Is the Bambu Lab A1 Worth it After the Recall?

[@suostua]

Just here to remind folks to "Remem' to 'scribe." ;D

[@3DPrintHangar_RC]

I love how honest and genuine your opinions are. Very refreshing and definitely helped me make my decision on this machine

[@PlastiBots]

Love my A1. I elected to replace the bed myself once they send updated versions. Highly encourage others to buy this once a new (fixed) versions come out. I also have a LulzBot MINI2 and this is much easier, faster and better prints. I also now have it running off Bambu Studio, so bonus there too.

[@riba2233]

Same, truly great printer

[@aquatalk6661]

Same here, no problems with mine, and although I don't feel it's necessary I went with heat bed replacement option as well. Until it gets here, I had no reason to stop using the machine and it's doing a great job for me.

[@AlwaysWrenchin]

I didn't stop using mine either. I just replaced the bed and it's still trucking. Great printer for the money.

[@earhornjones]

I think it's easy to forget how far we've come when you look at a printer like this. My first printer was a Solidoodle (remember those) that I had to build myself. It took me three weeks to get a usable print, and that was a part that let you hang a bunch of quarters from the belts so you could tension them properly. Bed levelling was entirely manual, as was Z-height adjustment, and, well, everything else. We were out there making ABS slurry (if you don't know what that is, keep it that way) to get our prints to stick, and using putty knives and mallets to get them unstuck once they finished. To get anything approaching a smooth finish, you had to envelop your parts in acetone vapor. Good times. Since then, I've had a bunch of printers, including an old school Prusa i3 that's still in service, and my current daily driver, an Ender 3 that has almost zero original parts. When I started 3D printing, I learned to repair, replace, and tweak printers, because you had to. The hobby that I wanted was designing and printing cool stuff. The hobby that I got was being a combined Engineer/Mechanic/MacGuyver. Don't get me wrong. It's been fun, and I've learned more than I ever would have imagined, but the idea of being able to buy a printer for less than $1000 and expecting to just be able to print to it is a moonshot from where this hobby began. While I've come to love upgrading/modifying my printers, there's a real market segment out there that just needs to print stuff, and I think that's where the A1 shines, and hopefully, will open this hobby to a lot more people.

[@ButterPockets]

I agree with everything you said. I think the A1 has a market and it really shines there. I think it’s important for people to understand how it really fits in the “print and forget - hobbyist” market tho. We still aren’t quite at a true “open the box and hit print” printer yet due to slicers and filament etc. But you’re 100% right. Even just like 3 years ago if I said a printer was 350$ you’d know it would be awful. Now less than 350 can get you an incredible machine.

[@johnevenhouse]

Thanks for the good, honest review. I bought the A1 just before the recall and opted to replace the heat bed (which I did a couple days ago). As a side note, I used it a lot while I waited for the recall part and it still worked perfectly. It's my 1st and only printer so I cannot compare it to others. I will say it has been super easy to use and, for a novice like me, a very fun printer to learn on because it all "just works". Now that I've caught the but I'm sure another printer will be coming soon.

[@joeking433]

You're spoiled if you started on the A1! LOL! You don't know bad it can be!

[@jeffknutter]

I've owned my first printer for about 6 months now which is a N4Pro. It runs almost 24/7 so I decided to add a second printer and ordered a A1 with the AMS. It is scheduled to be delivered today. I feel that I really got the hang of tuning the Neptune, and got it working pretty reliable, but getting tired of the constant attention it requires. This is why I decided to get the A1 plus now I can print in four colors. I know this is just the start and I will be adding more in the not so distant future.

[@whynotbuildit]

Im still using my recalled a1 and it's doing AMAZING

[@ButterPockets]

Glad to hear it’s working great for you!

[@uncannyrecovery3980]

Same. That printer is absolutely amazing

[@OldManJimmy1]

I loved the easy nozzle changes on the A1. Liked the fact that you could customize the turn it played when you started it and it finished a print. Miss my minion extruder cover, I know these are childish things but I guess as old as I am there's still a little kid in me or I like to mod my printers. I got a full refund from Microcenter and ended up getting the X1C, it's the right printer and is on a different level than the A1. I did get a Creality CR-10 SE because it was kind of like the A1 in a Creality way more like the Ender and it runs Klipper and I have rooted it.

