Folgertech FT5 3D Printer Complete Assembly

Folgertech FT5 3D Printer Complete Assembly - Unboxing to First Print

Рет қаралды 21,905

6 жыл бұрын

Since purchasing my pellet extruder, it quickly became obvious that I needed a larger test bed printer for it: The Folgertech FT5! It is a massive printer for the money and appears to me a suitable candidate for my pellet extruder... but it does require assembly. The assembly of the Folgertech ft-5 is not for the timid or faint of heart. It took me the better part of a month to fully assemble and tweak, in total I devoted over 40 hours to the assembly and it was well worth it.
The assembly of this DIY 3d printer was an incredible experience and one that I really wanted and needed to have… for the next step!! What is that step? Well it is designing a MUCH LARGER and more productive 3d printer of course! To that end the folgertech ft5 was valuable (to me) and reasonably affordable (around $500 at time of purchase), even if I seldom use it.
One thing I cannot help but note, is that for a printer which has been in production for several years, I am quite surprised at the quality control issues that I encountered. None of which were severe, but all of which were complete avoidable. I clearly outline all of those issues in the video, there are too many to mention but none seem to affect the printer nor the print quality.
While I document just about every step in this video, there are 2 things missing - mounting the extruder to the carriage (so simple to do) and the actual physical assembly (I didn’t think it was necessary to show myself turning wrenches).
FT5 printer Specs:
Print Area: 300x300x~400mm (12x12x15.75") Build area
Printer Size: 740mmx500mmx540mm
Power: 480w 24V system CE rated Power Supply, can use 110v or 220v (US Cord Provided)
Max Extruder Temp: 245C (can reach higher but will shorten the longevity of the extruder)
Max Bed Temp: 120C
X/Y Linear Rail System
Z T8 4 Start Lead screws
Controller: MKS Gen 1.4
Resolution: 0.05mm (50 Microns)
Max Stable Speed: TBA
24V Heated Bed
SHIPPING WEIGHT 45lbs! (21kg)
For the test prints:
Stock configuration - I made a small sword for my nephew, testing the flatness from corner to corner on the printer. It printed flawlessly!
Modifies 1mm nozzle - I printed a 300mm tall weeping angel, testing the capability to print large heavy objects and the extruders ability to push out filament at 1mm wide. It worked great but I need to tune my setting if I return the printer to this configuration.
Now I just need to fit the pellet extruder I purchased from Mahor and give it a try!
Lastly, Please note that I purchased this printer so none of the views I expressed are influenced by the product manufacturer.
Link to my 3d printing playlist - • 3D Printing
pellet extruder assebly video - • Pellet Extruder for 3D...
Link to Mahor's KZfaq Channel - / @mahormunizcadenas7694
Link to the Pellet extruder video playlist - • how it´s made pellet e...

Пікірлер: 128

@johndicapua 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent video, Ray. Critical but not nitpicky and you offered solutions to all the problems. I would recommend anyone building an FT-5 R2 right now to watch this video as they build. That being said I am kind of disappointed in Folgertech for the lack of quality control. It wasn't just a few things here and there. It was a ton of stuff.

@RayMAKES 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks John, overall it's worth the money, but they can do better.

@KeesHessels 5 жыл бұрын

Yep, got a bend controller and a dented heatbed and some dented acrylic stuff.. except for the r2 no improvements... bed leveling is a bitch... this printer does not get a lot of love from its huilders... a shame, really....the ft5 has lots of potential..

@cedricproper5256 5 жыл бұрын

Not to play devils' advocate, but Folgertech was very clear about what they were selling: A kit. Ray did an outstanding job describing a long and complicated build process.

@KeesHessels 5 жыл бұрын

Yea, but there are kits and there are kits... Shipping and quality control is important especially with a kit, if you throw your parts in a box as loos components meaning that your pcb gets crushed by the heated bed and your heated bed gets dents and bends during transport that's just sad. it means that the company does not care about its product just about getting the money... no.. that it is just a kit is no excuse for bad QC and shipping..

