I bought one when they first came out and was blown away with it. It was my 8-th printer and is by far my favorite. I bought a second one immediately and they are all I use for anything that will fit. They have been running basically 24/7 since last November, without a hitch. I'm very pleased with it.
Even in the short time I have had it so far I feel the same way. It will be my go to for anything that fits which again is most of the things I print regularly. I haven't even had my other 3D printers on since I got it.
@@BusterBeagle3D Since I bought my X1C, my Prusa Minis mostly sit. It makes me sad cuz I love those little guys. LOL - And I just received my A1 Mini this morning!
@@chuysaucedo7119 There truly is no Buster Beagle 3D without my first 3D printer so it was very sad to replace it. I put in it storage to pull it out at sometime. I didn't have the heart to part it out.
Really great video. My wife just brought one of these home today, and you answered every question I had about it. Can't wait to set it up, it looks to be a very capable machine!
i am sold! at the time of watching this it's down to $200 USD / $250 Canadian only furthering the value proposition its offering. Thanks for the solid no BS review of the unit and who it might be best for, it ticks a lot of boxes for me as returning to 3d printing after dabbling in the dreadful early years with frustration.
Hope this second go round is much better for you. I'm thankful for all of the hard knocks learning I got early on with my older 3D printers but sometimes you just want it to work and this machine does that extremely well.
It's on a sale for £169.99 for just the A1 Mini right now on their site and I instantly bought one. Selling my E3V3SE. Love the lil guy but man, at that price you can't say no.
I already have a kickstarter X1C, but just bought one of these A1 Minis on sale for $199, and added a 0.2mm nozzle for it, as this will be my dedicated "mini" printer.
Nice review. Have you considered using fuzzy skin in your prints? It's an option in Bambu Studio. It makes the layer lines nearly disappear. They often look very close to injection molded. It will increase the print times a bit and you will want to play around with the parameters to get a surface finish you like that's also within the dimensional tolerances you need. Definitely worth it in my opinion.
It took me a while but i finally buy my first 3D printer and it was A1 mini!! While i have 3D experience in both MayaBlender and Fusion360 but never study 3d printing before and just hope for my first print to not be dissaster.
Thanks Ryan. I just bought one of these and the only problem I've had (a few times) is the spool rubbing against the print head and causing an error. After I printed a spool adaptor, it all works well.
Yeah the spool holder was really the only thing I wish they would improve. Also you can turn off the tangled filament setting as well which is really what would cause that error even though it was just the spool rubbing against the frame.
I wish I got this before I got the Ender v3 SE. While I like the SE this thing blows it out of the water in every way but print bed size. And I’ve only a couple of times had the print bed be to small. For goodness sake the SE doesn’t even have WiFi. WTF? And I’ve yet to get petg to print on the SE. But the first filament I used on the A1 was petg and it worked perfectly first time. Nod fiddling. I will revisit the Ender and petg at a later date and use vision miner nano polymer.
Yeah if the size is an issue there is always the regular A1 as well. I think I might wait to see if they make an XL version in the future before I get another one.
I have a table with these measurements: 140x50cm attached to the wall. Will I have any space problems to put this printer, or will the bed or the shaft collide?
How do u code the files to go to the scrapper since I didn't have it on my last printer idk how to get it to do that I like how the bench models that it comes with does that I want all other prints to do it
Excellent review indeed! I still don't own a 3D-Printer, but i'm interested in that topic for over a year now. This machine might be able to make me order one 😂 I liked your opinion about why you don't need an additional AMS lite, but may i ask one thing: Is it possible to add another colour horizontally by pausing the printing process, change the spool and resume the job thereafter?? Thanx!!
You can add another color vertically by doing that. That was kind of the way I used to make multicolor prints by varying the heights of different colors so you essentially make different steps of color. You just pause the print (usually in the software at a predetermined level) then change the spool to a different color. I know I said I didn't need an AMS but I actually do have one now to test on a new A1 I have soon. I haven't had a chance to test either but hope to get to it shortly.
Good to know. I stand corrected. Since I had used Orca slicer well before I had a Bambu Lab machine I guess I assumed it was a branch like many companies did with Cura slicer for years. This only makes Bambu Labs as a company even more impressive.
I bought it for $199 as well. For a short time after the re-release of the regular A1 it was $149 which was a steal but no longer. As for the free project they send out I don't think it was ever a given and not sure what I'm going to do with my boat but it was nice anyway.
