Longer LK5 Pro 3D Printer - Overview and Review.

Get the Longer LK5 Pro 3D Printer here (Affiliate Link) - s.zbanx.com/r/PFnQ2xeVatg9
If you're looking for a high-quality, reliable 3D printer that won't break the bank, the Longer LK5 Pro may be for you.
In this video, I'll go over the Longer LK5 Pro in more detail than the original build video I made ( • This 3D Printer Was EA... )
I'll walk you through my experience with the printer, briefly discuss my install, My prints, some things I enjoyed things I believe aren't deal breakers but instead could be done better.
Whether you're a seasoned maker or just getting started in the world of 3D printing, I aim for this video to be a valuable resource. I hope there is something within this video which provides you value.
Filament used in this episode was from @ZYLtechEngineering It is currently (at the time of recording) on clearance: $12.95. www.zyltech.com/copy-of-nikko...
Additionally, I used ‪@Hatchbox3dproducts‬ PETG for testing (This is an affiliate link, which means I may earn money off your purchase): amzn.to/3JVv3Jf
Just want to point this out: Yes my ‪@MALAHITEAM‬ SDR works well :). SDR Readings show a noise level of S5. There is no RFI generated at the S5 noise level, according to the video. Now, I now you are coming here to tell me the test conducted is invalid, and you're right, there is no noise in my scenario. Additionally, you came here to tell me that I shouldn't have conducted the test with the antenna on, in order to reduce the EMI readings to local. I did that as well. Sorry I wasn't perfect, don't be so sad ;).
Get the ‪@Longerofficial‬ LK5 Pro 3D Printer here (Affiliate Link) - s.zbanx.com/r/PFnQ2xeVatg9
Things I printed -
www.thingiverse.com/thing:497... - Camera Holder for Longer LK5 Pro
Two Way Screw - www.thingiverse.com/thing:469...
Longer LK1/LK4/LK4 Pro/LK5 Pro Hot Bed Holder -www.thingiverse.com/thing:481...
Calibration Cube - www.thingiverse.com/thing:127...
‪@YaesuUSAOfficial‬ FT-3d Stand - www.thingiverse.com/thing:484...
MFJ-419 CW Helper Stand - www.thingiverse.com/thing:592...
Eiffel Tower Easier to print: www.thingiverse.com/thing:127...
Low-poly Rose Twist Vase - www.thingiverse.com/thing:217...
‪@BV3D‬ Designed Longer LK5 Pro Tray - www.thingiverse.com/thing:493...
Amazon Affiliate Link to the Longer LK5 Pro - amzn.to/3ZGd93S
Clicking this link and purchasing the printer here means I may make money off of the sale. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos.
Thank You to Longer for sending me this 3D Printer. With no Patreon, No Members, No Buy me a Coffee, these companies are greatly helping me be able to continue to make videos on fun hobbies which I enjoy and think the viewer may as well.
Even though the printer was sent to me for a fair and honest review, I still did my best to accurately represent how I felt about this printer.
Note: An affiliate link means I may make a small commission per sale.
Check out channels I enjoy:
Ham Radio:
_______________
‪@hamradiotube‬ - K8MRD Radio stuff.
‪@HamRadio2‬ He makes review videos
‪@RadioPrepper‬ Good stuff, some 3d Designs, Some Ham Radio.
‪@TechMindsOfficial‬
‪@DXCommanderHQ‬
On Easter Sunday ( April 9Th), I will be on stream on ‪@LB0FI‬ 's channel. We will be designing some cool ham radio related prints

[@krakenunbound]

You fucking coward deleting my post. Do better. Stop being such a tool. If you can't handle criticism you shouldn't be on youtube.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I think this is the third time now with you: I didn't delete anything. With that, Have a pleasant Christmas; It seems like you need it.

[@Perkeletricksterservantofrher]

youtube reported comments can be auto deleted lol .@@HAMRADIODUDE

[@Gorilla_Jones]

I love this printer. It prints like a champ, is huge, and prints PLA perfectly. If you use 3D Gloop you can even print ABS. Underrated printer.

