So, after nearly 10 years of faithful service, my shitty ol’ Wanhao i3 Plus is finally ready for retirement. Steppers are buzzing, occasional collisions with the bed, and the heat block just doesn’t… heat as quickly as it used to.

Talking to a mate who does a lot more printing than I, it seems I can’t pass up the Ender 3 V2. The right price for what I typically do, and is backed by a mature community.

I’ve ordered the auto-level kit with it, but nothing else. My i3 already sits in a Lack Rack I made, and it should comfortably take the new printer.

I have a couple of functional print projects on the backburner that were waiting for me to make a move, but wanted to get some advice on mods and upgrades first, that might make the first experience with the Ender even better.

So, asking the more experienced Ender owners out there: are there any essential upgrades, preferably 3D printed, you think I should look at first?

Cheers in advance!

  • BOFH666@lemmy.world
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    6 months ago

    Sorry for the reddit link, but this is a really cheap hack, to get a better frame.

    Print some parts, add nuts and bolts and use a proper method to adjust the frame.

    Other modifications:

    • direct drive
    • enclosure
    • replace the main board or at least adjust the vRefs, check the main board version.
    • use Klipper to let it calculate the compensation for linear advance
    • print something like a brissfang (also compatible with a microswiss direct drive) to get better part-cooling.
    • camera
    • replace the bed springs with silicone