@stigberntsen9301 5 жыл бұрын

@@KeesHessels True, I`m still building mine, I`m on month 4 now. It has been a realy bad experience all in all. I do want everything to run smooth, and, well, I`m doubting it will ever happen. I would not recommend any other to buy it. My Prusa went together in a total of 7 hours. Yes, this is a more complicated design, but oh my...

@MarcelDiane 6 жыл бұрын

Great video, I'm anxious to see the pellet extruder working.

@RayMAKES 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks, me too! Iv e got all the extra parts ready to do the swap... now I just need the time

@Javito379 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your video! Its excellent. Very detailed you covered every single issue and you even gave a workaround.

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

thanks, glad you liked it. have you finished your build, assuming that is why you found the video?

@Graham_Wideman 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that extraordinarily informative video. Useful both for customers building the machine, and for prospective purchasers to be able to get a close-up look of the features.

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

thanks, glad you liked it

@32587msw 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks great detailed video. I have been debating on getting one of these for a while. Your video is a great source of knowledge for my decision.

@RayMAKES 6 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it

@RayMAKES 6 жыл бұрын

so what did you decide?

@PhoenixConexusInc 5 жыл бұрын

Very Good Video! Instructions are amazing and remedies for the issues you found are perfect and concise. I think you put me over the edge in deciding which printer to get. Thanks.

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it

@redshiftcnc 5 жыл бұрын

I love my ft-5. Built one few years ago. Learn so much doing this kind of build👍

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

Absolutely true

@Jason.Manaigre 5 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video Ray, well done. Wish I had this for my R1 build 2 years ago.

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

glad you liked it. yeah it would be difficult for a novice builder to start on this and get it right. i have an ft6 ill be putting together soon as well

@maxwellrichard6357 3 жыл бұрын

I am in the process of fixing this brand of printer for an organization, and this was very helpful. Thank you!

@RayMAKES 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it

@Willy_LGM 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video. would love to see an update on the pellet extruder!

@RayMAKES 3 жыл бұрын

I need to get back go that

@robertevans6481 6 жыл бұрын

I would think this is not for a first time builder. You have a lot of knowledge in machinery and sounds like it was not fun. I am about haft way into this video, and all i can say is wow. Ray i bet you could make your own 3d printer, if you had the time. 👍👍👍

@RayMAKES 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks, it was a little frustrating to see that this kit had so many problems... but you're right, I'm not sure a novice builder would have this much success. I do plan on building one... A BIG ONE! this was just a first step to understand the mechanics

@robertevans6481 6 жыл бұрын

And you still have all your hair......LOL

@RayMAKES 6 жыл бұрын

For now!

@oldsjunkie1 5 жыл бұрын

First timer and I'm pumped to tackle the kit and overcoming the issues for what is obviously a beast of a machine. Then again, I'm pretty odd and mechanically inclined to the point of hearing gears in my head during naps...

@lukecunningham8793 5 жыл бұрын

cant wait to see the pellet extruder on this thing

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

I'm working on it, hope to have it soon

@lukecunningham8793 5 жыл бұрын

@@RayMAKES Awesome man! i really excited because i am designing a pellet extruder to build, and want to see how they perfrom

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

keep posted, i hope to have a video this week.

@BK42Cycles 6 жыл бұрын

Great video Ray. How many 3D printers do you have?

@RayMAKES 6 жыл бұрын

thanks, with this one its 5

@RayMAKES 6 жыл бұрын

i have 2 at the shop and 3 at home

@VAB1990 2 жыл бұрын

I think it will help if you could put a link where we can buy the pallet extruder from in the description

@WhereNerdyisCool 6 жыл бұрын

I'm only a little way into your video and I applaud you for how you are building, pointing out good and bad parts and pressing on. FWIW I have a review on my channel on my FT-5 (R1). I saw people had trouble with the melamine pieces and to avoid some issues, I bought aluminum L and T plates from Adafruit (I imagine you can find cheaper sources elsewhere). I also invested in a few upgrades made by 713Maker (Gantry, UltraLightWeight Extruder mount). One year later the exiting melamine pieces are having issues, the bed was problematic from day one. I have a replacement one from FolgerTech to replace it with the ACM one you have. I also need to replace the upper panels....the E3Dv6 I installed gives some really great prints. Just have to keep on making a few tweaks. Back to your video! (And now a Subscriber)

@RayMAKES 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it! I will be sure to check out your channel to see what you've done with yours!

