QIDI X-MAX3

I have not used my 3d printers for more than a year. I have a Creality Ender 10s filament printer, which must be at least 6 years old, and an Anycubic Photon Mono X 4k resin printer which I would guess is about 3 years old. (checked. 2y7m old). Recently I wanted to make some sanding sticks for my model ship building, using a design from Thingiverse, but sadly to report, neither printer was functioning.

The screen on the Anycubic was dead. Anycubic listed a replacement screen at $AUD400, which is a higher price than I paid originally for the entire printer and also a higher price than newer printer versions. Cheaper screens were listed from other vendors selling Anycubic parts, but none of them have stock. It appears that Anycubic do not make parts for these older printers. Further reading reveals that Anycubic have a reputation about lack of support for their older machines. OK. Give that brand a big miss.

The Creality Ender 10s was never a great printer. I did use it to make PLA parts for casting aluminium and bronze components, but I was never really happy with the quality. Plus, it is in bits from over a year ago when I decided to add a bed levelling device, but never completed. Now I think that it is not worth the time and effort.

So, after reading multiple reviews, checking current prices etc etc I decided to purchase a new filament printer, the QIDI X-Max3, released a bit over a year ago, now superseded by a newer version, and old stock being substantially discounted. It ticks most of the boxes for me. It is fast, big model size (325x325x320mm), and reportedly good quality prints. It is a big, ugly brute, but I must say that I am VERY happy with the print quality. And, having an enclosed, heated chamber, it is said to be capable of printing nylon, glass fibre, and carbon fibre reinforced filaments. I do not know if I will be using those more industrial filaments, but at least I will have the machine to give them a try.

The delivery man kindly helped me to carry the carton into the house. As you can see, the carton was about the same size as a washing machine, and weighed 60lb.

Using the handles I managed to lift it up onto our table. It is still there, one week later, but will be moved to a more convenient location ASAP. Yes, it is ugly.

Sanding blocks from Thingiverse. The quality of the QIDI prints is very good.

A lifeboat for USS Constitution. (the first and only time I have ever printed a Benchy).

Why did I not buy the latest version XIDI?

Well, cost was a factor. But more to the point, I am not a “bleeding, leading edge” person. And in the past year there have been refinements to the X-Max3 design, as result of user feedback. So far, no buyers remorse on this one.

There might be another temporary diversion from the Constitution build. I am so excited with my new FDM printer that I am considering using it to build a very small CNC milling machine. Watch this space.