Excellent video. This is the first one that actually explained how to download a file and what the settings are. I was looking at the A1 but convinced me that the A1 mini is all I need. I see Overture has a PLA filament and easy PLA filament. Just wondering if it makes a difference which one to use? Thanks.
I couldn't remember why I didn't buy this printer there are so many variables. but when you said cloud I remember. NO INTERNET = NO PRINTING = NO THANKS
Thank you for the review, I'm waiting for my A1 Mini to arrive :D (1st printer). Quick question; should I do Dynamic Flow Calibration once per filament or more, and can I save the pressure settings so it remembers if I change filaments back and fourth? Cheers
I would suggest every time you change the filament and periodically if the filament was sitting on the machine for a long time. Even if the filament is the same brand you never know if the formula or batch is exactly the same so it's not a bad idea to run it. I only takes a minute or so and it doesn't waste that much plastic..
Amazing video! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Especially liked the part, where you imported a file from Thingiverse. Also very interesting, how you started with the DIY printer. I am totally new to 3D printing and ordered my A1 mini today. Thank you!
I did so reasech still so confused what laser machine will be best for my jewellery business I am using stainless steel and Gold plated jewellery what will you recommend??😊
Wrong video but if I would recommend something it would be a fiber laser. If color is important to you then you would want what is called a MOPA fiber laser. I have only released one video on a MOPA laser so fat with another coming out shortly. It was a B4 60W MOPA fiber laser from ComMarker but if you only want to engrave and not do deep engraving you could use a 20W MOPA just fine.
@@BusterBeagle3D yes honestly I am doing my research on B4 commaker 20w fiber laser for a while, do you think it will be a better choice than xtool F1 for jewellery??
I have an A1 to test so I hope to get to that soon. However again I have been printing pretty consistently on my A1 Mini and have not come across a model that I typically print that doesn't fit on it. Some come close but nothing too large yet.
You can. However as a Cura user exclusively for years I feel the pain of trying something else but there are many advantages to Orca slicer which is what this is a version of. Plus some of the advanced features of this machine may only work with their slicer. However you can still run gcode from Cura if you like.
Excellent review, you mentioned really good points, you have my like, just one question, I as a first time buyer that dont know what I would want to print, is the mini enough? some reviews say that they regret not going for the A1, so are there many bigger things out there that need the bigger A1?
If the cost doesn't matter and you have the space then go with the A1. For me personally I don't typically print huge things but even if I did I have other printers that can handle larger items like the Longer LK5 Pro. The A1 was still on recall when I picked up this printer so I may have gone with the A1 instead but honestly have no regrets since again the things I typically print all fit on the mini.
@@BusterBeagle3D as I mentioned like first time buyer, I am kinda thinking about budget a little, like I might not use it enough to justify the extra $200cad, right now in the bambulabs website the A1 comes with the reinforced upgrades so no more issues, so I might bite that one, but still doubtful, thanks for the reply.
@@joshwhite4412 yeah I get it you can use it for other spools of other types of filaments making it easy accessible or using pet g for the interface layers, but for how much people are charging for them
I bought one when they first came out and was blown away with it. It was my 8-th printer and is by far my favorite. I bought a second one immediately and they are all I use for anything that will fit. They have been running basically 24/7 since last November, without a hitch. I'm very pleased with it.
Even in the short time I have had it so far I feel the same way. It will be my go to for anything that fits which again is most of the things I print regularly. I haven't even had my other 3D printers on since I got it.
@@BusterBeagle3D Since I bought my X1C, my Prusa Minis mostly sit. It makes me sad cuz I love those little guys. LOL - And I just received my A1 Mini this morning!
Wow. that sounds good! I was wondering if I can run them for repeated use
@@chuysaucedo7119 There truly is no Buster Beagle 3D without my first 3D printer so it was very sad to replace it. I put in it storage to pull it out at sometime. I didn't have the heart to part it out.
@@BusterBeagle3D I know the feeling all too well. My wife gets irritated at me sometimes.
Really great video. My wife just brought one of these home today, and you answered every question I had about it. Can't wait to set it up, it looks to be a very capable machine!
I really liked it. I think you will as well.
UPS delivered my A1-mini as I was watching this video... Now knowing more I am ready to open and set it up. THANKS!
No worries. Hope you like it!
i am sold! at the time of watching this it's down to $200 USD / $250 Canadian only furthering the value proposition its offering. Thanks for the solid no BS review of the unit and who it might be best for, it ticks a lot of boxes for me as returning to 3d printing after dabbling in the dreadful early years with frustration.
