Elegoo Mercury X Wash & Cure station (HONEST REVIEW)

The Elegoo Mercury X bundle seems impressive, but how do these Wash and Cure stations hold up? Here I put them through their paces in one of my typical no-punches-pulled reviews.
🔹 ELEGOO MERCURY X LINK 🔹
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🔹 SIRAYA TECH FAST RESIN 🔹
Amazon UK ▶ amzn.to/3DhoA7o
Amazon US ▶ amzn.to/3Dlmtzh
🔹 OTHER EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS USED 🔹
There's a lot of equipment mentioned in this video, so to make life easier I’ve made a list with links on my website here ▶ vegoilguy.co.uk/equipment.php
🔹 ARCHVILLAIN GAMES 🔹
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🔹 DISCLAIMER 🔹
This product was given to me, free of charge and without obligation. No money has changed hands and the only agreement made was that I video an INDEPENDENT review, expressing my own personal and above all honest thoughts on the product.
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0:00 - Introduction
0:25 - Unboxing
0:56 - Assembly
1:07 - Light Arrays
1:22 - Wash station
2:30 - 3D Print
3:01 - Siraya Tech Fast
3:36 - Washing
4:52 - Curing
5:46 - Conclusions
#3dprinting #3dresinprinting #vegoilguy #vog #vogman

[@ethansdad3d]

When you're curing with 2 in 1 machines, you need to set the vat and basket somewhere anyway. I really like the idea of the individual machines with dedicated desk space. The UV light on the bottom is a great idea also.

[@vogman]

👍👍👍

[@giovanpietro]

The UV light on the bottom would been a great idea if it covered the entire radius... :)

[@vogman]

It would be nice if it was a little larger and maybe include a fully reflective base.

[@giovanpietro]

​@@vogman So also the mercury bundle has the same problem as the Anycubic Wash&Cure Plus? As you know W&C+ has 190mm base diameter and is not able to cure a full volume print from 8,9" printers... -_-'

[@guyrigby109]

I just leave the vat inside the machine and the basket inside the vat. The only thing I have to stash seperately is the turndisk. At least with the anycubic large 2 in 1 you can do that.

[@broglet2003]

As usual, an interesting video. The presentation is smooth and engaging. I really enjoy the content from VOG.

[@vogman]

Much appreciated! Thanks Brian 😁

[@loshan1212]

Been waiting for your review! I already preordered the Mercury X bundle, and now I’m just waiting for you to review the Jupiter!

[@vogman]

You'll be pleased with it. I does a great job. As for the Jupiter, I'm not sure if Elegoo will be sending me anything after my Mars 3 review...

[@rolfvanderbijl]

Another delightfull honest review. I just bought my own Elegoo Wash & Cure but did share the video to advise it to a friend.

[@vogman]

Thanks for sharing 😁😁😁

[@richardscanlon4210]

The problem I have had with this product is with the wash station and customer support. Shortly after getting it the wash station stopped working. The impeller would freeze up and stop turning. It wasn't stopped because of a piece of resin jammed in under it or any mechanical reason within the vat. I contacted customer service and they acknowledged that it was a problem and their solution was for me to take the base apart and adjust the height of the impeller shaft. Which I have done several times and generally it still only runs for a few minutes before locking up. Sometimes I can take out the basket and force the impeller to spin a few times to get it to start again but most of the time I have to take it apart and readjust the impeller shaft. Basically I have stopped using it and went back to the wash station I was using before as this one is so unreliable. Customer service has been of no help to me with this problem.

[@captainjerk]

Great review buddy! These machines seem to work well! I hope to use machines like these in the near future! Thanx Geoff! :D

[@vogman]

You will buddy 😁😁😁

[@antoniomromo]

Through as usual good sir 👍. You are by far the most enjoyable review channel.

[@vogman]

I appreciate that! You're very kind 😁

[@charitybrown4274]

Great Review as always!! 😁

[@vogman]

Thank you 🤗

[@RJWaynerium]

Just a heads up this unit does fit the saturn s build plate perfectly despite elegoo saying otherwise. It will not support the height 100% but it should be easy to make spacers to accommodate the extra 1 Cm of height space.

[@Rhyds86]

Thanks for this. Buying now :)

[@vogman]

Have fun!

[@Purely_Satisfying]

Great video !!! Thank you for your time 👍😉 what liquid do you use to wash your model?