[@Zabrakjedi]

I have hundreds of hours on this printer and have had zero issues aside from replacing a single runout sensor. I shimmed the bed with a single 2*2 piece of tinfoil to fix a slight bed warp. I must've lucked out and got a spectacular unit out of the box. Fingers crossed it keeps performing.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Yeah, I still have mine. I think it's a great printer to get started with. Are there quirkks and problems just like any inexpensive budget printer? Yeah.. Is it nice to have a large bed? Yeah. I don't use this for production parts because it would be too slow, but that's any bedslinger. Cheers

[@jonnhanzo9529]

Im a little over a month owning a lk5 pro. Bought a second one and plan to own 3 or 4. My issue is firmware on BOTH. And i believe its due to instructions being out of date. They did release a Z axis upgrade kit i have it. The only other issue i had was the extruder on my first printer after 250 hours of print time it no longer could push the filament and it seems a common issue luckily i had bought the metal extruder they make for it. And the extruder they sell comes with Zero instructions. For anyone getting the lk5 pro id suggest at minimum getting the metal extruder as it appears the stock extruder is always destined to fail.

[@TheWorld_2099]

Thank you… Really looking at this printer Think it’s still a contender mid-2024?

[@pen25]

When I bought the lk4 I was talking to longer about bootlace ferrule and they sounded receptive. But we see they really arnt until enough backlash. Elegoo o believe now use them on theirs

[@pen25]

My lk4 pro works a treat

[@ducttapeandwrenches]

i just got one of these off marketplace and it had an issue with the bed. it says "error 2: bed MINTEMP" it seems people online say the thermister on the heat bed is the issue but i don't know much about 3d printers. there is a piece in the middle of the bed that looks messed up but i don't know if there's something that connects there or if it's all one part/part of the bed itself. any help is appreciated.

[@antoniopena8772]

I just got the Longer LK5. Running into issue where the initial print line lays down and adheres to the bed but I get curling once the actual project starts. I was thinking maybe clogged nozzle causing immediate curling but wouldn't that cause the initial print line to not adhere as well?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

A few things, I'm assuming PLA? What are your print temps and bed temps and what are you using to level your bed (sheet of paper?). It sounds like an adhesion issue towards the middle of the bed. Also, is this one of the stock prints or something else? Thanks

[@jonnhanzo9529]

I had this issue when i started to use metallic pla with a high print temp. It was a mix of temp bed at 70 and bed level was too high

[@jvegazorro]

Hi. I want to buy this printer and at the same time a Kit to duplicate the Z axis. I have seen several but I don´t know the length of the vertical screw of the Z axis that comes with the machine itself. Could you tell me what the measurement is to buy the correct one? Thank you so much. ☺

[@jonnhanzo9529]

Longer sells their own upgrade kit. If dont want that can just look at it for dimensions

[@67strja1]

does the sonic pad work with this printer?

[@okamorah8251]

Hey bro, I really want to get this printer, however, I have two questions. 1. I thought this printer has an automatic bed leveler function? 2. Longer only has technical support by email, outside the US. How do one handle an issue when it arises? 3. If I were to get me one, what else should I consider, like extra reels, colored ones, or any other accessory to get? 4. Auto-leveling kit? If so, any link? Hope you'll have the time to reply to this. I must say you have a really nice and convincing video. Thanks

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Hey there. There is no automatic bed leveling with this machine. I was going to add it on mine via the BLTouch. Maybe that could be a future project. Technical support, I cannot attest to as I haven't really had to use them. If it's anything like others though, you will send off an email and get a reply the next day (due to different time zones etc). I have seen Longer Support in reddit forums and even on youtube, answering questions; Which I think is pretty cool. I have been enjoying mine, I plan to make a video fairly soon about how I have used it daily and some things I need to do. For a barebones machine, I like it and have a few hundred (at least) hours of PETG printing through it. (Affiliate Link) The BL touch would be the one to get - amzn.to/440n6LG . After that, the guide to upgrade/install the ABL and firmware is at www.longer3d.com/blogs/operation-tutorial/tutorial-of-bltouch-for-longer-lk1-lk4-lk4-pro-lk5-pro-3d-printer . I really want to get a second one just to do upgrades on.

[@greenapple4080]

Has anyone used the Longer LK5 to make small detailed prints? It's size is impressive but I'd mostly be printing miniatures for war games or RPGs and I'd like to know just how detailed it can be.

[@Baconkiin]

For miniatures you'd want a resin printer not an filament one, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K is a reasonably priced one with good detail and goes on sale fairly often

[@mob4839]

​@@Baconkiin for a filament printer can it do smaller printers in the same quality as smaller machines?

[@candle9093]

Howdy! I use mine for my D&D minis. It's very nice, if you take the time to optimize it. It looks real smooth at 0.12mm quality. it's a nice alternative to a resin printer, since I don't have the ventilation. I haven't had much issue painting them, either. :)

[@greenapple4080]

@@candle9093 Glad to hear it!

