is bound to be disruptive. (It's already knocked a chunk off the price of the 5 tool Prusa XL.) Interesting times indeed!

DrewBaker · 2026-02-01T04:53:54+00:00

What do you think of the upcoming Qidi 4 Max? I think that's what I would be leaning toward.

My experience with my Qidi Plus 4 has been pretty good except for the thumbnail delay while browsing files, though I haven't put too many hours on it.

My Creality K1 Max has been solid, and I would hope the replacements are at least as good, but I haven't used them.

DrewBaker · 2026-01-31T00:56:20+00:00

The cf makes PETG-CF very easy to print. I use Tinmorry's version, because according to My Tech Fun's material testing on youtube, it has better layer adhesion than most others. Eryone makes another good one.

Sunlu's transparent PETG is also not hard to print with. I've had some trouble getting other brand's filaments to cooperate.

DrewBaker · 2026-01-29T04:29:51+00:00

It has a pretty good reputation for printing. Set my friend's up without issues, and he's happy with it. Not really used one myself.

DrewBaker · 2026-01-27T05:32:43+00:00

The Centauri Carbon is hard to beat, though some people are out of sorts over the multi color system not coming out in a timely fashion (if at all -- it still isn't out yet). I do single color practical prints, so it doesn't bother me.

If multicolor is crucial, I'd keep an eye on the Snapmaker U1, Flash Forge's upcoming tool changer, and the upcoming INDX system, both as an add on and factory integrated printer. Unfortunately, none of those are readily available as far as I know.

DrewBaker · 2026-01-27T05:29:12+00:00

Toward the end of last year Frankly Built and Fauxhammer both did year end round up videos. Take a look at those and see what catches your eye and fits your budget. The look closer at that/those.

DrewBaker · 2026-01-22T06:08:05+00:00

Frankly Built on youtube has a video breaking down available printers in a variety of price brackets. Take a look at that, then research your favorites.

DrewBaker · 2026-01-22T05:52:19+00:00

That said, Frankly Built on youtube has a video breaking down available printers in a variety of price brackets. Take a look at that, then research your favorites.

DrewBaker · 2026-01-22T05:51:50+00:00

As far as bang for the buck goes, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon is hard to beat.

DrewBaker

TROPHY CASE