[@Paul-xs7ks]

Thanks for the review, liked your comparison of parts from the two printers. For me I went with an A1 so I could concentrate on printing and modelling rather than the printer. It's always a trade off and I am always struggling for enough hours in the day so a compromise was called for. If it mostly just works I will be happy and the AMS lite looks really interesting. Wasteful on filament but opens up oh so many possibilities. My replacement heat bed is at the post office, can't wait to install it, spend the voucher and get back to printing.

[@StevenKelley]

Great video and comparison. You're not wrong on most of the comparisons! I have the Neptune 4 Plus and the Bambu A1 as well. I go to the A1 for most of my prints however. One thing you forgot to mention is the weekly or biweekly maintenance on the Neptune. I've had to spend 20mins to 1 hr tightening, and adjusting the levels and wheel nuts. Don't get me wrong it's amazing, I have no regrets. I just printed a full Storm trooper helmet on the N4+, but requires more advanced tweeking. I just wish the neptune 4 line was fully auto level. I followed you on Instagram BTW!I just started posting 3d prints on mine as well.

[@SpringfieldFatts]

"It just works" is enough to sway me to Bambu. I've had nothing but headaches and struggle with my regular Neptune 4 that after six months I'm ready to ditch it.

[@Kenny-rn2xc]

I was going to order an A1 but didn't get it done before the recall. Now I feel like I dodged a bullet. I watch a lot of reviews now. Thank you.

[@ButterPockets]

Glad my video could help. It’s right for some and not for others!

[@Untitleduser604]

Wdym you “dodged a bullet”? The A1 is arguably the best Bedslinger currently on the market…

[@9dvds]

@@Untitleduser604buying it before the recall would be a nightmare due to it being recalled?

[@Untitleduser604]

@@9dvds obviously you wait it’s not really possible to buy it right now

[@fraudbuster1456]

⁠@@9dvdsBuying before the recall would mean you would wait for replacement parts. The video suggests that anyone who bought one has the option of replacing the whole printer or just the recalled parts. I’m sure it would be inconvenient but I wouldn’t call it a nightmare.

[@amperesi9576]

Have a few modified MK3S+ built a heavily modified Voron V2, and I now print so much more on the A1 and A1 mini because of the ease of use. It is just that easy

[@jaredf6205]

I have an mk3s and am thinking of getting an a1 mini on sale for us$250 just for the portability and high speed. What do you like about it over the mk3s that makes you use it more often?

[@dan_lev]

Thanks for the comparison. That's weird about the magnets, you're the first reviewer to mention it. I couldn't necessarily hear it in the video, does the fan actually stop, or does the sensor just think it stops?

[@ButterPockets]

The fan completely turns off! It’s really frustrating for me

[@theoriginalgiz]

Great video well done, I've an A1, and previously had a Tevo Tarantula, so the A1 is like having an Apple Iphone compared to a Nokia 3310. seriously good printer particularly when you use the bambu studio. I wanted a printer that you could print send and forget. a few prints have failed, normally from a blocked nozzle but tbh its part and parcel of having a 3D printer. Additionally the jump in price to the X1 carbon or the P1S is significant and wasn't worth the increase for me, so having the AMS on this printer is a real bonus

[@SaveTheSunF1R3x]

Honestly at this price range i'd just get the Flashforge A5M. Thing has been quickly settling around 300-350 lately and print quality has been outstanding out of box. Considering they've also been keen on opening up the klipper functionality of the printer and introducing a printable frame (like the P1P) it definitely has a lot of legs even versus it's pro counterpart.

[@mikepsych283]

I have the flashforge and it's pretty amazing I think you can already print your frame if you want . got mine for $299

[@Untitleduser604]

I had mine for a few months and hated it. Support does not understand English, and the printer was the definition of “made in China”.

[@joeking433]

@@mikepsych283 I was thinking of getting the AD5 but I don't want a printer that is any less reliable than an A1.

[@wrxsubaru02]

8:53 I can tell you how to get rid of that line in Bambu Studio if you want... But first, slice it in your Bambu Studio and select the speed layer view to see the wall speed and see if the speed is faster or slower in that section of the print.