Hope this second go round is much better for you. I'm thankful for all of the hard knocks learning I got early on with my older 3D printers but sometimes you just want it to work and this machine does that extremely well.
thanks - I was looking to get into 3D Printing and your review evaporated my fear of buying a low cost machine. Well done!
It's on a sale for £169.99 for just the A1 Mini right now on their site and I instantly bought one. Selling my E3V3SE. Love the lil guy but man, at that price you can't say no.
Yeah. It's a really good deal at that price.
Same here! :p
The price is just too good haha
Got mine for $200
I already have a kickstarter X1C, but just bought one of these A1 Minis on sale for $199, and added a 0.2mm nozzle for it, as this will be my dedicated "mini" printer.
I just got the combo with a parts kit and 4 roles of PLA of different colours for £410 delivered. I cannot wait to try it out
Nice review. Have you considered using fuzzy skin in your prints? It's an option in Bambu Studio. It makes the layer lines nearly disappear. They often look very close to injection molded. It will increase the print times a bit and you will want to play around with the parameters to get a surface finish you like that's also within the dimensional tolerances you need. Definitely worth it in my opinion.
I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the tips!
Great in depth and thorough video!
Much appreciated!
It took me a while but i finally buy my first 3D printer and it was A1 mini!!
While i have 3D experience in both MayaBlender and Fusion360 but never study 3d printing before and just hope for my first print to not be dissaster.
Thanks Ryan. I just bought one of these and the only problem I've had (a few times) is the spool rubbing against the print head and causing an error. After I printed a spool adaptor, it all works well.
Yeah the spool holder was really the only thing I wish they would improve. Also you can turn off the tangled filament setting as well which is really what would cause that error even though it was just the spool rubbing against the frame.
I wish I got this before I got the Ender v3 SE. While I like the SE this thing blows it out of the water in every way but print bed size. And I’ve only a couple of times had the print bed be to small. For goodness sake the SE doesn’t even have WiFi. WTF? And I’ve yet to get petg to print on the SE. But the first filament I used on the A1 was petg and it worked perfectly first time. Nod fiddling. I will revisit the Ender and petg at a later date and use vision miner nano polymer.
Yeah if the size is an issue there is always the regular A1 as well. I think I might wait to see if they make an XL version in the future before I get another one.
I believe it can do PETG just fine. Have one (Combo) on the way.
A1 or the A1 mini? Because it seems good the mini but looks also too small to print somethings.
I have a table with these measurements: 140x50cm attached to the wall. Will I have any space problems to put this printer, or will the bed or the shaft collide?
Cool video, thanks!
How do u code the files to go to the scrapper since I didn't have it on my last printer idk how to get it to do that I like how the bench models that it comes with does that I want all other prints to do it
GREAT VIDEO!!!
Thank you. Glad you liked it!
Excellent review indeed! I still don't own a 3D-Printer, but i'm interested in that topic for over a year now. This machine might be able to make me order one 😂
I liked your opinion about why you don't need an additional AMS lite, but may i ask one thing:
Is it possible to add another colour horizontally by pausing the printing process, change the spool and resume the job thereafter?? Thanx!!
You can add another color vertically by doing that. That was kind of the way I used to make multicolor prints by varying the heights of different colors so you essentially make different steps of color. You just pause the print (usually in the software at a predetermined level) then change the spool to a different color. I know I said I didn't need an AMS but I actually do have one now to test on a new A1 I have soon. I haven't had a chance to test either but hope to get to it shortly.
Great video! Thx, you got a new sub (and Bambu got an order :-) )!
Great video! Please don't use Grid infill pattern. Use Gyroid insead. 😁
Looks there are no more free gifts / mysterie boxes even with A1 Mini Combo as of august 2024.
Do you want to sell it to me like you did the commarker lol.
Fyi. The mini no longer comes with the free model gift. 😢
Actually Orca Slicer is a fork of Bambu Studio. Great video otherwise :)
Good to know. I stand corrected. Since I had used Orca slicer well before I had a Bambu Lab machine I guess I assumed it was a branch like many companies did with Cura slicer for years. This only makes Bambu Labs as a company even more impressive.
Now its 199 lol
I bought it for $199 as well. For a short time after the re-release of the regular A1 it was $149 which was a steal but no longer. As for the free project they send out I don't think it was ever a given and not sure what I'm going to do with my boat but it was nice anyway.
Excellent video. This is the first one that actually explained how to download a file and what the settings are. I was looking at the A1 but convinced me that the A1 mini is all I need. I see Overture has a PLA filament and easy PLA filament. Just wondering if it makes a difference which one to use? Thanks.