[@thomasd4100]

I'm a real fan of your work and I love your humor :) thank you very much and kisses to your mother-in-law !

[@caseymiller1040]

Great review!

[@vogman]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@DimensionMachine]

I was lucky enough to get in on the preorder and mine is currently headed to the US warehouse. Hope to have it in a couple of weeks so that I can kick my anycubic wash and cure to the curb. I will really enjoy having a dedicated second station as I absolutely despise trying to fit the turntable in the anycubic, it is such a PITA.

[@vogman]

I know what you mean. I can never get that thing on one-handed, and I've usually got a wet print in the other hand at the time 😁🤣

[@Sharpevil]

Hey VOG, just a heads up about that Siraya Tech Fast Navy Grey: Be aware that unlike the other colors of Siraya Tech Fast, it's a completely different formulation. I find that it's actually stronger than the other colors, and the color absolutely shows details far more clearly. But on a printer like the Saturn, it's likely going to add a whole extra second to your per-layer exposure. I jump from 2.3s on regular grey to 3.3s on navy grey. Totally worth the extra print time in my opinion, though. Give it a try!

[@vogman]

Thanks for the informative share 👍👍👍

[@HunterValleyDan]

Nice review again Geoff. And who doesn't love a good mother-in-law joke! You were joking..? :) I like the look of this from Elegoo. I haven't tried either the Anycubic 2in1 set-up or separate wash and cure stations. But I'm leaning towards the Elegoo Mercury X at this stage. I just think I'd prefer the single function per station. Providing you have the space for it of course. :)

[@vogman]

Even mother-in-law's had mother-in-laws, so it's a gag that keeps on giving 😁

[@marklinton4567]

I want one of these so bad. Got my printers 9 days ago and I'm using Tupperware containers for my ipa and water. Plus a combination of a fingernail curing station and mother nature depending on the weather. Something more permanent and manageable like the Mercury X would be a dream.

[@vogman]

They are so much easier - and do a more thorough job 😁

[@user-gj9up3tf1y]

I prefer the old cure station. I can lock the Mars 2 pro build plate on top of the station arm and submerge it to the bucket. I can even adjust the level of the build plate and the prints inside the bucket

[@SCULPTURAMAplus]

Just got mine today. Unfortunately the light only comes on if the lid is lifted up and pulled toward the light bars. This is because the left hand one has the sensor which doesn't seem to be strong enough to detect the corner of the lid when it's in the correct position. Also, the UV light comes out the side of the base where the grill is!

[@michaelinOZ]

This amount of fluid makes me glad that I use water washable resin 😳. I like that these two even share one plug - Elegoo thought this through.

[@vogman]

Good point which I did forget to mention, yes, one plug only needed. 👍👍👍

[@kurtvillcheck6449]

I love the Anycubic wash and cure plus but having to convert it each time sucks. This is much better having them separate. I do a pretty good spray down with IPA before the wash station to extend the use time. Not sure if you mentioned in review the new Elegoo set only needs one outlet.

[@vogman]

I don't think I did Kurt, but thanks for the reminder 😁

[@koolmoedee10000]

Watching with keen interest :)

[@vogman]

Many thanks 😁

[@haddockswhiskey]

My anycubic cure station always manages to shake my minis off the turntable. This is a great feature.

[@vogman]

I agree. Slow and smooth is better 😁

[@swiftdetecting]

do you ever turn over the prints in the uv ? and also do you ever used water washable resin with both of theses washers ? thanks

[@UnvarnishedTarnished]

Vogggggg, I have something for you to try that I've been experimenting with for EASY support removal - let the printed part sit in the alcohol bath for about 2-3 hours. Softens the heck out of the supports and they basically fall off - usually no cutting needed at all!

[@vogman]

Interesting Zach, if you check out my Bluecast X One review, that involves ultrasonic cleaning in alcohol. After doing this, I found the supports just fell away 😁

[@UnvarnishedTarnished]

@@vogman Just watched it, exactly how it works when soaking! Cheers VOG! Keep in mind if you ever have to use thiccc supports, helps break em down a bit

[@MaheerKibria]

yeah, the lip on the Anycubic used to bug me too until I discovered a cheap $10 siphon pump. It does wonders and I don't have to try to pour 4 Liters of IPA into a funnel to get it into a bottle. or 8 liters with the plus. You should give one a whirl.

[@vogman]

Got a link I can look at buddy?

