X1C , should I ? or not

Bambu Lab X1 Series Bambu Lab X1C
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Wanted to have a go at 3 D printing so had a look for a forum and here I am.
Sort of put off after reading some posts regarding lack of support and tickets
I will admit I am a numpty, Not good at technology , Silly me I thought it was , Find something you want to bring , Press print and away you go , But alas it seems not with multiple things that can go wrong.
I have the opportunity to buy a used machine with lots of rolls of pigment for what looks to be a good price , One problem is it is 200 miles away and 4 + hours driving each way , Yikes :roll_eyes:
Can / could a numpty cope with an X1C ?
Thanks.

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It really depends on the condition of the printer. You may want to ask for the results of the self-tests and auto-calibration before making the trip. Ideally, also a VFA test print. And repeat the auto-calibration on-site before committing.

A Lidar error would be a no-go for me as the troubleshooting chain can be a never ending and complex chain. Similarly, I’d need to see VFA’s to judge if I can live with them.

Nozzle and extruder issues on the other hand are annoying but resolvable even for a newcomer. It may actually help a bit in negotiation.

:crossed_fingers: & :four_leaf_clover:

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Apparently it was purchased December 2024 , Reason for selling , Not enough time to use it , Does the X1C log faults / codes ? , Thanks for the reply.

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It does log errors and when troubleshooting with Support they may ask you for the log. I don’t know the file name but you can check the wiki for details.

Also, X1C owner here. It’s been a good printer for me. 18 months in I need to do some maintenance but nothing bad.

They are high performance printers so there are some things you’ll want to get semi-fluent with - build plate cleaning and spotting/correcting moisture effects though moisture depends a lot on the printer environment. If you start out with PLA things are a lot easier. Some other filament types can be more demanding to print.

It’s a really fun hobby for many though.

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If you were an experienced user, I’d say go for it—but you said you’re not. Buying used equipment can be a good deal at the right price, but without knowing how the machine behaves when working correctly, how will you tell the difference between a malfunction and user error? Given your limited technical experience, it’s more likely you’re biting off more than you can chew than getting a bargain.

If you’re getting into this for fun or learning, I’d recommend starting with the A1 and figuring out what you don’t like. If you can wait for its release, the Elegoo Centauri is getting rave reviews and some are calling it the “$300 X1 Killer.” The only current drawback is that multicolor support hasn’t been released yet—but since you’re still learning, that can wait. Focus on the basics before dropping over $1,000. You could go cheaper with the A1, but now that it’s jumped to $500 in the US, it doesn’t make sense when the Centauri is being advertised at a lower price.

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Thanks for your thoughts.

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I am in the UK. London England so it’s £’s

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The X1C is one I would say is ok even used. The lidar makes it worth it. It is definitely something you don’t have to tinker with given the calibration+lidar. I won’t ever look for another printer that doesn’t have it since it’s the next evolution of replacing our inferior eyes with micrometer measuring tools.

It’s also not something that can be “abused” like other tools. At least not easily since everything about it is quite ‘out of the box experience’ and not modifiable.

I’ve been in the hobby a long time, took my original printer to extreme modding, only the frame was left that was original from the original printer brand. Overall as awesome as it was and the time and money(much greater than the cost of the X1C) spent was great, there’s nothing like being able to throw random filament in, push a few buttons, and walk away.

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That sounds positive and what I was hoping for , Thanks.

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Doh!, Jest went to ask the questions and the printer is now SOLD :cry:

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I’ve seen some actually being listed on ebay now the X1E and H2D have come out. I’m sure folks are selling to upgrade. If you can swing it new, it’s well worth it. Until they come out with something that’s like 500x500x500 build space this will probably be my goto for years to come. I will say while owning it over the last couple/few years, I’ve not actually thought about replacing/upgrading it. (except for a generic tent/enclosure from amazon it sits in; it’s not at all airtight, one of the only disappointments I had with the printer other than it’s nozzle wiper)

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With the used X1 gone, the A1 is pretty good by what I read on the forum. And it is certainly more budget friendly to dip your toe in the hobby. The difference may see you adding an AMS light and a cheap dryer.

And buying new gives you the warranty you want as a beginner. Usually, things work right out of the box. But if they do not, you will appreciate the ability to just return it for a replacement. Dealing with Bambu support can be lengthy and frustrating, but your financial risk is much reduced.
I believe the UK still has the EU rule? 2 years warranty, first 6 months assumes all errors present at purchase? That can really help your peace of mind.

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