[@ButterPockets]

I promise you I’ve tried countless things. There’s a 26 page thread on the prusa forums about it here: forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-how-do-i-print-this-printing-help/buldge-when-print-reaches-solid-layers/ One of the better ways on Bambu printers is to reduce the width of the specific layers a bit as well as slow the whole print down. It is a layer time thing and I think that’s what you’re getting at because those layers are slower compared to the rest of the layers. But it’s a tricky issue that all printers seem to have. BUT if you have some insight I’m glad to take it!

[@JBGecko13yt]

Just ordered my first A1 Mini

[@joeking433]

Me too! I had the A1 but returned it in the recall. I wanted something different. I have other printers that are full size.

[@PeterAgostiniJdcap26]

I use mine and opted for the heat bed … no problems. The Elegoo pro gave me too many problems.., bambu lab A 1 way better . 😎👍🏻

[@ernie5229]

I have an A1 Mini and love it.

[@ToddBrownVA]

I have the A1 and I think this is a pretty fair review. "Fill out a ticket" is right... just don't hold your breath waiting on a response from BL. I think they handled this recall fairly well, but outside of that I have found their customer service to be absolutely atrocious at best. No regrets on the A1 though, it's my first 3d printer and it's been a great overall experience.

[@BriansModelTrains]

Could not buy A1 due to recall. Bought a Neptune 4 Pro instead. I have the Neptune 3 Pro and was happy with it set up using Octoprint. I like the built in network interface on the N4Pro. It is much fast than the N3Pro but a lot noisier. Good video and thanks for sharing. The N3Pro has a standard nozzle and the N4Pro does not.

[@ButterPockets]

I love my N4P. Best 250$ I’ve spent on 3D printing. It’s become an absolute workhorse for me and perfect for cranking out PLA

[@johnnenni7134]

with all of this said ... If i ordered one tonight ... Is the model I ordered the recalled model still OR would it have the newer bed already on it ... curious for answers

[@Millionaire_Ventures]

Thanks for the info. Looking to buy an A1. Seems real good.

[@bggjjhljk]

how fast was the neptune compared to the A1

[@3DModelsToys]

I just ordered the A1 combo, currently on promotion from the Bambu website. I already have a Prusa Mini but my prints always have stringing and the PTFE tube is always disconnecting i tried to order one from Prusa but the shipping costs are ridiculous like 3€ for the tube plus 40€ shipping and i cant find one match anywhere for cheap. Enough is enough, i am a 3d modeler and i have a bunch of 3d models to print and looks like my Prusa Mini cant do it in a proper manner, i hope the A1 combo will help me to get better and faster prints and i also look forward for the multi color printing, i have a few ideas already. Nice video points and happy 3D printing. Cheers

[@ButterPockets]

I’m positive you’ll like it. I like my A1 and use it a bunch! I’ve never used a Prusa mini though, but my MK3 and MK4 have been great. If you do want to continue to use it reach out to Prusa support. They worked with me back and forth for over a week troubleshooting a problem. It’s really great.

[@3DModelsToys]

@@ButterPockets Yes, my prusa mini just need some tweaking, it will be great to have both the Prusa Mini and the Bambu Lab A1 side by side, each one with its own strenghts. 😊 I shall contact Prusa support for further more support, thanks for the advice.

[@ChivasKimber]

Just ordered my A1 mini. I love my printer but support is very slow to respond. That why I needed it to sit beside my x1c!

[@andymeenanvideos]

This is the harshest critique of the A1 I have come across, and I don't know anyone who would use a Neptune 4 over an A1...apart from you! I have had Neptunes 3 & 4 and A1 Mini and A1...lets just say the Neptunes are doing fantastic now...as door stops.

[@joeking433]

Yeah, this seemed like a Neptune shill situation to me.

[@VACInc]

Did you already get and replace your bed/connector? Not sure if I missed you mentioning it or if you never said

[@BennyTygohome]

They haven't shipped those out yet. Bambu Lab said they will begin shipping the replacement heatbed and cable assembly at end of March. I'm awaiting mine too 😊

[@ButterPockets]

Correct! Just waiting on the new part for now. But I still use the machine. I keep that fire extinguisher in my office just in case :)

[@stuem163]

Does anyone know of an A1 bursting into flames? I have 3 A1s, took the replace bed option. Yes ì monitor them with a thermal can (FLIR) and see zero issues, so keep printing....

