Quote from: Chris Savage on Mar 10, 2025, 09:54 AM(https://store.bblcdn.com/s7/default/847dcb83504a4e4db39c79d5d1dbab32/Group_48097_1.png)
I recently picked up this printer (https://bambulab.com/en-us/a1) and now I am getting rid of my Creality Ender printers! That's how much I love this thing! Not only did it work right out of the box with minimal setup, but it is FAST and supports 4 colors using the AMS system and I can even run prints remotely using an app on my phone!
... I am very impressed after the experiences I had with the Ender 5 and Ender 3 S1.
So, Chris, after using this printer for a bit over a year, how do you like it?
The above thread shows a lot of printing, and one filament jam...
(https://savagechats.com/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=200;preview)
You mentioned, at the time, that this was
not the fault of the printer, but the filament. So, how has everything else been?
I have been having too much trouble with my Voxel (although Peter's seems to be working well for him.) So, I am almost at the point where I have enough money saved up to purchase a new printer. So, what is your after-one-year review now?
Also,
Quote from: Chris Savage on Mar 10, 2025, 09:54 AM...it is FAST and supports 4 colors using the AMS system
How does that AMS system work? Do you have to use the Bambu filament spools, or can you get RFID(?) tags and put them on generic spools. Also, if you can use generic, what filament do you like most?
Quote from: granz on Jun 10, 2026, 05:09 PMSo, Chris, after using this printer for a bit over a year, how do you like it? The above thread shows a lot of printing, and one filament jam...
I also had some printing issues that were related to moisture in the filament or skin oil on the printing plate. Since these issues, I haven't experienced them again. I learned from my mistakes. I just had the one jam of the hot end. I got a
lot of use from it before that happened and the replacement was inexpensive.
Quote from: granz on Jun 10, 2026, 05:09 PMHow does that AMS system work?
The AMS allows you to print multicolor prints. I have posted a few in this sub-forum. But another use of it is if you have a large or complex print that needs more than 1 spool (or you have one that's not full), you can have it automatically switch to a backup spool if the initial one runs out of filament.
Quote from: granz on Jun 10, 2026, 05:09 PMDo you have to use the Bambu filament spools, or can you get RFID(?) tags and put them on generic spools.
I use the Bambu Lab filament, not only for convenience, but because the RFID tags tell the printer the details about the filament, saving me issues. You can't use the tags on someone else's filament. I mean, you could, but the printer would think it was genuine branded filament and set the temperatures and other profile information as if it were. As you can imagine, that could cause issues.
Quote from: granz on Jun 10, 2026, 05:09 PMAlso, if you can use generic, what filament do you like most?
I do not use generic filament. I buy the Bambu filament 4 or 6 at a time to get the bulk discount. A coworker uses generic filament he gets from Amazon. His prints are usually fine, but they don't seem to look as good as mine. If I had to guess, there are subtle differences in the speed / temperatures that he doesn't know.
As a note, the Bambu Lab Studio (slicer) supports filament from other vendors and has their print profile information as well. I just don't think that works from the mobile app. I've never tried. But when you first setup the sliver on your PC, it gives you the option to import other brand printers and / or filaments.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 10, 2026, 05:29 PMI use the Bambu Lab filament
Okay, that sounds good.
Do you get your filament straight from Bambu Lab, or Amazon, or somewhere else? I will need to add in the price of several spools of filament (Amazon is showing about $20-$30 per spool, but I have not checked Bambu Lab's prices.
Quote from: granz on Jun 10, 2026, 05:36 PMDo you get your filament straight from Bambu Lab, or Amazon, or somewhere else? I will need to add in the price of several spools of filament (Amazon is showing about $20-$30 per spool, but I have not checked Bambu Lab's prices.
I buy directly on the Bambu Lab website with a delivery time average of 4 days. My last order was for four (4) refills, which cost me $14.99 each. On the previous order of six (6) spools, I paid $13.99 each. Bear in mind, my most recent orders are refills, which are generally less expensive, because you don't get the spool. You re-use the spools and the refill comes with the core and RFID tags. The spool separates and the refill fits right in.
The following video shows how the refills work:
Nice, I like it. And, the price is not too bad, either. So, the first filaments that you purchase is the ones with the spools, and then you get refills? Or, do you just purchase a few/several empty spools and then use the refills on those empty spools?
Thanks.
Quote from: granz on Jun 11, 2026, 06:55 AMNice, I like it. And, the price is not too bad, either. So, the first filaments that you purchase is the ones with the spools, and then you get refills? Or, do you just purchase a few/several empty spools and then use the refills on those empty spools?
