Artillery Sidewinder X2: AC heated bed, Volcano hotend, best large-scale 3D printer under $400

[@mrcoolgs100]

Excellent review - the best one about the Sidewinder X2 - clear and to the point. Just an extra pro that you missed mentioning : the printing is extremely quiet compared to all other 3d printers!

[@doverivermedia3937]

I'm in the process of evaluating and buying my first 3d printer. Your reviews are absolutely outstanding. Very clear and insightful. You even present negatives in a constructive way. Thank you for your FIRST CLASS content. 👏 ... 🇬🇧

[@User7039]

As a reviewer of 3d printer reviews, I rate Aurora Tech Channel as top-notch. Well done!

[@myZer0]

Better presentation than Artillery ever could give, bravo.

[@oleurgast730]

Nice Video, as always. One point about the bed: As it is glas, it takes some time until heat reaches top. So thermistor recocnice target temperature reached long before the bed surface has the temperature realy is reached. Also bed bending continues until final temperature is reached. On my X1 there were defintly better results for first layer when waiting 5 minutes after thermistor detected temperature reached before starting ABL. Also bed is the same as on the X1. The temperature is quite uneven spread. Actually I replaced the bed of my X1 by an fine milled casted aluminium bed for this reason, much more evenly spread heat. It was quite easy, but you are totaly right about cost. Also I would call the printer not big size but midsize. An AC Chiron would be the minimum size I would call big. While not having direct extruder, I still call it best big-size printer under $400. The Sidewinder only is the best mid-size printer under $400. While the PSU can be switched between 115V and 230V, the bed voltage can not be switched. So if PSU is not set correctly, you have to check the silicone heater. You might have gotten the wrong printer for your market and return it.

[@TsvetanVR]

I was looking at this machine a month ago and almost bought it but then I found a CR-10 Max for 650 Euros and could not resist having the much bigger build volume. I do wish it had the cable routing/management of the Artillery X2 but hey....you can't have it all. Great video review as always!

[@omegadeepblue1407]

And how is your experience with the CR-10 Max?

[@valentineyau1746]

An awesome and thorough review. Thanks for your efforts. This printer looks like my next purchase when I upgrade from my Ender 3 V2.

[@1911doc]

I have this printer now for last 9 months and couldn't be more happy for a first printer. Upgraded the bed with magnetic sheet, put it inside creality enclosure and on top of the enclosure I have filament dryer that feed directly to printer. Works like magic for tpu, pla and petg.

[@dejedejsson]

Hello, What size of the enclosure ?

[@1911doc]

@@dejedejsson 480x600x720mm

[@dejedejsson]

Thanks

[@dejedejsson]

@@1911doc Is it size small? I'm going to buy one for my friend's birthday, so it would be a bit embarrassing if it's the wrong size?

[@1911doc]

@@dejedejsson wtf? I literally gave you the dimensions. Google it...

[@aluminumshapingobsession2814]

OH BOY! we get to use the paper again... What's the sense of the BL touch if you have to paper gauge it???

[@armandomarrero9097]

I dont really comment on KZbin videos, but I must say your reviews are some of the best on here. You dont hold back and say what you need to say. A breath of fresh Air. Hopefully manufacturers pay attention to your suggestions as I happen to agree with what you say. I would like to purchase an Ankermake M5 but I will wait and see if you get the opportunity to test it. Keep up the good work and keep that smile on your face. :)

[@AuroraTech]

I don't work with any brands that require reviewers to submit their videos for approval before release, I would see that as review manipulation. So, you may not see some machines on my channel unless their policy changes in the future. :)

[@armandomarrero9097]

@@AuroraTech Very good. Glad to know some people still have scruples

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

@@armandomarrero9097 And she just started grade 10 two months ago

[@armandomarrero9097]

@@BariumCobaltNitrog3n Aurora is absolutely the best in my opinion .