[@ButterPockets]

I haven’t actually heard of one. Just seen some sparking on the internet. Just had to use a bit of click bait :)

[@JamStph]

The possibility is there, especially if the home’s electrical isnt up to par. It 100% is an issue or Bamboo wouldn’t have gone this far to get a recall/replacement system going immediately. It is a big deal for Bamboo being the golden child of the 3d printing world this hurt their reputation a bit. I am sure they are paying a pretty penny for videos stating it is the best thing since sliced bread after the bed replacement. I do not fault them for that, they need to get their reputation polished back up.

[@joeking433]

Yeah, I kept using mine but eventually sent it back because they kept bugging me. I ordered a Mini today.

[@joeking433]

Do you think they will fix the A1's and sell them at a cheaper price?

[@taylorbrain8023]

People go with Bambu labs because it is closer to plug and play PLUS you have the option of an awesome AMS.

[@BennyTygohome]

This was a really nice video. I have the a1, and an a1 mini and i love them. I'm fairly new to 3d printing, these being my first printers. When you say you slowed down the A1 when tuning it, was that under SPEED settings and then: Outer wall layer speed, or inner wall layer speed, or overhang speeds or a mixture of slowing down all of those? Thanks 👍 meanwhile I'm still printing using both printers including the A1 (while i await the replacement parts), because i live dangerously 😅 *Oh yeah, and the nozzle swaps are super easy. I put in the .8 today to print a very large crate at .56 layer height and .82 width. Saves allot of time. I always run full bed mesh leveling calibrations when I change a nozzle or bed plate, because i want best possible chance with surface layers.

[@ButterPockets]

I tend not to share those kind of setting online because lots of people will start to argue about whats best and cause a ruckus AND I think its a good exercise to run yourself vs just using someone elses settings! But, what I'll say is that I like to keep speeds under around 160mm/s-ish. My advice: start of slower than you think is slow, run a test, change a setting up, repeat, until you start to notice it go bad. I used that cali-dragon for most of my testing, slowly getting faster, until I saw the overhangs on the back of the horns look bad or something else! And this means for ALL speeds. If you run through the exercises you'll see that inner wall speeds and infill can be a bit faster than outer wall speeds etc. What I like about the A1 tho is the auto setting will get you like 80-90% of the way there with no tuning, but if you want that extra little bit you can always make it better!

[@BennyTygohome]

@@ButterPockets thanks, good advice. 👍

[@joeking433]

Which do you like better the A1 or the Mini?

[@BennyTygohome]

@@joeking433 i like them both equally. I like the A1 for it's larger build volume. They both work great though and can't go wrong with either one. Print quality and speed is exact same

[@joeking433]

@@BennyTygohome I had an A1 and it was really a good printer but I had to return it and I bought the Mini to have something different. I have a couple Kobras to do larger prints anyway. But actually there aren't too many things I can't do on my Prusa Mini or the BL Mini which is the same size.

[@carajean206]

Can you post your slicer settings for the n4p?

[@ButterPockets]

I won’t be doing that, sorry! Honestly try out the stock ones for the A1 out of Bambustudio haha. You don’t have to have the printer to see the profile. Tune em from there!

[@mindenesvegyes8512]

@@ButterPockets jerk

[@wildbillcody]

I have had a ton of failed prints with my a1. And then today it had some kind of heathed failure and stopped working altogether. I guess I'm doing the recall after all :(

[@ButterPockets]

I hope the support can square you away! That sucks to hear

[@joeking433]

There's always an outlier. My A1 was super reliable and always had good prints.

[@user-um8tq1tz7m]

Have you seen the new moon dust filament 😬

[@jovo9000]

Hey man where did you get the top mounted spool holder?

[@ButterPockets]

It just came with it!

[@justme12510]

Can you provide your "tuned" profile.

[@ReDsHorde]

7:43 that smooth wall looks not the best on the Neptune here. Is that just a trick of the light?

[@ButterPockets]

A lot of it is light. I try to get the lighting from different angles in all the shots so you guys can see what’s going on. Almost all prints with top down harsh lighting will show uneven layer stacking. Even if with front lighting you don’t see that.