[@yorganyog]

I have not decided if I buy this. I want build large things like helmets and chanter for bagpipes. But I dont know.

[@the_mad_swimbaiter455]

You got'er dun!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

We'll see how it goes. I did my best, even wrote a script and used a teleprompter for cues 😂

[@mikestanek9133]

@@HAMRADIODUDE I'm sure it'll be great in any case! :D

[@JohnTheHam]

I am brand new to 3D printing. For approx. $300, which printer would you recommend?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Hi John. Thanks for your patience with my delay in responding. These always seem to be on pre-order, but look very promising. Check out some KZbin videos on the elegoo Neptune plus: www.matterhackers.com/store/l/elegoo-neptune-3-3d-printer/sk/MFL1JKYF

[@joshuawolfe3669]

Be advised that if you have purchase and receive a defective unit Longer has no customer support. I called and emailed after purchasing one of their units do to it having issues and not feeding any filament and PLA, TPU, PTGE and they will not respond. Furthermore they blocked my number from calling them as now it goes directly to voicemail but when I restrict my caller ID the phone rings before being directed to voicemail. I would avoid this company all together and picking an alternative option..

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thanks. I will try to reach out to them via support numbers and email in the future.

[@user-lk6dp5yl2b]

Hey anyone that has this printer and can help me I’m new and I’m trying to figure out how to connect my printer to my laptop to start printing and the software so I can upload my files

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Hello there! you could copy files to an sd card, use octoprint (which requires a raspberry pi) or like you mentioned printer to usb cable to laptop. To do this, you may need special drivers for your computer, located at longers website. The drivers may be located at www.longer3d.com/pages/firmware-software and some cool troubleshooting or tips found here: www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/comments/r5fkoo/longer_lk5_pro_usb_connection_issue/ I hope this helps you

[@julianuga]

I bought one and printed a helmet. Took 6 straight days and it died on me. Got another one and leveling it is terrible. Not to mention the cooling was frustrating. It prints beautifully when everything is working properly but literally everything has to go right.

[@localgamerz..]

I got this for $130 on ebay "broken" The replaceable nozzle end needed replaced, and that's it...

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Nice! I just replaced my nozzle with hardened steel. Enjoy!

[@97JoMiller]

this printer is very appealing at 199 on geekbuying right now but man, that printer is SLOW, especially with the newer printers out but I might pick one up just because I want a larger bed for some larger prints.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

At 199 I got to go pick up another one

[@W4TRI]

Nice 5 year old Creality design. The world has moved on now though. This is a good buy used at about $120-150 if all you plan o make is PLA. PETG is a non starter on this without a good enclosure and a full metal hot end. A bolt on item that should be standard at this asking price.

[@pen25]

Petg works a treat without enclosure. Asa i would agree. Enclosure and new hot end would be preferred. And and works but again enclosure. Which is easy to make out of many different things. Petg is well within the hot end specs of 260c. Though you will need to replace the liner more often.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I agree with Philip. Not in a disrespectful way, but I have never had any troubles printing it and never had an enclosure. ABS, definitely a different story. Thanks.

[@user-xc2ut8zp3q]

I but a comment about how bad my experience was with this Longer printer and that comment keeps getting taken down. What's up with that?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Just as I responded in the last comment I don't know what happened to it but I was able to respond to it.. And I said thanks for your input . Again just as I mentioned in the last message, here's the original message for anybody wondering "Bought the Longer LK5 Pro 3d printer and it didn't work right out of the box. The Z axis would only go up but not down, wouldn't home and was doing strange things. So, I contacted Longer support to find out that my printer had a bad motherboard. Then they told me they would ship me a new motherboard and to fix it myself. I guess they got the name LONGER for it want work long but takes longer to get it fixed. I wouldn't trust anything with the brand name Longer on it. I have three other 3d printers from three different manufactures and have had no issues. Again, I wouldn't trust anything with the brand name Longer on it."

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Sorry to hear they disappeared, but hopefully me reposting it helps others as your input was appreciated

[@jonathanditren1680]

this printer is not fully compatible with Cura, if you are reading this, be aware.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I'd like to hear more? I've had absolutely no problems. However, there might be features that I don't use that you may be referencing. Please elaborate

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thanks

[@KM4EBU]

I have been using this printer on Cura for 2 years now. Cura works great for this printer

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

@@KM4EBU Thanks for confirming!

