So, I just ordered the anet a8 3d printer. I am new to 3D printing (have used the ones at DMS a few times) and am wanting to know if there is anything I should know before putting this thing together/using it and what the best upgrades would be that are printable or inexpensive and easy to add on.
Anyone have experience with this particular printer?
Gearbest has them for $162.99 right now with free shipping fyi.
http://www.gearbest.com/3d-printers-3d-printer-kits/pp_343643.html
Generally speaking the extruders on these ultra low cost printers suck.
I would probably replace the extruder and hotend with something similar to the Prusa i3 MK2 extruder and an E3D hotend.
Beware of knockoff E3D hotends, tolerances and surface finishes really matter on this part, it is worth paying for quality.
Also quality filament pulley/hobbed bolt/filament drive gear make a huge difference:
When calibrated and upgraded properly according to the communities online it can print like the other expensive printers.