The Ultimate Side Hustle Machine? Snapmaker 3-in-1 3D Printer Review

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

In this video, one of the things I didn't like is how long it takes to switch between the different functions. This is being addressed! The Snapmaker will soon be launched with the Quick Swap Kit which can help you switch between the 3 functions in just one minute! bit.ly/40sijRE Code: AF-EDSM5

[@linsen8890]

For me, the appeal of this machine is that I get the ability to 3D print (and most reviews I've seen is that it's a very good 3D printer - not the fastest, but good quality prints), laser engrave and cut, and do CNC work, all in one fairly small footprint. I have a very small shop (only 9'x13'), and I mostly do woodworking, so I already have a table saw, a miter saw, a workbench, a drill press, a band saw, a belt/disk sander, several routers, and lots of clamps and hand tools. Most every inch of space is spoken for by something, but I do have one little area on a deep shelf that I can fit a Snapmaker A250T on, in the enclosure. So by adding just that one machine, I can increase my shop's capabilities by way more than by just having a small CNC, or just a small laser cutter/engraver, or just a 3D printer. I don't expect it to be super fast like some of the latest 3D printers. I don't expect it to have all the functionality of a dedicated laser, nor all the accuracy and functionality of a dedicated CNC. But (and especially with some of the latest add-ons like the 10W laser, dual extruder 3D print head, and rotary module), it can do all of those things really quite well, without the footprint I'd need for dedicated machines. Plus, all I've seen shows that the build quality is outstanding. I want one - just have to get the cash together now!

[@DaveDarin]

I have 2 of these machines, the A350. Now, for me they were super worth it as, a decent amount of people buy 3D printers and either don't know how to design, don't know where to get designs if they do not want to make their own, don't know how to use slicers, and have no idea how to bed level and adjust Z height. So, I got on eBay and found each of the A350 machines for $200 the other for $300. One the owner, some how, seized one of the linear modules and broke the LCD screen. So, I got on eBay, took a few months before I saw a linear module and I had to buy an LCD from Snapmaker. So, $200 + $200 in parts and the machine was perfect. Other machine the seller lost the heated print bed and the 3D Print module. So, $200 more added to $300 and got that one working. So, I saved a bunch. Of course the cost to buy these now has dropped but I am talking 3 years ago. They are slow, especially compared to the Bambu, which I don't have, but I built a VORON which is just as fast as the Bambu. The VORON, wow they are projects to build. In fact I also bought my VORON on eBay from someone clueless on how to install Firmware, Klipper, Moonraker, and Mainsail. The Snapmaker is cool if you have no need to be fast at any of the 3 things. If you are selling and have just one of these, then speed is an issue. For me I have actually 12 machines, different makes, so I can build 12 parts at a time, even more if I load the build plates with multiple parts. I did get the 10 watt Laser and the Rotary, and these are cool machines, slow, SUPER slow, but cool. LOUD also.

[@toddmatthews3326]

Andy, as a high school drafting and engineering teacher I could see this as an awesome tool to have in the classrroom. I could set it up one week to 3D print, the next to CNC and finally as a laser. It would allow my kids to design more items based off the way they could manufacture it. Just a thought.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

I think that's a great idea

[@babbagebrassworks4278]

Especially only having the learn one piece of software. I have tried many software solutions, none do everything at a zero/low cost.

[@markhamilton8765]

I think this is a fantastic idea. It’s just the type of tech that young minds should be exposed to…and it would be so much fun for the whole class!

[@bulletproofpepper2]

Thanks for sharing. I was able to design and 3D print something in 18 hours. The printer was printing while I was at work. I got home to a finish project.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Cool!

[@K162KingPin]

2:10 So I watched another video on this machine. In that video for changing the plate they didn't unscrew anything. It looks like there is a locking lever under one side which they simply unlock, change out the board, and then lock the new one in. It took them about 10 seconds to change out.