@WhereNerdyisCool 6 жыл бұрын

I shared your video with John Folger, hopefully his team can clean up the documentation and address the shortcomings some of the parts have

@RayMAKES 6 жыл бұрын

awesome! lets see how they work it out. i actually spoke to Ida at the ERRF but she seemed to dismiss the issues i mentioned as not likely to be possible. John was very busy talking to other people so i didn't bother him with it.

@WhereNerdyisCool 6 жыл бұрын

Ray MAKES i feel your pain. I’ve mentioned the issues in their Facebook group and the fan boys just won’t allow any thought that there’s an issue with the printer. People know better. The CR-10 and Tevo Tornado printers are really eating their lunch. With some improved QC and better instructions, I think things would go more in their favor.

@RayMAKES 6 жыл бұрын

I was thinking about getting a tevo little monster, not sure how good they are

@MrF250r 4 жыл бұрын

Ray, I'm currently upgrading my FT-5 R1 to R2 I purchased used. Can you make a more in depth video or give some more pointers for getting the frame to rack square? My printer is racked pretty bad and I'm having issues with the bed rods and lead screws not lining up like you had in your video.

@RayMAKES 3 жыл бұрын

I'm putting together the ft6... should cover that part.

@JesseJ370 5 жыл бұрын

I like the way you focus on details but you did not put links to info only for videos. A link to buy parts is always helpful.

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

good to know for the next time

@t.h.cauthority4442 5 жыл бұрын

parts are not4sale

@kumaraashish999 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Ray! Your videos were really insightful! I am a beginner and have very limited experience with 3D printing but needed to do a project related to printing using pellet extruders and I have the one sent by Mahor. Any ideas on how I can mount it to a Lulzbot Taz 6? Any help will be greatly appreciated. And if you know of any source I can use to make the required electrical connections that will be great too!

@RayMAKES 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, glad to see you pursuing this hobby...

@jayg9839 Жыл бұрын

Man can't believe the nit pick !

@RayMAKES Жыл бұрын

you must work for John Folger... correction used to work for him, they're out of business for a reason

@oldsjunkie1 5 жыл бұрын

So having never seen a printer in person and deciding I wanted to support an American company instead of buying the same Chinese Prusa copy everyone else is, I went with the FT-5. I'm fluent in tech, good with my hands and pretty mechanically adept. Just finished my build and wiring last night. About 19 hours in total. I ended up having no issues with the ACM as all my holes were in the correct spots. Did have issues with the slots for the M3 flat nuts not being big enough and had to Dremel all of them. None of my wiring was colored like the manual and i ended up with 3 different stepper wire color layouts between the provided pre-made wires. I ignored the color of the wires and carefully followed the schematic. Cost me an extra hour probably, but oh well. Several of the screw sizes in the manual were wrong but not terrible to overcome. Overall, for the money I'm happy with the FT-5 so far and have had a couple successful test prints right off the bat. The build was challenging and at times frustrating, but the reward was well worth it. Wouldn't have had near the smile on my face from that tiny cube if I only put 6 screws in it and started printing! Thanks for the in depth video as it helped a fair bit knowing what to expect going in.

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

that's great i'm glad the video helped and you were able to finish with the build. i recently bought an ft6 and i'll be putting that one together soon so stay tuned!

@brianhayes2863 5 жыл бұрын

When installing the linear rail on the x beam, you had said to center it, but the instructions looks like it is set 30mm from the left side, just curious if its a difference in instructions or if something changed outside the video.

@brianhayes2863 5 жыл бұрын

Figured it out, the instructions have it set 30mm from the left, the extra space on the right of the linear rail is where additional hardware is placed.

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

glad you figured it out, i have been disconnected for a while and didn't get a chance to see this message. how did the build work out

@BelviGER 5 жыл бұрын

Will there ever be a followup regarding the pellet extruder? Very curious about that

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

Not as of yet, life has thrown me a few obstacles right after these videos. Things are better, So I will return to this project soon.

@williamfitzpatrick1132 5 жыл бұрын

When is the next video coming? Itching to get a pellet extruder.

