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Small, secure .. little sections to watch your bugs crawl through .. the down side is you have to get them through the hole at the top .. and smaller bugs including ants can get through the air holes ..
Showing posts with label learning toys for infants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label learning toys for infants. Show all posts
Friday, November 7, 2014
Best Uncle Milton John Deere Bug Jug Deals
I am not a big bug lover but of course my two boys are and I gave one to my nephew as well for the holidays. It's compact so it's not like they can hold alot of bugs so that worked out for us.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Discount My First Lab Prepared Slide Sets - Blood & Guts and Incredible
A wonderful introduction set to use with your first microscope. Our grandson has enjoyed this set very much. I recommend this set. Do be advised the slides are glass so adult supervision is needed until the child becomes adept with setting up slides with their microscope.
students how to use a microscope. Great value for
starving teachers
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For the price, you can't beat these slides for teachingstudents how to use a microscope. Great value for
starving teachers
Best Deals for My First Lab Prepared Slide Sets - Blood & Guts and Incredible
I haven't seen these slides, as I had it sent directly to my granddaughter in SC. I have heard she "loves it" and my DIL said it was very interesting. Sorry I can't give more specifics.Honest reviews on My First Lab Prepared Slide Sets - Blood & Guts and Incredible
These slides include items kids enjoy looking at. They might be good for home school science class too. We just use them so the kids and their friends can learn about their world with dad.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for My First Lab Prepared Slide Sets - Blood & Guts and Incredible
My daughter received a my first lab microscope for christmas and i bought two sets of these-plants and gutsto go with it. Well done and we have enjoyed themSunday, October 26, 2014
Discount LeapFrog Twinkle Twinkle Little
My daughter has the larger "Violet" Leap Frog toy and I purchased this cute mini version (I have the purple violet one... only difference is the color) for a long car trip. She LOVES this and it's her new "nighttime" toy. The little moon lights up. It has three buttons off, a "short" little song such as ("Naptime's here, my eyes, they close...") and then either 10 or 20 minutes of lullabies or nighttime music. The little "Blankie" is removable/washable and threads through the moon to stay put. My daughter is 10 months old. She puts the blanket up to her face and uses it to soothe herself to sleep. Highly recommend! (FYI you cannot customize your child's name like the bigger Violet/Scout).
thank you whoever created this. thank you from the bottom of my heart.
When you push the sleepy time button it doesn't play the music or the nature sounds immediately. Instead it is a woman's voice says "10 min of lullabies, (press again) "20min of lullabies", (press again) "10 min of nature sounds", (press again) "20 min of nature sounds" before playing any music or nature sounds. I'm not sure if my daughter is repeatedly pressing the button trying to find the music and nature sounds because she is only hearing the woman's voice or if she is just pressing buttons.
The low volume is still a little loud but it works and I suppose it drowns out any other background noise that is happening in the house.
I like that it will play for 20 min. I like that it has the option of lullabies or nature sounds. I like the songs it plays.
Overall I am thinking of getting another seahorse for this second child since it is so easy for them to turn on by themselves, i just wish it had nature sounds.
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this doll enables us to drive for up to twenty minutes without my four month screaming. she hates the car. she has hated all other cars, the three types of carseats that we have used, having people ride in the back, and every other type of distraction. i put this in with her and her screams of outrage turned into song. now she sings with the puppy on every trip (that last less than 20 minutes).thank you whoever created this. thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Best Deals for LeapFrog Twinkle Twinkle Little
My son got this for his first birthday and we all love it! He has the bigger Scout so was excited to see a familiar face when he opened his gift and pulled out this adorable mini Scout. It plays music, the moon lights up, and the blanket is removable and washable. I would recommend it to everyone and it will be a new favorite thing to give at baby showers. Too cute!!Honest reviews on LeapFrog Twinkle Twinkle Little
Love Little Violet, my two girls had Glo Worms and neither one was impressed with them. I personally didn't like its hard face and fact that it played music for such a short time. Little Violet is much better, longer playing (10 & 20 minute settings) and is soft. My 7 mos old baby girl loves her naptime & settling in on car trips. My friend is having her first daughter in a few weeks this is what I'll be gifting her. Recommended.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for LeapFrog Twinkle Twinkle Little
Small kids like to push buttons and 3 buttons are too much for a child in the middle of the night. The sleep button is hard for my 20 month old to find when she is trying to turn it on herself while sleepy yet, the power button is in just the right place to turn the the sounds off as soon as she tries to cuddle it. The play time/nap button is the button seems to be the easiest to access.When you push the sleepy time button it doesn't play the music or the nature sounds immediately. Instead it is a woman's voice says "10 min of lullabies, (press again) "20min of lullabies", (press again) "10 min of nature sounds", (press again) "20 min of nature sounds" before playing any music or nature sounds. I'm not sure if my daughter is repeatedly pressing the button trying to find the music and nature sounds because she is only hearing the woman's voice or if she is just pressing buttons.