[@ReDsHorde]

@@ButterPockets I over exaggerated quite a bit, must've had a bad day. :) Light can be brutal even on good prints

[@nicksmith1415]

I would have thought that the waste per print is not worth it. I don't think we've quite cracked multicolour printing yet

[@ButterPockets]

Of course people like talking about it. It’s a very common topic. But when it’s brought up with this tone it’s not productive.

[@nicksmith1415]

@@ButterPockets you are totally right and I apologize and will edit. I get a little frustrated as I love printing and am eager to use a multicolour printer that works.

[@ButterPockets]

​​⁠have you checked out my previous video? I think that’s about the least waste possible on a commercial multicolor unit. The XL might be better but I can’t get my hands on one. Also I don’t even have an AMS for the A1 so I can’t comment on it!

[@nicksmith1415]

I have subscribed so will check it out, thanks.

[@mikepsych283]

I'm in the minority I think in more ways than one but definitely in the bamboo labs way. I have 3 P1Ps but I have to admit I didn't love the A1. So I'm returning mine and I'm going to probably get the P1S or an X1. I have decided to go with the full refund and I'm going to either pick P1S or an X1? I haven't quite decided. I do love the quick hot and changes but I normally go ahead and spring for the full package where it comes with a fan and everything so I'm not replacing single parts

[@ButterPockets]

In my opinion, if you can afford it, the P1S is the best bang for your buck right now in terms of pre-built printers.

[@joeking433]

How is the P1S better than the A1?

[@roysutton577]

Bought the A1 from Canada (UK resident) and my grandchildren there got the recall message on the LCD yesterday. Bambulabs knew that they were shipping a dangerous product and they have not notified the Canadian authorities as nothing shows up in the recall database. This is probably a criminal offence and the business license should be pulled. As this issue has been public for months I wonder if a class action lawsuit should be started.

[@KūshoShijin]

Anyone feel he’s not being honest lol I have a Neptune and he’s incorrect Neptune is not as clean tbh

[@joeking433]

I can tell you that Anycubic fails compared to Bambu! I've had 3 Kobras and they all had various problems constantly.

[@wickedneurons]

lol "this shit goes across the room"

[@ButterPockets]

Haha that clip wasn't as dramatic as I made it sound, but sometimes it really does go much further than I assume it would!

[@joeking433]

He works for Neptune.

[@Beecher_Dikov]

Short answer....yes...new hot bed I don't really need and 120 bucks credit? No brainer.

[@ButterPockets]

Exactly. I’ll take 120 for free haha

[@joeking433]

What are you going to get with the $120? They don't give you cash, you know!

[@Beecher_Dikov]

@@joeking433 use it to buy the multi color feeder...

[@Delta2Oscar]

AMS 100 percent why.

[@ButterPockets]

What

[@Goodvvine]

got a patreon? 🤔

[@ButterPockets]

I do not! I thought about setting up a channel membership, but I am not really sure what I could provide for you guys. If you have suggestions for paid content, and would be willing to do so, I am open to suggestions!

[@arranwilliams2523]

dude i want to print stuff so badly!!! im so tired of waiting for this stupid recall!!!

[@ButterPockets]

My heat bed is in the mail!

[@arranwilliams2523]

@@ButterPockets bro second post i seen but i havent got an email yet. are you in the USA?

[@ButterPockets]

@@arranwilliams2523 yep east coast US

[@arranwilliams2523]

@@ButterPockets dang i wonder what order they go in cause i barely had the printer before the recall so i might be waiting a long time still

[@arranwilliams2523]

@@ButterPockets Nice dude! I hope ya do a video on replacing your heatbed. I have watched the video Bambu posted and know i can do it just want more A1 content to watch while i wait not so patiently lol

[@envt]

Next time wear a nice shirt.

[@ButterPockets]

Next time wear a nice attitude :)

[@mrsargemeister]

Any other demands? 😂

[@uncannyrecovery3980]

​@@ButterPocketsagree. What a tool that guy was

[@dan_lev]

Thanks for the comparison. That's weird about the magnets, you're the first reviewer to mention it. I couldn't necessarily hear it in the video, does the fan actually stop, or does the sensor just think it stops?

[@ButterPockets]

It fully stops