[@aps3000miki]

Great review. You tell us what we need to know, you tell the manufacturer how to improve the product. Certainly a great printer for what I call medium size. Nice that you tried the 1.2mm nozzle, a lot of info can be gained from that. As always I enjoyed watching and as always I learned a bit extra. The fast bed levelling is a great feature, I assume that could be changed at any printer that allows access to the firmware. If you slow it down the accuracy will increase but it does not make much sense to measure too precise as the relative data is all we need. How loud or quiet is this printer? I assume you can only hear the mainboard and the PS fan. FAN-TAS-TIC ly done

[@AuroraTech]

Yes, I think so, even without editing firmware, the AC-heated bed should be able to work on any printer. Connect a 12/24V relay to the existing heated bed terminal as an ON/OFF switch to control the AC-heated bed, but I haven't tried this, I just think it should work :)

[@aps3000miki]

@@AuroraTech, your advice is correct. Use a Solid State Relay to avoid EMI interference. SSD's can be operated with DC 4V to 32V. Just use the existing bed wiring to activate the relay. Connect Neutral direct to the bed and switch Active with the relay. The other way around will not work. And make sure your printer is properly earthed, very important.

[@canneddirt]

yes! this is an updated version of my first big printer! Thank you for the review.

[@rms-repairmainanseremban8403]

I would love if you can show tutorial how to update the X2 firmware

[@bloodyfinger5]

Yes , I would like this also , plus some upgrades for a better user experience . Aurora Rocks !!!!!!!!!!!

[@mururoa7024]

I have the older version of this printer an have been very satisfied with it. The only thing I'd change on it is the heated bed as the stock glass bed isn't very flat. So that's what I'll be doing, I've ordered a milled aluminum bed to replace it. I never had to re-tension the belts in 3 years of regular use.

[@DennisMurphey]

Such an excellent review. Watching you I wonder what you want to do in your life. When I was your age I did nothing like this. You will be so much more capable to do just about anything you set your mind to. I did like this printer but was not sure about the brand. I do like my 10S Pro V1, but this has even more features really and at nearly 50% of the cost. I like the thicker bars and Direct Drive. Agree the screen could be bigger. But really $400 is awfully good print for all that printer has. I shared the video with a friend that is looking to get a printer. His first this one looks better than the Ender 3 2.0. Hey you guys take care and say to Mom and Dad, they must be so proud of you both. D

[@hthring]

shes great at reading her dads scripts :)

[@MicrobyteAlan]

Great review, as always. FYI, I just added direct filament drive to my ender 5 pro, big improvement. Thanks for everything. 👍👍

[@greendsnow]

this girl has the authority.

[@juanjoberlo5998]

Thanks to your explanation, I managed to mount the prusa mk3. 👍

[@RB-yq7qv]

Good fair review. If the bed is damaged it will be a issue to remove. This I feel the company should address as the quality of the machine is one of the best I have seen for the price.

[@josmo7560]

Are you still using the printer? The artillery ABL probe broke TWICE on me and I ended up replacing it with a CR Touch. Lots of folks I've seen online are having tons of issues with the artillery clone probe. Otherwise, I love the printer, but that dang probe!

[@Nicoricanmarxist]

Great review. Im thinking about getting this or a ender 3 max neo. What do u think? Witch one is better?

[@MattJonesYT]

Try Superslicer which is a fork of prusaslicer which has the option for one-loop perimeters that gives very clean prints. I set angle cost=0 and travel cost=100 to put the seam in a line and give it a clean look.

[@jeppyfrost]

@AuroraTech where did you get that nozzle tool from? I would love to add that to my 3D printer tool box.

[@dustinlewis5018]

Any other large format 3D printers I should consider that are also a good value? $259 with your link seems like a really good deal. Thank you! Great Review!

[@codeman77]

Your personal opinion on the x2 or the Ender 3 s1 Plus? I know both are same build size except the s1 plus is 100mm shorter on the Z. QC issues have me concerned on the Ender. On the X2 - seems like I’d probably want to swap to a Fula flex bed, bltouch since probe can be hit or miss, and may have to look at support rods.