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

i was hoping to get to it much sooner, but life got in the way. ill be getting back on track in the next week or two

@HugDeeznueces 5 жыл бұрын

How are you enjoying the FT5? How strong is ACM? I am not familiar with it. I am thinking of getting this printer...hopefully they have improved their quality control. It sure is horrible in this kit you ended up getting. Any dislikes? Great vid. If I end up getting this printer, I will use your vid as a guide. I wish you were my neighbor. I always had a curiosity about machine shops and creating stuff from blocks of raw steel. Sub'd!

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

glad you liked it. the printer is working fine, i am still in the process of mounting the pellet extruder... and i also bought the ft6, i will be assembling soon

@singrun7618 2 жыл бұрын

Still waiting for pellet extruder....

@oldsjunkie1 5 жыл бұрын

Really nice job on the video. Not a ton out there on this machine. I think it looks impressive and have put in my order for the FT-5 and a volcano set up. By the way, do you claim ownership of "snugly"? I'm probably gonna steal it anyway... ;)

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

lol, snugly is out there for everyone. thanks, glad you liked the vid!

@DMonZ1988 5 жыл бұрын

how are you getting on with the pellet extruder?

@RayMAKES 3 жыл бұрын

Haven't tried it yet

@doubledarefan 6 жыл бұрын

After the pellet extruder is up and running, build a grinder, so you can grind up any plastic items into pellet extruder fodder. Need PVC? Ask a plumber for some scrap pipes and grind 'em up. Need ABS? Rip apart a kaput TV or monitor for its outer shell (e-waste recycle the innards). Need HDPE? Grind up some 5-gallon buckets (ask a painter. AFAIK, they probably trash 'em by the 100s).

@RayMAKES 6 жыл бұрын

Lol, that's the plan!!! Well almost, gotta have clean material to start.

@doubledarefan 6 жыл бұрын

A pressure washer would make short work of cleaning up the plastic before grinding. Buckets with dried paint can be peeled clean, but that's a bit slow.

@Gangstamcgansta 6 жыл бұрын

Be wary of recycling PVC. It releases toxic fumes.

@RayMAKES 6 жыл бұрын

Yes, pvc is a very difficult material, many industrial extrusion plants won't touch it

@x24llc 5 жыл бұрын

@@RayMAKES gotta have a vacuum-reactor with stirring tines to handle pvc

@agianluigi703 3 жыл бұрын

Hey where are you other videos about this ?

@RayMAKES 3 жыл бұрын

I should be getting back to this

@andreasv9472 3 жыл бұрын

What is the pellet extruder called, or where can I buy it/ or find build instructions if it is open-source? :)

@RayMAKES 3 жыл бұрын

MAHOR sells them

@martinhyska1206 5 жыл бұрын

have y video working this with pellet extruder?

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

not had a chance to mount it yet

@dakberg 5 жыл бұрын

Hey Ray, did you ever get around to installing the pellet extruder on the FT5?

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

im still working on it... ive been working double shifts and haven't had a chance until this weekend

@dakberg 5 жыл бұрын

@@RayMAKES I received mine last week and am currently working on putting on my FT-6. I'll be sure to share any tips on findings, if I get it up and running before you do.

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome, I also just bought an ft6!! Please do keep me in the loop, haven't put mine together yet

@briant444 6 жыл бұрын

Good vid, Ray. I certainly wont be buying a FT5 anytime soon, even tho you've supplied all the solutions to the problems. My printer is a bit larger than that one and i'm using the pellet extruder, which i really like. There are issues but not with the extruder itself, but with the heater. I think the included heater is 30w, which is not enough for some pellets. It worked good with usa pellets at as low as 175 C but with pellets from China it needs over 200 C to work and the heater will not maintain temps over about 201 C. I have ordered a 50 W heater and hope that can do the job. That is with the 0.8 mm nozzle included. I also want to use 1.2 mm nozzle but am certain it needs the hotter heater. Its also worth noting that the pellet extruder is not set up for a cartridge type thermistor, which really sucks. I drilled a hole in the heater block, there's just enough room and that works better than the crappy old style glass ball thermistor. In order to change the heater you have to take the assembly apart, unfortunately, so best to get the right one at the onset.