I originally bought the spools. Then when they were empty, I gave them away to someone else I knew had an A1. At that time I didn't know how the refills worked, so I didn't think I would ever get them. When I found out how easy it was, I regretted giving my spools away and actually printed a couple (there are several styles online) and they worked perfectly. After so much printing, I started having empty spools and started buying the replacements as refills, which generally cost less.
P.S. - It takes very little to print the spools yourself. Mine came out perfect and worked for a while until I passed them on to someone else who needed a couple of spools for refills.
Okay, I now have the printer in my Bambu shopping cart, along with ten spools of 1kg filament - one of each color in the resistor color code (I figured that this would give me a nice selection of colors to start with, plus the ability to print color-coded numbers.)
I noticed that there are recommendations for accessories, but not any specifics. What accessories do you recommend that I get (an additional nozzle, grease/oil, additional build plate, anything else? I won't have a lot of money after the purchase, but would like to get the most important extras when I purchase the printer - if you could list the extras in order of what you think most important to less important, I would appreciate it.
Also, now that I think about it, is there some program where you can get some kind of credit (money, supplies, etc.) for recommending this printer to me? After all, you are the one who convinced me to get a Bambu Lab printer, so you should benefit - if possible.
Quote from: granz on Jun 11, 2026, 11:37 AMOkay, I now have the printer in my Bambu shopping cart, along with ten spools of 1kg filament - one of each color in the resistor color code (I figured that this would give me a nice selection of colors to start with, plus the ability to print color-coded numbers.)
Sounds like you're ready to go!
Quote from: granz on Jun 11, 2026, 11:37 AMI noticed that there are recommendations for accessories, but not any specifics. What accessories do you recommend that I get (an additional nozzle, grease/oil, additional build plate, anything else? I won't have a lot of money after the purchase, but would like to get the most important extras when I purchase the printer - if you could list the extras in order of what you think most important to less important, I would appreciate it.
Honestly, an extra hot end and build plate are about all I would recommend. The printer comes with the lubricants and some additional hardware and accessories. The most commonly used items, anyway.
Quote from: granz on Jun 11, 2026, 11:37 AMAlso, now that I think about it, is there some program where you can get some kind of credit (money, supplies, etc.) for recommending this printer to me? After all, you are the one who convinced me to get a Bambu Lab printer, so you should benefit - if possible.
I know in the past they have done referrals, but they're usually for a limited time. I'm not seeing anything running currently. Thanks for thinking of me though. 8)
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 11, 2026, 12:12 PMHonestly, an extra hot end and build plate are about all I would recommend. The printer comes with the lubricants and some additional hardware and accessories. The most commonly used items, anyway.
Thanks, they are now in my shopping cart, too. Wednesday is the big day - and the bad part is that now I
NEED to get some space cleared out for the new printer. :o
Seeing the Bambu is making me get the 3D printing itch back. Almost bought a Creative printer a few years back but I don't have the time to baby sit the printer while it prints. My wife doesn't want unmonitored printing for safety reasons.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jun 16, 2026, 04:30 PMAlmost bought a Creative printer a few years back but I don't have the time to baby sit the printer while it prints.
Did you, perchance, mean Creality?
Quote from: MicroNut on Jun 16, 2026, 04:30 PMMy wife doesn't want unmonitored printing for safety reasons.
The Bambu Lab printers can be remotely monitored. They have a camera built-in that you can see from the app on your Smart Phone.
Chris, what do you do with all the leftover filament pieces/poop/whatever that you end up with? Peter, and I, were talking about that this afternoon, and he showed me a filament recycling system that he had found. The thing cost about $1500-$2000 :o , and that is just out of our price range (by a pretty long shot.) We figured that if we had a decent-sized print farm (maybe a few dozen printers) that we might be able to make use of it. But, actually, unless we were doing B2B marketing, we wouldn't even be able to really use recycled filament any way - B2C (Business-to-Consumer) customers would want/demand clean-colored filament. We figured that recycled filament won't work for us.
That said, we still get some filament trash, and wanted to know what we should do with it. Do you just throw yours in the regular garbage? Or, use it for something else?
Quote from: granz on Jun 16, 2026, 08:45 PMThat said, we still get some filament trash, and wanted to know what we should do with it. Do you just throw yours in the regular garbage? Or, use it for something else?