[@MaheerKibria]

@@vogman Since youtube blocks comments with links I am guessing for spam reasons. I sent you the link via your contact website.

[@Peaty1992]

Just bought my Mars 3 Pro based on your videos and Faux hammers video (and the price 350 AUD). Is this still a good bundle to get or are there new technologies superior to this now (without heaps of extra cost)

[@riccardogobbato593]

Ciao VOG! Can I ask you what's the difference beetween Mercury X and XS? Is possibile leave the alcool into the tray or is preferable remove its every time? Thanks and sorry for my English 😓

[@fernando749845]

Could I propose you do a comparison review with the Ikea Tokig? :-) Because that's the "wash station" (yes it's a salad spinner) I'm testing right now and I think it works pretty well haha! It costs about 4 pounds, swirls both ways ;-) and I actually have 2 of them: 1 with 'dirty' IPA and a second with cleaner IPA for the second round. A salad spinner might sound like a joke, but I think it's a great low budget solution for anyone. Also, thank you for another great review!

[@vogman]

If it works for you, then go wish it. There are so many excellent suggestions out there 😁

[@JoJoAcrylicArtwork]

Hehehe your mother-in-law... 🤣 Awesome review dude! @trinityjmg

[@vogman]

Glad you enjoyed! 😁

[@JoJoAcrylicArtwork]

@@vogman always mate

[@RideShagbark]

Does the Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K build plate fit in the Mercury X as well? It's a harder unit to find an affordable wash/cure station.

[@freddotu]

I learned recently that the tendency of a liquid (fluid) to roll around a pouring edge is called the Coanda effect, more often referenced in tailless helicopters. Air is also considered a fluid, from a physics standpoint.

[@vogman]

Haven't come across that one 😁

[@gbspikyfish]

Exploited extensively I believe by Red Bull during F1's blown diffuser phase (getting the exhaust gasses to "stick" to the bodywork to channel them into the rear aero elements).

[@MLaak86]

How does this stack up vs the Phrozen offering?

[@ajlbeer]

I don't suppose you have a preference you're willing to share? Anycubic wash and cure plus vs Elegoo Mercury x?

[@jacksmith785]

Have you used the Mercury X to wash prints from the Saturn 2? The Mercury XS mentions being big enough for it, but I can't find mention of the Saturn 2 on the X webpage.

[@ASmallGreenBean]

Thanks for the review! Could you tell me if the mono X (and 6k) buildplate does fit in this station like the mars 3 or saturn buildplate? Dimensions of the bucket and that inside ledge would be appreciated!

[@vogman]

Well I washed my 6K plate in the Mercury only yesterday, so it definitely fits inside 😁

[@adamrudling1339]

No.1 comment ! Excellent review, good points made. Keep up the good work

[@vogman]

Much appreciated!

[@jjcc8379]

It kinda makes sense to make them separate machines, each with their own particular vat / jar. Is the Elegoo washing container bigger? How does each brand compare in terms of price?

[@vogman]

I try to avoid prices... whenever I quote a price it changes the next day. In terms of size, I think the Anycubic Wash and Cure PLUS is a little taller.

[@gbspikyfish]

Well, it's been nice knowing you (given you're a dead man once the MIL catches you for that gag ;) ). On a serious note; do you have the either of the smaller ELEGOO Mercury Plus or Plus 2 wash stations? I'd like to know if it'd fit the build plate from the new Mars 3 (as I have one on order). The Mercury X strikes me as being overly large for someone with just a smaller Mars 3 printer.

[@vogman]

I haven't tried in honesty and my Mars 3 is busy, but Elegoo do say it will take 1 x Saturn or 2 x Mars (sideways). As there's very little difference between these plates, I'd be surprised if it didn't fit 😁

[@eumesmo7524]

Nice video . I have 2 questions if you don't mind . 1st - Did you had to force that little metal piece in the wash station ? The piece to hold the plate . I ask this because i bought a Mercury X and when i try to put that piece into the 5500ml line , i have to force it to go fown to the line . 2nd question is how do i know how much time i will need to wash and to cure ? Thabk you in advance .

[@vogman]

Hi. You shouldn't need to FORCE anything, no. It should fit easily. Has it warped at all? As for time, 2 minutes is usually enough. I've done a video on cleaning that may help kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX2chXagqbWVrZY

[@eumesmo7524]

@@vogman , thank you very much for the help .

