3d printers

[The Hobbit]

Ordered the Bambu, figured better to get the best option a few days late then settle. Any accessories to look into adding?

[Chuck E Ducky]

What one you end up going with? Most of the excessories you can a print. Sealable container to hold extra spools rechargeable moisture absorbing packets are handy. You can get there surface prep I use stick paper glue. It helps the first layer adhere to the plates better. I find if a print is going to mess up it’s because the first layer doesn’t stick good enough. Especially if your spool isn’t completely dry.

[pghp8ntballer]

To start, regardless of the printer; .4 and .6 hardened nozzles, and .2 stainless nozzle.
I prefer having the option of a smooth plate as well right off the bat. The only other thing I ordered with my P1S besides extra desiccant (didn’t need it but it was cheap) was the hardened gear set.

As far as textures and patterned beds, that is all personal preference.

For bed adhesion (and release) I use Aquanet hairspray. I’ve used glue sticks before but I don’t like the buildup on the bottom of the prints.

[Chuck E Ducky]

I use a moist Magic eraser to thin the glue out and it don’t build up. Aquanet works great for all kinds of things. Use to use the stuff in my potato guns as a kid.

[The Hobbit]

Chuck E Ducky I ordered the p1s. I figured better to order and have that show up late then go with a different unit.
Im sure an AMS attachment will follow shortly.

[tyronejk]

What's going on with the semi-old news about Bambu forcing users to go through their cloud service and monitoring people's prints? I'd like to get a printer and everyone says Bambu is the best for convenience, but I don't want a printer that can be bricked remotely.

[Chuck E Ducky]

No, Bambu Lab is not forcing users to go through their cloud service for basic printing, nor is there evidence of them actively monitoring or stealing individual print files, or remotely bricking printers without cause. However, there are valid privacy concerns, some cloud involvement in certain features, and a major controversy in early 2025 that heightened fears about vendor lock-in.

Full offline printing is possible: You can print completely without any internet or cloud by using a microSD card to transfer files from your slicer (like Bambu Studio or Orca Slicer) directly to the printer. This works on all models (X1, P1, A1 series) and requires no account or connection.

LAN-only mode: This allows local network printing and monitoring (from your PC or local devices) without sending data to Bambu's cloud. Files stay on your local network; no cloud upload is needed. You enable it on the printer's screen (Settings > Network > LAN Only). Some models (like X1 series) may require an SD card for initiating prints in pure LAN mode due to security designs, but it's fully functional offline.

Bambu collects some metadata (e.g., start/finish times, filament usage) for features like print history and diagnostics, as noted in their privacy policy. However, they explicitly deny reading or analyzing your 3D model files, and there's no confirmed evidence of widespread spying or file theft. In LAN or offline modes, no data goes to them at all. Past incidents (like a 2023 cloud outage causing unintended prints) were due to bugs, not intentional monitoring.

Bambu has not remotely bricked printers en masse. They deny any "kill switches" or plans to disable devices remotely.

The big controversy was a January 2025 firmware update introducing an "Authorization Control System" (via Bambu Connect software) for security reasons—claiming it blocked millions of unauthorized access attempts daily.

If the company ever shuts down servers, cloud-dependent features would stop, but basic/LAN/SD card printing would remain (similar to many IoT devices).

Bambu printers are widely praised for speed, ease of use, and reliability—that's why they're recommended for convenience. If privacy/no-cloud is a hard requirement, run in LAN-only or offline mode from day one (block internet access via your router for extra safety). Alternatives like Prusa or Creality are more traditionally open/local-focused but may require more tinkering.

So if you want to print things you shouldn’t use the micro SD card and delete it after 😉

[The Hobbit]

Yes I’m aware that most of the controversial stuff is legal to home manufacturer. Regardless of methodology, there are several members here that could make a mockery of prohibitions on home manufacturing.

I like knowing the capability exists but car/home/paintball prints will probably dominate my use.

[Chuck E Ducky]

Same. They are super fun you will enjoy messing with them. Bambu makes it super easy. Lots of design programs auto convert to its program and there are a ton of free files to keep you busy. I printed up a bunch of Christmas Nick nicks.

[The Hobbit]

I know my wife will enjoy it, she and the kids love all the dragons and toys that are at craft fairs.

[The Hobbit]

Where is the best place to find good files, the little figurines, to download? Thingverse, Etsy, MArs basement?

[Chuck E Ducky]

Any of them will convert easily on the Bambu program. Bambu has a bunch of free stuff as well. Just make sure you remember to add supports.

I use fusion for drawing / designing it one click sends it to the Bambu and integrates flawlessly. It’s free as well if you’re not using it commercially.

[Chuck E Ducky]

Also this App searches all the sights for STL files at the same time.

https://apps.apple.com/app/id6467126425

[The Hobbit]

Any of them will convert easily on the Bambu program. Bambu has a bunch of free stuff as well. Just make sure you remember to add supports.

I use fusion for drawing / designing it one click sends it to the Bambu and integrates flawlessly. It’s free as well if you’re not using it commercially.

Thanks wasn’t sure if there was a preferred spot to get good stl files.

yeah I have fusion but didn’t know that it works with Bambu. So do I still need to use a slicer when transferring a stl from fusion.

[Chuck E Ducky]

Yeah use the Bambu studio it will auto slice STL files might just want to adjust orientation then add supports and print. Not sure what size you got but on my P1S I can combine several plates into one. You can nest them. The Bambu app is basically click and print.

[Chuck E Ducky]

Oh if you want a cheap plate prep spray a sponge so it’s a lil moist with water rub some washable school glue on the sponge and wipe the plate with it just before a print. I found this technique works really good without getting buildup on the plate. It cleans up easily and gives you fantastic 1st layer adhesion while still being easy to remove.