Bambu Labs X1 (Patreon)

Normally I focus on sub $500 3D Printers but occasionally I'll try out a more expensive unit. I agreed to try out the Bambu Labs X1 after it had completed its kickstarter. I no longer support Kickstarter printers because I have no idea what they are really going to ship if anything at all. I'm lucky that I get to try these out for free because if I had to invest money in them, I'd be a lot less patient.

Despite the free printer, so far it's been frustrating. I see a lot of people on twitter showing off their multi-color prints that they did extremely fast on the X1. I on the other hand printed a 3DBenchy from their sample files and the machine printed it fast but it sounded like it was going to come apart with all the banging and knocking going on.

After that, it suggested I update the firmware. I had to connect it to my weak wifi signal in the location where the machine was and after several attempts, I finally was successful at updating the firmware. 

Now it won't autolevel the bed. I get an error message that bed is warped or the Lidar sensor lense is dirty. The lidar sensor is how it levels the bed. I cleaned it and I still get the same error.

Some people told me to submit a ticket on the app. 

What app? 

There were no directions that an app existed in the Quick Start manual.

Some said the PC application can help.

Again, what PC application, there were no directions to that (that I could find).

There was an email for support so I sent it there and now I wait.

This is why I tend to focus on low cost 3D printers especially the Creality brand. I already know the support is poor and that's where my channel comes in. Plus I find them to be simple to fix and easy to get parts. Get what you paid for right?

So when I get a more expensive machine (+$1000), I expect more and so far I'd have to say this X1 is failing. We'll see what support tells me. Maybe I'll get this working but for now, I'm going back to my Ender machines. They just work.