@RayMAKES 6 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it... those are good tips. I spoke to Mahor yesterday, he says that the heater is only a 12v, so I will be getting a 24v heater as well. Which printer do you have it mounted on?

@briant444 6 жыл бұрын

Its called the Beast, out of Austrailia, $2500 for version 1.0 which i have. Newest version is about $2900 with a lot of improvements that they adopted from our innovations. I'm not recommending the printer tho as it has many of the issues your FT5 has and maybe more. When your connect your 24v heater, i'd be interested in knowing how to do it.

@RayMAKES 6 жыл бұрын

Yeah that's a nice one! There is one on eBay I'm thinking about getting, but it's an early version

@briant444 6 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't do it unless its really cheap and your prepared to do a lot of work to it.

@RayMAKES 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info!! Hey want 900 for it... I was wondering if it was worth it.

@jimmyyoung3663 5 жыл бұрын

Update on the boat?

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

soon, hopefully, lol

@wackyywaferjg6486 5 жыл бұрын

After uploading firmware, I still don't see any text on the screen.

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

interesting, i loaded up the firmware without any trouble what so ever. you do have to make sure everything is connected perfectly

@wackyywaferjg6486 5 жыл бұрын

@@RayMAKES I was using an app off the google play store which did not even have the option to choose a port?! I went on the desktop program and port selection was grayed out. Turns out I have to manually install drivers before I can select port. Once that was done and firmware was uploaded from there everything was fine. Definitely have to tweak the contrast on the lcd screen just right to read the words though! Haha

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

glad it worked out. i got lucky since the software immediately recognized the ports.

@wackyywaferjg6486 5 жыл бұрын

Ray MAKES my print of the cube was bittersweet. At the base layer it shifted about half a centimeter toward the front each layer because my y-axis needs some tinkering and it doesn’t handle a particular phase in the printing of the layer in which it shifts suddenly. After that was completed and it was focused on the walls it did quite nicely with very few hiccups. Looks like a little building with stairs! Haha

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

Lol, you night just have loose belts, or the axis rails are binding a little

@paulcumber4732 6 жыл бұрын

How much did the 3d printer cost

@RayMAKES 6 жыл бұрын

it was $499

@RayMAKES 6 жыл бұрын

at $500 a bargin for the 300mmx300mmx400mm build volume!

@orbitalair2103 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I like FogerTech for parts, they stock hard to get parts in the USA, that I would otherwise have to wait weeks to get from china. If I were them I would take all these ideas and correction to heart and update the instructions and fix the issues.

@RayMAKES 6 жыл бұрын

thanks, I dont think they are really that interested. i actually spoke to Ida face to face at ERRF and she didn't seem to think that there could even be a possibility of an issue.

@stevenmarruso8313 5 жыл бұрын

Great video Ray, wish this was available when I built my FT5, I probably would have stayed away from FolgerTech if I knew what I was getting myself into, full time job maintaining this machine, I have had my FT5 fro over 2 years, I converted it to R2 / 24v after the first year, have had so many issues with this printer, I would advise anyone to look elsewhere if they are serious about printing parts for prototyping, this really is a hobbyist machine at best. The instruction manual was very poorly written for R1, R2 is a bit better but still could use improvements, support is also very poor from FolgerTech, you will get more assistance from online communities than you will from them.. I am now looking into Prusa 3 MK3, or perhaps a professional printer.

@stigberntsen9301 5 жыл бұрын

The Prusa is heaven compared to this.

@Jason.Manaigre 5 жыл бұрын

Totally agree. Still trying to use my R1. It's a joke. Folgertech failed on all fronts.

@stigberntsen9301 5 жыл бұрын

@@Jason.Manaigre Missing information, the building guide is a complete joke, and - the parts themselves is not good machined. I am so disappointed with this KIT. Has nothing to do with my understanding, but I expect parts to actually fit together. Still not finished my R2 - it might be I actually just keep the motors/electronics and throw the rest away.

@RayMAKES 5 жыл бұрын

yeah, i tried to stay focused on the the build but the instructions and quality (as noted in the video) was significantly lacking