[@Mattbe72]

Thanks a lot Aurora team for this review! As you own a CR10S Pro V2. Which one do you prefer and recommend? I just order an Artillery SW X2 but hope I did not made a mistake compare to the CR10S Pro v3? (I already own a E3v2 that I upgraded and working like a charm). Thanks

[@simpeter7828]

Thank you very much for your reviews. Great work boys n gal . would love to see a comparison of X2 / cr 10 / prusa xl . and your final thoughts

[@simpeter7828]

Or creality S1 Pius

[@carylaue191]

This is a really composite, intelligent and detailed review which is greatly appreciated. I do have question and that is as must be expected, how will be be able to adjust belt tension as no 'knobs' are provided to do so ?? Thanks.

[@Tagme136]

Your video is very good I just have one question what do you say this is a good printer for someone that has a little bit of experience with 3-D printing and it’s simple

[@mattheww8059]

Excellent review I’ve been watching some of these reviews of yours looking to get into 3-D printing, it looks like a great printer but so far I’ve seen a lot of bad reviews on Amazon about broken parts, missing parts obviously units were sent back and re-re-wrapped and shipped back out

[@AuroraTech]

Yes, you can see many bad reviews on Amazon for 3D printers, I think there is a reason. For someone who has 3D printing experience, buying 3D printers from Amazon may not be the best option as the price is generally 15% higher plus 8-9% sales tax depending on where you live. So, you end up paying 20-25% more. For example, this SideWinder X2 is around $469-$599 on Amazon, plus sales tax. But you get a generous return policy and fast shipping. So, beginners love to buy their first 3D printer from Amazon. In fact, I saw many bad reviews for many 3D printers on Amazon are caused by beginner mistakes, as there is a learning curve in 3D printing, it takes time. But when things didn't go well, after spending hours or days without getting good prints, some frustrated and angry customers just return the product and may leave bad reviews. You are right, if a 3D printer is assembled, dissembled, and returned by an inexperienced user, I expect some parts may be damaged or missing. I don't think Amazon has the resources to inspect return 3D printers, if they just go straight back to the inventory, this could result in more bad reviews.

[@stollfamily3914]

Another fabulous review! Any chance that you will be reviewing another IDEX printer (QiDi iFast-a bit pricey)? I am really hoping that Creality upgrades their Ender 5 Plus (box style with dual bed support) like the 3-S1 (32 bit, 2209 drivers, direct extruder, filament sensor, auto bed level) andmakes it an IDEX (or at least an add-on option). Now that would be awesome.

[@-HOSS-]

Nice video, I’m a noob trying to find the best low price printer. Your in depth review was very useful 👍🏾

[@davidcarter9322]

Artillery printers seem like a good choice...I wonder if the Artillery Hornet has been reviewed already. It would seem to be a decent starter printer.

[@AuroraTech]

I would get an Ender-3 Pro or V2 or V2 Neo instead of the Hornet, it doesn't look like a good design to me.

[@yancymuu4977]

Thanks for your great reviews. Every time I am get close to buying a printer, you review what seems to be a better choice. One question, others are saying that the bed temperature is not uniform on this printer. Any thoughts on that?

[@AuroraTech]

In terms of uniform temperature, I think it's just in line with other 3D printers. Even for my Prusa MK3S+, the temperature of the edges is a little lower than the center, I think that's acceptable.

[@OH8STN]

Excellent review! Thanks for sharing 👍

[@LisaHarsh]

Have you considered building a Voron?

[@jonrrobinson]

A great and comprehensive review - many thanks 👍

[@draftsman10]

So many great reviews from your channel. Any recommendations for a good printer to start with in the $400-$500 range? There are so many to choose from today. Thanks!

[@AuroraTech]

This Sidewinder X2 or Ender-3 S1, I have also reviewed it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZO1eY2Lo9KZj9k

[@mattheww8059]

Thank you for your reviews dear, still searching for that one 3-D printer, I’m not into production I’m not into modeling I just want some thing around the house in case I need to fabricate a part for something, by chance have you used with any of the Delta’s The one that I caught my eye now is the FLSUN SR, seems to be a lot of positive reviews, for something straight out of the box, curious if you have any thoughts, pros or cons. Just want to purchase something and be done with it, don’t want to have to rebuild upgrade or do anything to it except use it when I need it, also have been looking at Apollo X filament, as I said I’d just looking in case I need to make a part or something, for a car or whatever, I really value high your opinions, thanks 😊

[@guythejedi]

where did you get that nozzle changing tool?