[@catnamestaken]

Cool. I wonder, do the prints actually look better when done with a wash and cure instead of manually cleaning etc, or is it just the same but less work?

[@marklinton4567]

Either Uncle Jessy, or 3DPrintingPro tested that theory in a recent video and found the wash station did a better job of removing the residual resin haze.

[@vogman]

For me, much better! I've dried shaking, stirring and brushing manually, but a 2 minute wash works best. One tip I would give is this... keep a container filled with dirty / recycled IPA a dip the print into this first the remove the bulk of the wet resin. Then wash. This keeps the IPA in the wash n cure cleaner for longer, which means it really does it's job! 😁

[@Atom_Alchemist]

I wonder if teh slow turntable is because the plastic tray blocks a measurable amount of UV so they want to insure the underside pass is sufficiantly long enough that their bottome cure light..actually cures...

[@vogman]

Could be... but the slow and smooth turn appeals to me. I've often stood prints at funny angles to get the best UV coverage, only to watch them fall over with the first jolt of the turntable. This one should help prevent that and it still gets the job done 😁

[@naza29888]

Does the Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K build plate fit in the Mercury X?

[@vogman]

It should do, no trouble at all.

[@chriswhitefield3026]

I watched both this and the Crealty uw-2 reviews and can't decide. Between the 2, which would you endorse?

[@vogman]

Honestly, it's personal choice. Most of these curing stations perform equally well.

[@mrgriff9648]

How do you find the finish on the prints plate side? I've found with ST fast grey its holds poor detail, and has a gloss finish.

[@vogman]

There is a definite semi-gloss sheen, I agree, but I've found the detail very good. I think that's obvious in the print here. Personally I think a shade darker would really sell the detail, which is why I suggested Navy Grey if it's available 😁

[@Jsellers1965]

Reflective tint on the cure unit would allow you to see inside and reflect the UV light back into the unit to help cure quicker. Just my thoughts on that. Maybe use a magnetic spinner on the bottom of the wash tank to help prevent leaks in the future. IPA can dry out seals.

[@DimensionMachine]

It is a magnetic stirrer, as are most newer wash stations. No seals here. Look at the base unit. Perfectly flat on top, no physical connection with the wash tank.

[@ClydapusGotwald]

Just got my washer and it doesn’t spin at all. I guess it’s defective. Yay.

[@BrickBazooka]

What's better iyo, wash&Cure Plus or mercury x bundle? I'm lazy, I don't want to change the ipa after each wash session. So I guess I have to have a uv block shield above it. But the plastic container doenst fit under the uv shield right? So 2 in 1 wash & Cure is better?

[@vogman]

Honestly there's not much in it. From appearances I would imagine the W&P Plus by Anycubic can cope with taller prints and seems to have a more energetic impeller. But both do the job well.

[@jacobbusbee9170]

How long do you typically wash and cure stuff...super new to resin printing

[@vogman]

2 minutes is usually enough. Have a look at this video for a few cleaning tips. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX2chXagqbWVrZY

[@captainjerk]

WOOHOO! :D

[@jeremyflickinger8270]

I have a quick question. I have the anycubic photon mono x and was curious if the build plate from the mono x fits on the shelf in the elegoo washing station.

[@vogman]

I haven't tried but I'll say yes, simply because I did the reverse experiment with the Anycubic Plus. That was for the Mono X but fitted the Saturn. It might not be designed for it, but it's large enough to cope 😁

[@jeremyflickinger8270]

@@vogman thank you for the timely response!

[@ChatterontheWire]

That "whine" when it was cleaning in my headphones was rough!

[@vogman]

Sorry buddy. I wear headphone too, so I know what you mean, but it was a necessary evil. I needed to let folks know what it sounds like as that whine may put some buyers off.

[@ChatterontheWire]

@@vogman lol all good, at first I wasn't sure what it was as I was working and listening/watching at the same time!

[@freedom2663]

I wish you compare and contract to other similar products.

[@vogman]

Wash & Cures all pretty much do the same thing really 😁

[@SB_Artsy]

Did your wash station eventually die like everyone elses where it pulls the magnets up and cracks the plastic around the grub screw

[@vogman]

No... that's not something I've experienced.

[@Maegriss]

between this and the anycubic one, which did you find better overall?