There are cheaper units available for recycling waste, however, PLA (polylactic acid) is biodegradable. I throw it in the trash. It is not petroleum-based like plastic. Other filaments such as PET-G are different. But you can be assured that PLA is safe for the trash.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 16, 2026, 10:30 PMQuote from: granz on Jun 16, 2026, 08:45 PMThat said, we still get some filament trash, and wanted to know what we should do with it. Do you just throw yours in the regular garbage? Or, use it for something else?
There are cheaper units available for recycling waste, however, PLA (polylactic acid) is biodegradable. I throw it in the trash. It is not petroleum-based like plastic. Other filaments such as PET-G are different. But you can be assured that PLA is safe for the trash.
Thanks for that.
Oops, I meant Creality. I forgot which model but it was at Microcenter for around $200. I do have a souped up original Makerbot that needs some repairs, clogged head and a lcd display that only shows the left half that Jim gave me. 3D printers have progressed a lot since Makerbot so I'd rather put my money in a new printer than fix it.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jun 17, 2026, 09:35 AMOops, I meant Creality. I forgot which model but it was at Microcenter for around $200.
As you can see here (https://savagecircuits.com/gallery-3d-printers/), I previously had two Creality 3D Printers. They did require an inordinate amount of supervision to print simple things, which is why I moved on to the Bambu Lab stuff.
Bambu Lab A1 printer is now on order! ;D
Quote from: granz on Jun 17, 2026, 06:07 PMBambu Lab A1 printer is now on order! ;D
I have a pretty big surprise order in myself, considering it's the 4th anniversary sale. ;)
P.S. - More to come!
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 17, 2026, 07:55 PMI have a pretty big surprise order in myself, considering it's the 4th anniversary sale. ;)
P.S. - More to come!
Shameless tease!
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 17, 2026, 07:55 PMI have a pretty big surprise order in myself, considering it's the 4th anniversary sale. ;)
P.S. - More to come!
I just noticed what you meant about the 4th Anniversary Sale - https://us.store.bambulab.com/pages/anniversary-sale
@Chris Savage and
@granz you are getting me hooked. My 25th anniversary with my wonderful wife is in October and this would be a great gift for me to keep me busy when I go into semi-retirement next year. Let me know how it works for you granz. It would be cool if one of you could demo one at the get together coming up if they can be transported without any hassle.
One thing I was looking into a while ago for safety reasons was using a Raspberry Pi with a camera to remotely control an Ender. Is that possible with the Bambu as well? I accidentally told my wife that some older 3d printers had a slim chance of overheating. Ever since she doesn't feel comfortable with the idea of 3d printers. Insert foot here!
I just looked and answer my own question. According to the Bambu site the A1 can be remotely controlled and comes with a low FPS camera. Awesome!
Quote from: MicroNut on Jun 18, 2026, 03:55 PM@Chris Savage and @granz you are getting me hooked. My 25th anniversary with my wonderful wife is in October and this would be a great gift for me to keep me busy when I go into semi-retirement next year. Let me know how it works for you granz. It would be cool if one of you could demo one at the get together coming up if they can be transported without any hassle.
Do you want a demo of the Bambu Lab A1 printer? Or, just geneic 3D printing - the Monoprice Voxel/FlashForge Adventurer 3 is easier to move, but I may be able to bring the A1. I'll have to see how it feels when I get it, and set it up.
Also, there are a series of cheapie printers called the ToyBox (https://www.toybox.com.) They are really small, IIRC only 100mm cubed (4 inches,) and meant to print toys for kids (though, they can print stuff from others.
Quote from: ToyBoxThe Creator Space is a suite of apps and tools that allow you to easily create your own inventions. You can also import models from the internet or even import models that you have created with a computer-aided design tool (CAD). Toybox supports The platform currently supports STL, OBJ, 3MF and gCode.
Coincidentally, they are pretty small, and would make it easier to transport. I have been considering one for traveling demos, and to print small stuff at home while waiting on print jobs on my bigger printers. Unfortunately, there are some wildly differing reviews - some say that they are great (for their design case) while others say that they are not worth the price.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jun 18, 2026, 03:55 PMOne thing I was looking into a while ago for safety reasons was using a Raspberry Pi with a camera to remotely control an Ender. Is that possible with the Bambu as well? I accidentally told my wife that some older 3d printers had a slim chance of overheating. Ever since she doesn't feel comfortable with the idea of 3d printers. Insert foot here!
The Voxel/Adventurer also has a camera.
Quote from: MicroNut on Jun 18, 2026, 04:11 PMI just looked and answer my own question. According to the Bambu site the A1 can be remotely controlled and comes with a low FPS camera. Awesome!