[@lelandnewhaller5591]

That's an added feature. In the EU stores, its 170 Euro, but definitely worth it as the switchiing is just annoying

[@Windycitysmokers]

I think this is a good assessment of this. It’s a good hobby machine for some one wanting to play and explore and create. Not good to make money even on a part time basis.

[@TheMadJoker87]

this looks like a great machine for a beginner who doesnt have a lot of space, you can fit the functionality of 3 machines on a desk inside a small office. i would consider this a learning machine, not a money maker, a great tool to dip your toe in the cnc world, but i feel like you will outgrow its usefullness sooner than later. speed and power settings can probably be tinkered with, specially using external software

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

You make some great points. Thanks for watching!

[@johnfiott]

I have this enclosure and the doors can be made to open and close super smoothly if you spray some silicone lubricant on them. Snapmaker have launched a quick swap kit in 2023. More recently they have also launched 20 Watt and 40 Watt lasers.

[@ivannightly1919]

going to say if you had any good cnc machine (youd need to start with it as a base) by just playing with the mounting you should be able to add a solid state laser or a 3d printing head they just made it as a kit, so the only real question is price if its fair than its a good deal

[@johngaltman]

Thank you for the real review, it's a good machine for a hobby, it's not a good machine for business... Excellent, thanks.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

You bet. Thanks for watching

[@thisisashan]

This seems great for a high school teen that is on course for engineering or machining. The changing out the machine isn't really great for someone with workshop space, but is amazing for a kiddo with 1 desk in his room. But at $1599. This thing is selling to a very select market. For a Creality CR-10 style machine, this is prohibitively overpriced. Likely from the R&D cost associated with producing the module system. Which again, in an honest industrial setting isn't going to cut it. Main issue here for a business is the 10-15 min swap time, which is going to really suck. Because if you are printing quantity you are better with a singular machine dedicated to that... and if you are doing specialized work requiring multiple machines, then you are getting slowed down. Good review. You seem honest and I appreciate that. This is a niche product without a customer, sadly. Would be fun to own if I had the excess funds at the moment!

[@EliwazMoonites]

Quick swam now makes so much faster an better and if you get the 40w laser its quick swap is built into the back, so you do not need a plate for it for swaps. They do however need a much better way for air assist quick swap since the hose don't come out so easy when the quick disconnect is used for the hose.

[@brianpatton272]

Seems like it would be a good choice to learn all the of the processes and software involved in all 3 functions.

[@kevinkruse88]

I always feel when you make a 2 in 1 or 3 in 1, you end up getting a third of the capability of all. i just poked around their website, their newest is sitting around 3k. You can get a very good CNC for 3k.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

I agree with you. Thats what I was talking about with the swiss army knife. It can do a lot, and pretty well, its just very slow at it.

[@Devin82m]

Thanks for sharing Andy. I've seen that advertised before and the first thought I had was "yeah, but it can't do any one thing well", which I was correct about. I think it would be good for a tinkerer doing small things for home, like maybe a table top board gamer. I hate Swiss Army Knives, it's nice to have for the random thing you need them for, but you can't trust it with your life, they break. Also, like you said, it's kind of weird they called it "snap" yet you have to use screws, it should all be some sort of quick release.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. I was told that they're going to be launching a quick snap kit soon!

[@mike8171]

Andy, I get so much value from all of your videos! I saw on one of your prior videos today that you use double sided carpet tape. I could not find the brand you suggested. Could you please give an Amazon reference for this non residue tape please. BTW, just bought one of your CNC project digital builds and the documentation was very helpful and very handy ! Thank you BUNCHES for what you provide all of us CNC folks! Mike M

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Hi Mike! Great to hear! The double sided tape I get is from Lowes. I haven't been able to find this exact tape on Amazon. www.lowes.com/pd/Shurtape-1-88-in-x-75-ft-White-Double-sided-Seam-Tape/3407976

[@usurpinesusanti3149]

This 3in1 A350 Machine is completely outdated, you should have checked the Artisan version. All those negative points are fixed on this new version. But the Artisan cost more then 3000.- and for this money you can easily buy a bambulab printer which is way more faster, a cnc engraver which can have a way bigger working space and more Watt and you still have some left money to build your own diy cnc machine. But the good thing is its just on one place with an encloser and if you are limited with space and its just your hobby where you here and then make something small then its pretty ok. So its nothing for commercial use. On the good site the artisan is very well made and looks really shiny.