[@vogman]

I like the slower turntable on the Elegoo, plus have two separate units means being able to do two things at once, so for me this gives the Elegoo the edge 😁

[@juzensari2589]

Ooo yesss

[@vogman]

😁

[@potatofries144]

Ive never used a wash and cure before. But plan to soon. Is it common to leave the ipa/water in the wash station? If so how long is okay to do that? Or empty it out each time?

[@vogman]

I leave mine inside, but I'm lazy. I haven't had to replace any bearing yet, so I can't be doing too badly. As for how long... when it stops cleaning, change it 😁

[@potatofries144]

@@vogman understood. Thanks!

[@PBRJOHN684]

We must have the same mother-in-law! 🤣🤣🤣👍

[@poppyrider5541]

How many kids does she have?

[@vogman]

It's genetic 😁😁😁

[@12345lans]

Does it clean as well as an ultrasonic cleaner?

[@vogman]

I've never tried IPA in an ultrasonic to be fair... 😁

[@donkeyholmes4581]

For me the lack of UV protection for the wash station is a big design mistake, so I will have to remove the tub and put it in a cupboard anyway.

[@vogman]

The UVs don't come on during the wash cycle, so you should be fine 😁

[@donkeyholmes4581]

@@vogman in the room, from sunlight not the uv lights. Anyone that has ever left their wash and cure container just sat in a room that has daylight knows it starts to cure the resin in the ipa. If they had just put a uv protected cover over the wash station as well it would have solved the issue.

[@korbyynbear5592]

Little late to the Siraya Tech party, aren't we? The Navy Grey is even better (if longer curing) and my current "go to" resin for minis and high detail prints

[@vogman]

Always last to catch on, that's me 😁 If it hadn't been for Siraya Tech Cast, I still wouldn't have tried Fast.

[@jeremytate4795]

Solid Mother-In-Law joke. 4 stars

[@vogman]

Thanks Jeremy 😁

[@phroge9045]

The reviews on amazon are negative (3.5 stars). This is because half of the reviews claim that thiers arrived dead or broken. Do you reccomend that I purchase it for my mars 3?

[@vogman]

That's a shame. I can't speak for delivery issues (I've just receive a brand new Phrozen Mini 8K that had clearly been dropped AFTER dispatch), but if delivered if good order, these are an excellent pair. I use mine all the time 😁

[@solidkreate5007]

I subbed because of the Mother-In-Law joke, LOLOLOLOLOLOL. I'm married too Brother (18 years).

[@vogman]

I'm sure they send them on courses. Lesson one, the stare... 😁😁😁

[@lokeman8492]

I do not like machines that have more than one function. They always do each function half as well. I would rather have two fully functioning machines then one machine that halfway functions. Also, when processing large batches, one batch in each machine means you’re processing twice as fast

[@jablesblack]

Hello :)

[@vogman]

Hello!

[@ricksanchez3204]

Why can't we just use the sun?

[@Psychaotix2001]

Probably the only thing I would like to see on these things is a drain tap for the IPA or solvent. Imagine being able to hold open a tap that snaps shut when closed and then drain the solvent without really having to lift 7+L of flammable solvent. Even allowing for the height of the intake, you'd likely only be dealing with 500ml or less of liquid at a flat, which is a fair bit safer. Also, I would imagine the lid is to prevent evaporation of the IPA, so use it for your health.

[@vogman]

I know what you mean. I made similar comments when I review the even larger Anycubic Wash & Cure Plus... it's a lot of HEAVY flammable liquid to move. Your suggestion of some kind of valve is an excellent one 👍👍👍

[@thresherhorn]

"it's not overly loud," then proceeds for the next sentence to get drowned out by intense high pitch whine of what I imagine to be the motor. I dunno. That seems really loud and annoying. Wish it was whisper quiet. Then I'd be happy to give them my money.

[@vogman]

You have to remember the mic is right next to the tank at the time, so it will sound louder. There certainly is a high pitch whine to it which is why I was keen to record it, as some folks may hate that. Whisper quiet? No. Loud? No. Annoying loud and painful on the eyes? Definitely no. But yes, you will hear it 😁

[@mimked]

Oh, you like the Siraya Tech Fast, huh? Now try their 'Easy' resin. Just kidding, don't. Just...just don't.

[@vogman]

Haven't tried that one yet...

[@mimked]

@@vogman don't worry, you're not missing out.

[@fladder1]

I truly hope your partner doesn't look like their mother!

[@vogman]

Only during the weekdays... 😁