This video showcases a curated selection of open-source 3D printer projects, highlighting lesser-known and innovative designs. The video aims to inspire viewers with the creativity within the 3D printing community and provide information on various build options, ranging in complexity and cost.
The video features the following open-source 3D printer and CNC machine projects:
This video, "Skip the Voron. Build One of THESE Instead!", explores a wide array of open-source 3D printer and CNC machine projects, emphasizing innovation and collaboration within the 3D printing community. The presenter begins by highlighting the collaborative spirit of the community [0:00-0:16], showcasing how designers and engineers freely share their work. The video's main focus is presenting a curated selection of exciting, underappreciated open-source projects [0:35-0:52], narrowed down from hundreds to about fifty promising options. Due to the length of the list, a poll was conducted resulting in the decision to break the review into a series of videos [0:54-1:10]. This first part concentrates on open-source printers, with future installments planned to cover toolheads, multimaterial units, and more [1:03-1:14].
Before delving into the projects, the presenter addresses some housekeeping matters [1:34-2:28]. Links to each project, including purchasing options where available, are provided in the description. The presenter clarifies that some links are affiliate links, supporting the channel, but more importantly, encourages viewers to support the creators directly, emphasizing that many of them aspire to pursue 3D printing full-time [1:55-2:16]. A previous video on this topic is linked in the description. The presenter also notes that, due to the focus on lesser-known projects, there will be less high-quality B-roll footage than in previous videos [2:29-2:56].
The video then launches into a detailed review of several 3D printer projects, starting with the LH Stinger [3:02-3:59]. Described as a "no-compromise cartesian 3D printer designed for speed and precision," kits are available from Fabreeko and FYSETC, costing approximately $700-$770. Next is the Positron [4:00-4:38], a foldable and portable printer fitting inside a filament box. A previous video on the Positron is referenced, and kits are available from various resellers for around $675 (excluding printed parts). A 3D-printable derivative, the Lemontron, is mentioned as a more affordable alternative, costing about $413 [4:39-5:04]. The presenter includes a link to the Lemontron creator's YouTube channel.
Following this, the Duender [5:05-5:40] is introduced - a project converting two Ender 3s into a CoreXY machine. More information is available on Sergey Irbis's channel and Printables page. For those with only one Ender 3, the Ender 3 NG [5:40-6:43] offers an upgrade path, transforming it into a CoreXY machine for approximately $200-$300 (assuming an existing Ender 3). Kits are not yet available, requiring self-sourcing of parts.
High-speed printing is addressed with The 100 [6:44-7:19], a primarily 3D-printed printer boasting extremely fast print speeds and accelerations, with a self-sourced build cost around $350. The VzBot [7:20-8:41] follows, highlighted as a high-speed printer known for its CNC aluminum parts, high-performance components, and all-wheel-drive functionality, costing around $1000-$1500 or more due to specialized components. The presenter points out its strong and active community.
The video then shifts to Printers for Ants projects, beginning with the Micron [8:42-9:33], a compact Voron 2.4-based printer with kits available from various vendors starting at $549. Next is the Salad Fork [9:34-10:47], a Trident-based alternative to the Micron, slightly easier to build and costing roughly $600-$900. Then, the Double Dragon [10:48-11:49] is revealed as a dual CoreXY toolhead printer, offering independent dual extrusion but increasing complexity, and costing $900-$1300. The Dueling Zero [11:50-12:43], a smaller, more manageable version with two independent Voron V0-style printers on a single frame, is estimated at $500-$700.
A brief sponsor message for the Narwal Freo Z10 robotic vacuum and mop follows [12:44-13:52], before continuing with the K3 by Annex Engineering [13:55-14:59], a fast, compact printer with a cross-gantry design, available in kits from Fabreeko for $950. The ZeroG Mercury One [15:01-15:55] is shown as a CoreXY conversion for Ender 5 printers, with a link provided to a YouTube creator's content on the subject. The Viking3D Valkyrie [15:56-16:43] is presented as a high-temperature printer with a heated chamber, available in frame kits around $800 (additional components are needed).
The video then shifts to more beginner-friendly options, starting with The Rook [16:44-17:26] and its more robust counterpart, the Rook 2020 MK2 [17:27-17:58], both mostly 3D-printed CoreXY printers with varying frame types, estimated costs around $360 and $300-$350 respectively. The mostly 3D-printed Fenrir CoreXY [17:59-18:40], featuring integrated walls and an Orbiter 2.0 extruder, is presented next. A link to an interview with the creator on The Infill Podcast is included. The Infini-Z [18:40-19:11] and Babybelt Pro [19:12-19:33] are then introduced as infinite Z-axis printers, still in development and under $200 respectively. Lastly, the video concludes with the Milo CNC [19:34-20:30], a desktop-sized CNC mill, available in kits for $1299. The presenter includes a reference to an interview with the founder. The video ends with a call to action, encouraging subscriptions and comments on potential projects for future videos [20:30-20:50].