[@AuroraTech]

It was a kickstarter, I am not sure if this thing is still available, but you can get a similar one from bigtreetech: amzn.to/3LKXWYx

[@eenig8730]

Would love to see a review on the new cr10 smart pro . Seems like a decent printer with some nice features. Btw great vid

[@Alex-gb8mk]

Amazing review thank you

[@kkellogg99]

Wow, that's an impressive printer! What filament did you print the trash can with?

[@ninjazxd]

I'm trying to decide between this printer, the CR-10s v2 and the Kobra Max. Can You help me determine which i might should consider buying?

[@AuroraTech]

I don't have a Kobra Max, so I can only choose between Sidewinder X2 and CR-10S Pro V2. In terms of the latest features, this new Sidewinder X2 wins, but in terms of hardware quality and reliability, the 2.5-year-old CR-10S Pro V2 wins.

[@simhoney72]

Hi really great content ! You can be proud! Where can I find the trash STL ? Loved it 😁😁😁. Keep going with your videos

[@RichGags]

I watched your review of the CR6 SE as well. Which printer would you recommend? This Sidewinder or the CR6 SE in terms of reliability, durability and hassle free operation? Thanks!

[@AuroraTech]

I would pick Sidewinder X2, in fact, I don't think anything in the same price range is better than this machine.

[@RichGags]

@@AuroraTech Thanks! One more question please... I watched your Sovol SV04 video. Would you recommend the Sovol or this Sidewinder? Thank you.

[@AuroraTech]

If you really need the IDEX feature, the SV04 is a good choice, if not, I will still pick this Sidewinder X2.

[@ericbrown1531]

Another great review! I'm considering this or the new Mingda Magician Max. As you have tested the Magician X, which appears to be pretty much the same printer, how would you rate this compared to the Mingda? Any observations would be appreciated. Also, do you think either of these would benefit from Z axis struts? Thanks!

[@AuroraTech]

These two are really close, but the Sidewinder X2 with similar features costs less, you also get an AC-heated bed, so I think this Sidewinder X2 would be a better choice.

[@JottyOL]

Great video as usual! In terms of handling, reliability and print quality: Ender 3 S1 or this guy? What’s your favorite?

[@AuroraTech]

Both machines print great out of the box, they are having similar features, Ender-3 S1 screen firmware is slightly better and easier to use. But in terms of price and size, the Sidewinder X2 has a better value.

[@JottyOL]

@@AuroraTech Thank you! This helped a lot. You have my deep respect for being so clear in your reviews. You always show a well structured performance without annoying music or so. Keep on rocking! But… it must be in the middle of the night in California - when do you sleep? 🤔 Greetings from Germany! 😎

[@pp56825]

Best review I seen so far, very smart girl. I wish my sons would so smart 😊 and not lazy.

[@alanjohnson1548]

Can you please make a video with updating this printer? as I haven been able to find no video updating this printer as clear as you explain 🥲🥹🥹🥹🥹

[@rondlh20]

Great review again, you could easily add a magnetic PEI springsteel sheet yourself

[@juanjoberlo5998]

Thank you very much for your detailed explanations.

[@hannahgreenfield9882]

Any current coupon code? The one in the description is expired. Thank you!

[@bowieinc]

I’m interested in how you feel this compares to the CR-10s pro V2. Seems similar in a lot of ways yet it’s around $180 cheaper. Great Video!

[@AuroraTech]

The CR-10S Pro V2 is $599 and this Sidewinder X2 is $379, but it wasn’t available 2 years ago, so it’s hard to say. But if today I need to choose one between them, I would definitely choose the Sidewinder X2, it has more features and I can save $220 for another 3D printer.

[@cosmiccrunch8591]

Great review as always. Looks like an excellent 3D printer for that price. Thanks for your contributions to this evolving scene!

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

This is on sale now at Artillery for $199.