Actually, I answered your question in this post (https://savagechats.com/index.php?msg=4889). ;)
This morning, I got notice that the printer would be delivered by tomorrow - estimating between 11:30 and 3:30PM:
(https://i.postimg.cc/qqGtJgQc/Bambu-Lab-A1.jpg)
A few minutes ago Marilyn was out on the porch, reading her Bible. She came in and told me that I got a delivery:
(https://i.postimg.cc/TPT41sRc/Printer-Delivered.jpg)
(Funny, the status after the delivery is still showing tomorrow delivery.)
Well, it certainly arrived by tomorrow. :P
Yay!!!!! The filament, build plate and nozzle are being shipped separately, hopefully they will show up soon - although I do have a couple 1kg, and several 1/4kg, spools of "generic" (Sunlu) filament.
Congrats! Make sure you watch the unboxing / set up video! It will save you a lot of time!
I know you said, "Shameless tease!" Well, here's more tease...
20260619_225513_480x640.jpg
Nice, so which printers are those?
Quote from: granz on Jun 20, 2026, 04:25 AMNice, so which printers are those?
It's a secret...all shall be revealed soon. :-X
I DO appreciate though how your box clearly states which printer it is. Mine kind of leaves you guessing. :P
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 20, 2026, 09:33 PMI DO appreciate though how your box clearly states which printer it is. Mine kind of leaves you guessing. :P
Yeah, there was no question about what I received.
Marilyn mentioned a possible trouble with the notification (where FedEx showed that the package was due on Saturday, even though it had already arrived) - if we lived in an area where theft was prevalent, it could cause the box to sit outside for a dangerous amount of time. We did not have that trouble as Marilyn was outside, on our porch, and saw the delivery guy deliver it.
Quote from: granz on Jun 20, 2026, 04:25 AMNice, so which printers are those?
I'm hoping to set these up today (pain is an issue). If I get them set up I will post them here first. 8)
Looking forward to your post. Things are sure getting exciting around here. :)
Quote from: granz on Jun 21, 2026, 04:21 PMLooking forward to your post. Things are sure getting exciting around here. :)
They sure are! Right now I haven't yet gotten to those two new printers as I am still cleaning up my den.
Filament_Dryboxes_01.jpg
I started by labeling the cereal dry boxes using the erasable labels that came with the containers.
Filament_Dryboxes_02.jpg
I realized that this is more important that I expected, since many of the spools have been recycled. The spools are labeled for PLA Basic, PLA Matte, PETG, etc. They don't list the colors. However, when I put refill spools on them, I don't necessarily remember what filament type is in there! So the labels help.
Filament_Dryboxes_03.jpg
I also moved the unopened boxes onto the shelves as well, so I can see at a glance, which filaments I have in stock.
Storage_Labeling_01.jpg
Finally, the den also has many storage shelves that were original bins and boxes. I have been putting labels on all the storage drawers, bins and boxes today. This will continue tomorrow before I can get to the printers.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 21, 2026, 09:12 PMThey sure are! Right now I haven't yet gotten to those two new printers as I am still cleaning up my den.
Filament_Dryboxes_01.jpg
Nice, I like that rail shelving system. That may do the job for my filament.
Quote from: granz on Jun 21, 2026, 09:29 PMNice, I like that rail shelving system. That may do the job for my filament.
Of course, I had to rearrange after I realized I had more filament in another room! LOL
20260622_002006_640x480.jpg
How long are those shelves? The look like they're about six feet.
Also, when I told Marilyn about the two A1 printers, and the two new printers, she asked what you do with all of that printing capability. I have to admit that I don't know. All that I've seen, so far, has been a few decorations for your house and some sports signs/memorabilia stuff. Are you in this for profit making?
Quote from: granz on Jun 22, 2026, 06:11 AMHow long are those shelves? The look like they're about six feet.
I am using 4'x10" deep shelves. As you can see, the shelf holds 11 of 12 cereal boxes.
Quote from: granz on Jun 22, 2026, 06:11 AMAlso, when I told Marilyn about the two A1 printers, and the two new printers, she asked what you do with all of that printing capability. I have to admit that I don't know. All that I've seen, so far, has been a few decorations for your house and some sports signs/memorabilia stuff. Are you in this for profit making?
The original A1 printers were my entry into the Bambu Lab stuff to test the feasibility of using them for projects. Along the way, you're right, I have made a bunch of personal projects (presents) for family. I sold an A1 originally and bought the P1S to see if it improved an issue I was having with humidity. An issue I originally I tried to solve with a dehumidifier.