I couldn't remember why I didn't buy this printer
there are so many variables.
but when you said cloud I remember.
NO INTERNET = NO PRINTING = NO THANKS
You don't need to print over the cloud or wifi. It's easier for many that way but you can still print directly from a micro SD card.
I was looking at this printer but the type of plastic I need to print aren't supported.
what type would that be? thanks.
I have the A1 mini and love it!! wish i bought the A1 instead tho
I'm testing a regular A1 as we speak. Spoiler alert. It's awesome.
RTFM. Don’t pull it out of the bag. Instead unpack manually, see first page quick start guide.
Thank you for the review, I'm waiting for my A1 Mini to arrive :D (1st printer). Quick question; should I do Dynamic Flow Calibration once per filament or more, and can I save the pressure settings so it remembers if I change filaments back and fourth? Cheers
I would suggest every time you change the filament and periodically if the filament was sitting on the machine for a long time. Even if the filament is the same brand you never know if the formula or batch is exactly the same so it's not a bad idea to run it. I only takes a minute or so and it doesn't waste that much plastic..
Great Video, my first 3d Printer is arriving tomorrow. It's a Bambu Labs a1 Mini lol.
Hope you like it!
Amazing video! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Especially liked the part, where you imported a file from Thingiverse. Also very interesting, how you started with the DIY printer. I am totally new to 3D printing and ordered my A1 mini today. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it! Good luck with your machine.
I did so reasech still so confused what laser machine will be best for my jewellery business I am using stainless steel and Gold plated jewellery what will you recommend??😊
Wrong video but if I would recommend something it would be a fiber laser. If color is important to you then you would want what is called a MOPA fiber laser. I have only released one video on a MOPA laser so fat with another coming out shortly. It was a B4 60W MOPA fiber laser from ComMarker but if you only want to engrave and not do deep engraving you could use a 20W MOPA just fine.
@@BusterBeagle3D yes honestly I am doing my research on B4 commaker 20w fiber laser for a while, do you think it will be a better choice than xtool F1 for jewellery??
The A1 is just as easy to use as the A1 mini, but it has a larger bed which you will eventual want when you find your mini bed too small.
I have an A1 to test so I hope to get to that soon. However again I have been printing pretty consistently on my A1 Mini and have not come across a model that I typically print that doesn't fit on it. Some come close but nothing too large yet.
Can you use CURA slicer for this printer ?
You can. However as a Cura user exclusively for years I feel the pain of trying something else but there are many advantages to Orca slicer which is what this is a version of. Plus some of the advanced features of this machine may only work with their slicer. However you can still run gcode from Cura if you like.
Great video! Thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Excellent review, you mentioned really good points, you have my like, just one question, I as a first time buyer that dont know what I would want to print, is the mini enough? some reviews say that they regret not going for the A1, so are there many bigger things out there that need the bigger A1?
If the cost doesn't matter and you have the space then go with the A1. For me personally I don't typically print huge things but even if I did I have other printers that can handle larger items like the Longer LK5 Pro. The A1 was still on recall when I picked up this printer so I may have gone with the A1 instead but honestly have no regrets since again the things I typically print all fit on the mini.
@@BusterBeagle3D as I mentioned like first time buyer, I am kinda thinking about budget a little, like I might not use it enough to justify the extra $200cad, right now in the bambulabs website the A1 comes with the reinforced upgrades so no more issues, so I might bite that one, but still doubtful, thanks for the reply.
is there software that can cut a project in half to make it two different print jobs to overcome the small bed size? thanks
A heat gun, a cool tool!!!
Honestly I use it far more than I thought I would.
@@BusterBeagle3D Yeah, it was just wordplay. HEATgun and COOL tool.
I use it too.
Yeah any ams is a waste unless u dont care about it or have more $$$ than sense
It’s nice that the option is there and depending on what you want to print it could be cool but for me I’m content with the awesome printer by itself.
A friend of mine bought the AMS and paid off the Bambu AMS and his next three bambus he bought (and then some) on his first day at a festival. 🤷🏻♂️
@@joelamaro4525 so he must have been severely overcharging for prints
Lets see, the ability to multicolor print (which I understand this is probably what you mean by not caring.) Filament runout replacement. Etc
@@joshwhite4412 yeah I get it you can use it for other spools of other types of filaments making it easy accessible or using pet g for the interface layers, but for how much people are charging for them
May I have your email pls? For some tech questions. Thanks!