[@Admiral_John]

What tool did you use to change the nozzle? It looks like something I need. :)

[@AuroraTech]

Here you are: z-catch.com/product/nozzle-removal-tool-with-socket-set/

[@iskandartaib]

I wrote this long screed recently, so I might as well post it here. Might help somone.. ^_^ It's in response to another video, which will explain why it reads the way it does. I've had one of these since 11-11 (yeah, THAT sale) last year, and it's been great. Yes, it does have problems - I'll address the few you've mentioned. Lack of Preheat - actually it DOES have Preheat, just not one with pre-sets. It's under Tools -> Heat, then you press the "+" button a bunch of times to get the nozzle or the bed to whatever temperature you want. Lack of removable bed - a removeable bed is something I decided I could not live without. Fortunately easily fixed. Spring steel? Why? Get some IKEA 300x300 mirror tiles (a box of four for USD6) and use small binder clips to clip them to the bed. Yes, you either have to keep them absolutely fingerprint-free or use glue stick (I use glue stick, having been doing this with my old printer). Don't like bare glass? Get a A3 sized sheet of polycarbonate, you can get a 310x297mm sheet from it. 2mm or 3mm should work. You need to thoroughly scuff the surface with 200 grit sandpaper. (Just got one today, I'll be testing it out soon). Actually, acrylic/perspex/plexiglass seems to work as well, and it might even be possible to get this to work without heating the bed. Again, experiments on the way. OR you could do what Angus suggests and get a sheet of G10/Garolite. Spring steel? Costs too much money, I think.. OK, on to a problem you haven't discovered yet, but has been carried over from the X1. The firmware doesn't work with M0 and M25 (the "pause" commands), so the "Pause at Height" feature in Cura doesn't work. You can still pause the printer manually using the touch screen, but it IS a pain and I'm looking forward to someone coming up with a fix for this. There are workarounds, but so far they only work if you're running Octoprint. By the way, I don't use the filament runout sensor - it's a major pain in the neck to use, especially if you're swapping filaments. I just stuck a 2 inch piece of filament in it. If I need it I'll use it, otherwise it's not needed. Is this a good printer for newbies? I think it is. I've been hanging out on the Artillery3D Subreddit, so I've been observing problems that have been cropping up again and again for newbies. None of these is particular to the X2 (and also the Genius Pro), they're germane to all 3D printers. Or, in the case of one of the problems with 3D printers equipped with a ABL sensor. The first problem is.. newbies often have trouble getting the filament to stick. Most of the time it's simply that they've set the nozzle too high. In the case of the X2 (and other ABL-equipped printers) this leads to another issue. How do you adjust nozzle height??? I've been 3D printing since 2017, I'm used to adjusting the bed using the little bed wheels (not so little in this case..). Nozzle too high? Loosen the wheels a tad, this raises the bed. THIS DOES NOT WORK WITH THE X2!!!! It took me a while to figure this out.. With the X2 if the nozzle is too high, you have to use the "Z Offset -" button (under Tools -> More) to lower the nozzle. Once you have it to where you want it (I'd suggest setting the nozzle to printing height using the Manual Leveling menu - use Position 5 before setting the height with a piece of paper as a gauge) make sure you save to EEPROM. Why is this the case? Older printers had a Z axis stop switch mounted somewhere on the frame. This was fixed. Move the bed, this changes the nozzle height. The X2 uses the ABL probe as the Z stop reference. Once it senses the bed, it then sets the nozzle height RELATIVE TO THE BED using the stored Z Offset value. Adjust the bed up? The printer STILL sets the nozzle the same height from the bed. This confuses people - not just newbies, but experienced printers like myself who've never used ABL. You use the manual bed leveling to set the nozzle just right, and after you start the print, the nozzle is STILL too high. This leads to another problem at least 4-5 people have had on the Subreddit - the nozzle jamming into the bed when you home Z. This is one of two things. If the Z Offset is too low, the printer will try to lower the nozzle lower than the bed. How does this happen? In most cases it's a matter of someone tinkering too much - they disassembled the hot end, either because they wanted to see what was inside, or they got this idea that you had to do so to change the nozzle, or they believed someone who told them they absolutely HAD TO HAVE an all-metal heat break, or their printer wouldn't be cool. And when they reassembled it, they assembled it with the nozzle sticking down too far. What's the fix? Probably use the "Z Offset +" button - hit it 20-30 times. Then home Z again, see if it hits the bed again. If it does, repeat. If it doesn't, then set the nozzle height so that it's correct, using the paper. And then, save to EEPROM, of course. Oh yeah.. this leads to another problem (which IS particular to the X2 and the Genius Pro) - the ABL sensor probe can fall out. It's happened to me, and to a couple of others. If it does, the next time you home Z the printer will try to drive the nozzle through the bed. The fix? Stuff it back in there. Use some force, make sure it's in all the way, or you might find yourself with a HUGE Z Offset. What if you've lost it? You can print one. Believe it or not, there's a couple of them on Thingiverse. It doesn't really matter if they're not round, they do work. It's just a plastic rod - I measured mine. 1.8mm diameter, 15.4mm length. You could also go to a model railroad supply store and buy 2mm diameter styrene and cut it to length (I mean, if your printer isn't printing because you're missing the rod, you can't print one either, no?). Artillery should throw a half dozen of these things in the parts bag - it's only a few cents worth after all. And they should fix the ABL sensor design so the rod can't just fall out.