Since there was an improvement, and my eventual goals were to make commercial prints as well as print stuff for projects, I made the investment into two of the P2S printers (Now you know what those two are), in the wake of the sale. I will most likely donate the A1 and use the P1S in the den for personal projects. The two P2S printers are destined to be used for commercial stuff and projects for magazine articles, of which I have been preparing to do once again. ;)
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 22, 2026, 03:12 PMQuote from: granz on Jun 22, 2026, 06:11 AMHow long are those shelves? The look like they're about six feet.
I am using 4'x10" deep shelves. As you can see, the shelf holds 11 of 12 cereal boxes.
Thanks, I'm thinking that the six foot shelves will do better for my room.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 22, 2026, 03:12 PMSince there was an improvement, and my eventual goals were to make commercial prints as well as print stuff for projects, I made the investment into two of the P2S printers (Now you know what those two are), in the wake of the sale.
I see, what commercial prints will you be doing? I need to start increasing my income - I'm getting worried about what happens to Marilyn when I die. Hopefully, I can get a nice piece of property fully paid off (or with mortgage life insurance,) so that she can have that, at least.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 22, 2026, 03:12 PMI will most likely donate the A1 and use the P1S in the den for personal projects. The two P2S printers are destined to be used for commercial stuff and projects for magazine articles, of which I have been preparing to do once again. ;)
See PM.
Quote from: granz on Jun 22, 2026, 03:25 PMI see, what commercial prints will you be doing?
I've bee planning for some time to make prints for stuff I plan on selling. Much of it is posted on the main website, but in draft form, pending having the details / photos / videos available, at which time they will go live and more things will appear in the "shop".
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 22, 2026, 03:52 PMQuote from: granz on Jun 22, 2026, 03:25 PMI see, what commercial prints will you be doing?
I've bee planning for some time to make prints for stuff I plan on selling. Much of it is posted on the main website, but in draft form, pending having the details / photos / videos available, at which time they will go live and more things will appear in the "shop".
Keep me in mind if you want/need to outsource for additional printing capability.
While looking at the cereal box product page on Amazon and reading the comments, I saw this photo. Someone else obviously saw the same project and bought the same cereal boxes.
726289873_2266371274194122.jpg
That looks like a nice setup. Mine doesn't look anywhere near that nice, but it works for me.
I like the filament on top, and am thinking of moving my AMS Lite up to the top of the printer. YouTuber, @BV3D (Bryan Vines) posted a video wherein he tests out a top-mount, and shows that it does not cause any troubles in the print jobs.
Is there a way to know if one particular filiment either new from like Amazon or old is past its prime?? I've had lines break on me, so would bw nice to know. I di have a 2 spool filament dryer.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 22, 2026, 03:12 PMI will most likely donate the A1 and use the P1S in the den for personal projects.
Well, it's official...an agreement was reached and the A1 is leaving tomorrow morning. Once it's gone, I will be moving the P1S to the Den and replacing both printers with P2S models. More to come...<waves goodbye to the A1 Combo> :-\
20260626_230346_640x480.jpg
So, the library was able to come up with someone to monitor, and take care of the printer? That sounds good.
Updates!
20260627_165555_640x480.jpg
In the Den, I prepped for moving the P1S by installing more track shelving behind the desk out there.
20260627_175349_640x480.jpg
Once the shelves were installed, I cleaned off the desk and moved the P1S out to the Den.
20260627_175359_640x480.jpg
With the 3D Printer Bench cleared, it was time to unbox the two P2S printers...
I spent some time assembling each printer.
20260627_221737_640x480.jpg
Here I have one P2S done and ready, while I am wrapping up the second P2S.
20260627_231416_640x480.jpg
Here both printers are assembled and ready to print. Sadly, my wife is sleeping right below them, so I have to wait until tomorrow to print, though the calibration is done on both units.
As for the Den computer desk...
20260628_005600_640x480.jpg
I have some boxes to put away from the assembly of the new printers, but then this desk will be devoted to Linux / Raspberry Pi stuff (on the left side, anyway).
Nice, looking good Chris.
Quote from: granz on Jun 28, 2026, 05:58 AMNice, looking good Chris.
I'll be posting a review on these soon. I had a couple minor glitches...one during setup and one during my first print, that I hope never happens again!
P2S-1_First Print.jpg
First print for each P2S is a desiccant box for the AMS that supports a round hydrometer. There are more parts to print. The parts for the first printer are in red.
P2S-2_First Print.jpg
The parts for the second printer are in purple.