[@jonnhanzo9529]

If ya using cura software that comes with it. Yes that version doesnt support it…..the newest version does support longer

[@user-xc2ut8zp3q]

Why does my comments go away every time?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Probably hit by the spam filter

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

For what it's worth, I responded to the last one.. You know the one where you said you didn't like the longer printer and that you had a bad experience with the motherboard. I responded I appreciated the input

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I just checked and it does show that the comments no longer available, which I find weird because I didn't delete it, I have no reason to do so And obviously it wasn't hit by the spam filter if I was able to respond to it

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Original message in case anyone wants to read it: "Bought the Longer LK5 Pro 3d printer and it didn't work right out of the box. The Z axis would only go up but not down, wouldn't home and was doing strange things. So, I contacted Longer support to find out that my printer had a bad motherboard. Then they told me they would ship me a new motherboard and to fix it myself. I guess they got the name LONGER for it want work long but takes longer to get it fixed. I wouldn't trust anything with the brand name Longer on it. I have three other 3d printers from three different manufactures and have had no issues. Again, I wouldn't trust anything with the brand name Longer on it."

[@user-xc2ut8zp3q]

For some reason I couldn't see the first comment I left. All is good. You and others are my sources of information on these things. Thanks

[@Mrshane288]

Terrible unit. Working on replacement now. What a junk unit.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I print with mine every day. Mind me asking more details?

[@Mrshane288]

@@HAMRADIODUDE maybe I got a bad unit. But this thing has been trouble. I get some decent prints sometimes but most of the time it's just trouble. Filament out sensor failed already, crashes into print after filament changes. . The knurled feeder nut jerks backwards oddly when retracting (I think it's just POS brass and it's worn out already 3 weeks of use) have picked up new steel one hoping that fixes that until I get a replacement for this unit. Leveling is a nightmare and doesn't like to hold. Not to mention you have to download removed files from cura to allow any changes to the nozzle. According to Cura boards longer removed support files for all other nozzles except .4. I've had to manually enter these from a message board to up the nozzle to .6mm naturally in cura. Idk for being nothing more than a Ender clone the price difference doesn't justice sacrificing from what I'm noticing. Oh and the included card and/or reader now wipes the SD card unless I pull the entire reader out of the PC. I've had to reformat it several times this past week. Not a huge deal but shows how much they cut corners to save money. If they skimped out there where else did they? It also loves to knock prints off when printing articulated parts. It'll just crash right into and drag them off their location resulting in failures. It doesn't string much and doesn't clog but I've had myriad other problems with it.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Hey thanks so much for the detailed response. This definitely helps other people make a decision as well. What I can say is I think I have the same issue with the nut jerk. Basically it still prints but on retraction occasionally, there's like an odd noise I figure was a retraction thing. This started after about 200 hours of printing. To give a little insight about how I've been using it: solely PETG since the video. I disabled the filament runout sensor because on past printers I would get filament errors and I didn't want that to occur. Other than that, any failed prints I've had have been bed adhesion issues, usually due to my bed not being clean or needing a layer of hairspray. However, my leveling does a decent job of staying in a good spot for multiple prints. I definitely won't argue it's an ender clone with a bigger build space. But with my success with the longer, I assumed there was better build quality or Quality Assurance at the factory. However, I also have to wonder if I was sent one of the better units for the purpose of the evaluation, as your concerns are spoken of on forums like Reddit and in reviews. I'm hoping you get a better one, but would love an update as I was thinking of getting another one just because this was working so well for me. In any case, thanks again, please let me know your thoughts when you get a second unit/if you do. Have a good one

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

And that SD card is trash. Mine stopped working fairly quick

[@jonnhanzo9529]

⁠@@Mrshane288the extruder issue is a common problem its the tension spring causing the issue not the brass piece. For many the thing develops micro cracks that loosen the tension just enough it cant push the filament. It appears based on forums and reviews the problem appears after 200 hours of print time.

[@CS-pl8fc]

Have you had any issues with blobs caused by the power loss recovery feature and is there a way to disable that through the printer itself or would it require adjusting the gcode?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Hey there, great question. No issues here, but I had disabled it a while back. "M413 S0" on the gcode, as there is nothing on the firmware. The only issues i've had is I broke the spool holder off and the filament sensor died (Probably why they give an extra one). I have used it nearly daily until getting my bambu x1 and creality k1. I still use it, just not as much. Next, I will be modding it. Hopefully this helps.

[@CS-pl8fc]

@@HAMRADIODUDE thanks so much for the reply. It would be nice if there was a menu option for it, but not a big deal either way.