[@avejst]

Great video as always 👍😀 To the point! Thanks for sharing your experience with all of us 👍😀

[@Xanthira222]

Is the Prusa MK3s+ worth the extra $400 over this printer?

[@AuroraTech]

I have both printers. If I only have one 3D printer and don't need to print anything big, I am happy with just having one Prusa MK3S+. But in terms of value, this Sidewinder X2 is better, even compare with Creality Ender-3 S1, CR-10S Pro V2, and many other printers. That's why I consider it as the best large-size printer under $400.

[@Xanthira222]

@@AuroraTech thank you!

[@3dthailandhappy3d-thailand46]

Hi. We are based in Thailand. I would like to translate some of your videos to Thai with a language overdub. We will of course link to your original KZbin channel. Would you allow us to do this?

[@atonicoh]

Thank you.

[@hansmuller9010]

Please take it next time in than hand and hold something next to it as to see how big is it

[@amit_dhami]

Please compare Artillery Sidewinder X2 & Ender-3 S1. Which is better ?

[@AuroraTech]

In terms of print volume, hardware, features, and price, the Sidewinder X2 is clearly the winner. But the screen UI design and the self-developed extruder of Ender-3 S1 are better.

[@kevinerickson2595]

Awesome 👏 👏👏

[@lesourire511]

awesome review

[@jmwetterene7459]

superbe vidéo merci

[@madderall_dot_com]

The fact that the top rail is made completely out of plastic did not strike you as unusual enough to be worth mentioning?

[@colincampbell3679]

So this is daft, The link takes me to a discount site which gives me 46% off the price and does it all in UK pounds too! Now the daft part. no matter which ship from sending place I pick the EU or the US. it states that neither can ship to the UK? So all looks great with all that money off and all done in UK pounds But the site can't ship to here in the UK. I was only seeing what the link price was and yes it works out half of what my UK sites show it as, But the selling site can't ship here so even if I wished to get it I can't.

[@joeking433]

How old is this girl? She's pretty amazing!

[@tweekFPV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@robymartini]

Very good ! Why don't you show your very nice ducks at the end of the video? They're adorable !!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@ChinaAl]

Ni Hao. where is this for under $400? $469 on Amazon .

[@AuroraTech]

I put the link under the description, here you are: bit.ly/3JhGTvp Use this coupon code: NNNASX20229

[@ChinaAl]

@@AuroraTech Sorry, I saw it a little while ago. thank you

[@ChinaAl]

@@AuroraTech thank you

[@TestTest-eb8jr]

👍🖒👍 @Aurora

[@hthring]

this kid reads an auto printer well...

[@AlexChangYuan]

Bought it new $240 including tax.

[@jvegazorro]

[@kkellogg99]

Wow, that's an impressive printer! What filament did you print the trash can with?

[@AuroraTech]

I am using this Overture PLA: amzn.to/3rJSZri