The low volume is still a little loud but it works and I suppose it drowns out any other background noise that is happening in the house.
I like that it will play for 20 min. I like that it has the option of lullabies or nature sounds. I like the songs it plays.
Overall I am thinking of getting another seahorse for this second child since it is so easy for them to turn on by themselves, i just wish it had nature sounds.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Discount Coconut Gourd Kalimba Thumb Piano 7 Tuneable Note
these kalimbas have a rich full sound.
they are a bit challenging to tune, but are indeed tunable.
great sound ata an affordable price, and I love that they are fair trade.
they are a bit challenging to tune, but are indeed tunable.
great sound ata an affordable price, and I love that they are fair trade.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Cheap StudyX: Makes Learning Easy and Fun
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Animal Cell Cross Section Model; no. LER1900 Review
Just as advertised, took a while to get here, but I wasn't in a hurry...I am pleased with this purchase
Each side of the cell has it's own purpose. One side's organelles are labeled, and the other's have only letters and arrows, which makes one side a quiz for the other. There is also a paper included which describes each part of the cell and its function.
The pictures seem to be on a thin film of some kind, so I'm not sure that they wouldn't come off with a lot of rough play. This makes me nervous to just let my little ones use it when I'm not around, but I have no proof that it is or is not durable yet.
We plan to get the plant cell and bacteria for his birthday, and I look forward to watching him play with the set. These would be excellent home schooling or classroom tools as well.
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The Animal Cell Cross Section Model was just a wonderful item. I actually also ordered the Plant Cell Model too because I loved the quality of this product! Fast service too!Best Deals for Animal Cell Cross Section Model; no. LER1900
Just so you understand that there are only 2 parts. It's not like all of the little organelles can be taken out. Soft, seems durable for big kids.Honest reviews on Animal Cell Cross Section Model; no. LER1900
My son was so excited to pull out his own cell this Christmas. He loves the pictures of the organelles, and the soft, ball-like texture of the cell as a whole. The two sides fit together loosely, so there is no difficulty in getting it apart.Each side of the cell has it's own purpose. One side's organelles are labeled, and the other's have only letters and arrows, which makes one side a quiz for the other. There is also a paper included which describes each part of the cell and its function.
The pictures seem to be on a thin film of some kind, so I'm not sure that they wouldn't come off with a lot of rough play. This makes me nervous to just let my little ones use it when I'm not around, but I have no proof that it is or is not durable yet.
We plan to get the plant cell and bacteria for his birthday, and I look forward to watching him play with the set. These would be excellent home schooling or classroom tools as well.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Best AmScope 3.5X-180X Manufacturing 144-LED Zoom Stereo Microscope Deals
Customer Ratings: 
List Price: $2,700.00
Sale Price: $679.98
Today's Bonus: 75% Off

I got much more than I anticipated when I purchased this microscope. It is amazing. I bought it to grade coins, but, I have been looking at a lot of things with it. Things like bugs, serial numbers, items that I can't see clearly (or not at all).
List Price: $2,700.00
Sale Price: $679.98
Today's Bonus: 75% Off
I got much more than I anticipated when I purchased this microscope. It is amazing. I bought it to grade coins, but, I have been looking at a lot of things with it. Things like bugs, serial numbers, items that I can't see clearly (or not at all).
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Discount Make-A-Match Language Lotto
This is the one bingo game that my preschoolers keep asking to play!
It's great for ESL students to play with too and not feel shy about joining in.
The real items for the students to hold and touch is so much more engaging than just playing with "bingo chips".
It's great for ESL students to play with too and not feel shy about joining in.
The real items for the students to hold and touch is so much more engaging than just playing with "bingo chips".
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Review of 27" Inflate-A-Globe
This is a great product and I've been very surprised by it's durability. I have two boys who treat it like an exercise ball.
We write on it with white board erasable pens then wipe it clean.
There is no other way to have such a BIG globe at such a low price.
You can roll it across the room or hang it from a well made loop on the ball.
We love it!!!
UPDATE:
May 2012 the boys filled it with water and jumped on it-it split. But for almost 4 years it was great .. and we don't need it now.
We write on it with white board erasable pens then wipe it clean.
There is no other way to have such a BIG globe at such a low price.
You can roll it across the room or hang it from a well made loop on the ball.
We love it!!!