[@alphonso.digital]

Is this the Quick Switch version?

[@Packman332]

For those of us that already have a solid 3d printing setup, that part of the machine doesn't appeal to us. It's fine that it's there, but I think it would be a good idea to bundle the options instead of make it mandatory. Maybe allow me to have the CNC and laser engraver and swap the 10w for the 3d functionality. Unsure of pricing in that regard, but you get what I mean. Make the purchasing options be "snap-able" just like the unit is :) Otherwise those people aren't going to want to buy one as it would never be used for that purpose. But there are likely other options out there that do the cnc/laser functions much better for a similar price that would make more sense. I'm not too familiar with the market.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this machine setup.

[@Packman332]

@@AndyBirdBuilds Don't get me wrong, it looks like a nice beginner setup for someone like me that is interested in getting started. You did a great job showing the build process and it looks structurally sound. A bit small, but the included software seems like a big bonus. Plus a touchscreen and wifi. There is definitely a need for a mid level machine and this might be it. It seems you either have to spend thousands to get a quality hobby machine or just a few hundred and get a tiny thing you're going to fight with and be severely limited by. And then spend thousands again when you want to upgrade.

[@aaronblackford981]

Is the programming similar with other milling cnc/laser? Can you import things from light burn or other laser and cnc programs? Does this new programming allow a newbie, like me, kinda walk three different steps quickly? As you said about Swiss Army knife vs scissors, it’s all about trade offs. I know it can import something that’s purchased. I just don’t know what quite yet. It is on my list to research more for sure. Or just go to janky 150 buck cnc or laser as I just wanna learn new languages of programming and new machines.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

You can import all files types needed directly into the software. Vectors, Rasters, Stls

[@AritonovicDusan]

Please review FoxAlien Vasto CNC machine

[@markhamilton8765]

Great review - very fair - Andy.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Awesome. Glad to hear you enjoyed the video

[@preppysquirrel9712]

There is a quick swap kit available

[@miki09876]

You can get similar functionality at a similar price point with 2 dedicated machines.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Possibly. But that also means you need twice the amount of space and 2 different softwares

[@miki09876]

@@AndyBirdBuilds for sure. I agree with your critique about it not really being a 3-in-1 device, but a modular device. It would be super cool to be able to cnc something and then laser over it without changing setup. Or even to project the file onto your piece for setup. Having to spend time switching everything over kinda kills the magic

[@GarySerrano-k8r]

Richard Plaza

[@VersieBlatherwick-o5u]

Carmela Landing

[@EduardoTorresDeMadera]

Hi, I see that Snapmaker did not sent you the newest machine with has much more improvements however I've been using that version you demo'd creating fantastic stuff. See here a short video of a Mobile Speaker I made with the machine.: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4PYioFpZslpfsk

[@koppfrosch7439]

i would love to see someone using the cnc before the 3d printer. the hilarous amount of cursing because of the dusted buildplate would be an eyeopener. it will take you hours to clean the enclosed area to make it usable again for printing. the cnc and the laser are a good idea together thats why you can get tons of them far cheaper than this maschine. but for the 3d printer the mess you make with the cnc is unbareable. the quality is sure top notch and it looks amazing on a desk in the office. and you can make everyone see that you are the cool guy with cool tools, but usable and clever it is not. even the price is more like another joke here. get yourself a maschine for each purpose single and you will have far more fun and some money spared as well. if you only use it for posing in the office this is the right thing.