UPDATE:
May 2012 the boys filled it with water and jumped on it-it split. But for almost 4 years it was great .. and we don't need it now.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
Really nice, accurated, updated and good looking. Perhaps colors could be in better contrast.Best Deals for 27" Inflate-A-Globe
I don't use this inflatable globe as a toy, but as a tool at work to visualize satellite ground tracks and the visibility of points on the Earth from an orbiting satellite in space. The large size allows more detail on the surface and resolution in latitude and longitude.Honest reviews on 27" Inflate-A-Globe
This inflatable globe was even bigger than I expected. I've used it when babysitting and in a school setting, and it's a huge hit. I'm surprised at how rough kids can be, and it so far has held up (although I've only had it a few months and don't use it everyday). Educationally, I use it to show where musical instruments and songs come from in the world. When looking at the US, my only wish is that the states are represented individually, since it would help my kids find their home states easier. Major cities are shown, which helps a little.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for 27" Inflate-A-Globe
This is a really cool toy that can be very educational... if you can get the kids to observe it rather that climb on it (but it is fun to climb on). I think that this would be better used for it's true purpose in a classroom setting. Maybe by using it as a spin point and read game? Maybe have the child tell the continent they point to when it stops spinning, or read the location? It is a fantastic idea, however, when you have it at home it kind of collects dust in a corner after the novelty wears offWednesday, September 10, 2014
White Box Gardens - Hot Peppers, Tomatoes, and Cilantro Review
i got this for my birthday...at first, i was really skeptical because I never can take care of plants properly....but this thing really made things easy....i just followed the directions and within weeks cilantro and peppers were growing....i used it to make a taco dinner for my gf and really impressed her....I never thought that i had a green thumb until now...awesome product!!!
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Trigger Points I and II Paper Chart/Posters Reviews
Customer Ratings: 
List Price: $50.05
Sale Price: $48.17
Today's Bonus: 4% Off

Perfect TP posters I love them for a quick reference/ brain storm with my pain patients. I have been an LMT for over 5 years and these still help to jog my brain on those "foggy brain" days.Had to flatten out the poster since it was rolled up and a little creased but I believe that's inevitable. Good price!
List Price: $50.05
Sale Price: $48.17
Today's Bonus: 4% Off
Perfect TP posters I love them for a quick reference/ brain storm with my pain patients. I have been an LMT for over 5 years and these still help to jog my brain on those "foggy brain" days.Had to flatten out the poster since it was rolled up and a little creased but I believe that's inevitable. Good price!
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Buy Learning Resources Prepared Slides, Set I
These prepared slides are of very good quality and good enough that my first grader kid was able to handle the slides by herself. Each slide is nicely labeled and is color coded. You do need to treat slides with care as these slides are made of glass. My kid was very pleased with the details she could see at high magnification. Very satisfied with the purchase overall.
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good quality slides. We have 2 sets of these. They're well mounted and clearly labeled.Best Deals for Learning Resources Prepared Slides, Set I
Love the variety the two sets provide with our microscope, also from Amazon. These are quality specimens in glass bordered by coated cardboard. Well labelled.Honest reviews on Learning Resources Prepared Slides, Set I
I expected something a tad more exotic to look at, but virtually everything on the slides is fairly common--fibers and plants and scales and so forth--so while it's convenient to have even such humdrum subjects available in prepared form, there's not a huge value to looking at them. Not that every slide needed to include unicorn horn velvet and mermaid slime, but a few things that an average person would have a little trouble rounding up would have immeasurably improved the value.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Learning Resources Prepared Slides, Set I
I bought these for my six year to go along with a microscope he got for Christmas. After reading others reviews, I was happy to find they were about what I expected. They are perfect for a beginner. I like the variety of objects to look at and the fact that they come in a nice box to store them. He was so excited to play these and they have spurred a lot of educational discussions. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase.Sunday, August 10, 2014
Cheap FlashForge 3D printer, dual extruder w/2 ABS spools
I've got 6 Makerbot Replicators (5 Dual, and 1 Single extruder). I needed another (I run a small business) and wanted to look into the Flash Forge as a possible alternative. My primary goal was to make sure I got a 3D printer that would still be compatible with the files I've already got exported for the other bots to use. I didn't want to have to re-export all of my models, just for one bot to use.
I'll start out by saying that the Creator IS compatible with Makerbot's 7.2 firmware, Makerware, and .X3G files. Totally and completely. Plugged it in through USB with Makerware up, and it registered it as a Makerbot. No hiccups or problems flashing the firmware. It all just worked.
The machines are not identical, but they're very close. The Creator is obviously based on The Replicator, and a lot of parts are the same, or very very similar. The Creator's screen in the front is bigger, and brighter (it's blue with white text) and if you're lower than it, it's very easy to read, even from half a room away. However if you're above eye-level from the screen the viewing angle is crap and you have to bend down to read it. The refresh rate is also a lot lower, so you have to scroll slower to actually be able to read it.
The buttons on the Creator are really nice. I love that they're separate instead of one continued squishy square. I also love how the Creator's buttons are very 'clicky'. The Replicator's buttons are very soft and mushy, and sometimes I can't tell if I've pushed them or not, or accidentally let my finger slip to the side and then end up going back in the menu.
The build platform seems nice and consistently flat so far. At first I was worried that it wouldn't be very leveled, but I haven't had any problems with it. I've actually had more problems with one of my makerbot's that has a slightly warped platform in one corner. The Creator does NOT come with a roll of Kapton tape, however. So you'll definitely need to make sure you buy yourself a roll from somewhere. The build platform comes with tape already applied to it, but you'll need to change that out after a while, so get yourself some tape.
--editing this bit - My Creator came with MK7 nozzles instead of MK8 nozzles and I actually ended up replacing it with an MK8 that I ordered from Makerbot. However my friend got two Creator's about two months ago, and his came with MK8 nozzles, and they work beautifully, so I'm assuming they've upgrades since I originally bought my bot.
--/edit
Overall, I'm happy. It's definitely a decent alternative, but I'd say it's slightly more finicky than the Replicators in some areas. Might need a bit more love and attention, so it might not be quite as user-friendly.
Also, there are enough differences around the Extruder area that the mods out there (like the baring and spring replacement for the craptacular Delrin Plunger feed mechanism) won't work as they are, and you'll have to make modifications to get them to fit and attach properly. --edit-It actually appears that they redesigned the plunger area so it actually mimics the barrings mod that I prefer to use on my replicators, so... good on them! This is a definite improvement --/edit--
Oh one other difference is that the Creator doesn't have all the fancy LED lights all over the place, like the Replicator does, but this is honestly a feature more than anything else. The LED arrays in the Makerbots are notorious for causing electrical shorts, which cause the fuse capacitor on the Mightboard to blow, requiring a replacement of the whole darn board. Creator got rid of the LEDs all together, and I think this is good because it reduces the risk fo shorts and static zaps.
Anyway, I've only had it a few days, but so far I'm satisfied.
The spool holder is interestingly different gives greater room for different spool sizes, but it doesn't hold them on very well, so you've got to keep your eye on it for the first few prints since it'll want to unravel and get tangled around the holder.
--edit--
OKay, so now that I've had the thing about 5 months, I figured I'd update this.
I still like the Creator as a viable alternative. Although mine is actually down at the moment because of a blown x-stop cable.
I wanted to add in this because I know more and more people with no experience with 3D printers are looking into them. They are not end-user-friendly devices. This isn't like your average consumer-level machine where the thing just works without much tinkering. They break down regularly and you will have to replace parts. Over the last year, on all of my bots, I've gone through xstop cables, thermocouples, nozzles, replaced plungers with barring mods, replaced ALL of their heated build platform cables, replaced fans, and even had to replace one of the stepper motors. This is normal. It's true for Replicators and it's true for the Creator. (In fact, one reason to stick with an actual Replicator, over a Creator, is that they cover their machines under warranty, so when something breaks, they'll send you replacement parts for free.)
If you're the sort that's afraid to mess with a machine when something goes wrong, a 3D printer probably isn't for you. There's a reason that it was the DIY community that started this home 3d printer movement. The founders of this movement, and the people who drive it, are all tinkerers. Building the 3D Printers is just as much part of the fun as actually using them. If you think that sentence is totally mental, then 3D printers aren't ready for you yet. Wait a few more years until they get more end-user friendly.
However, if you're willing to try and learn, it's not really that hard. I was never much of a tinkerer, and definitely never could have imagined myself replacing a heated nozzle, or trouble-shooting the latest inexplicable problem, a year ago, and now I do it all the time. The learning curve isn't *that* high.
Why I bought this printer:
Price for a printer with two extruders could not be beat.
-at the date I purchased, I stopped looking after I ordered
Google groups showed some problems and company seemed to be addressing the issue as they came in a fair manner, and revising design
Similar to makerbot replicator, other post here highlighted the differences
Why I almost didn't buy this printer
Flashforge website is a bit of a mess seems there are two sites that link back and forth with one another
One report of a shipping problem (how would I deal with that kind of problem being 12 timezones away)
Positive First thoughts
Arrived well packaged, box wasn't beat-up to badly but it defiantly wasn't handled with kid gloves
Was able to print in an hour or so of opening the box
Printing something in 3d is defiantly something to watch the first few times you do it
They emailed me the most up to date manual the day my printer was to be delivered, (a nice personal touch I thought)
They include Spare parts (screws that will roll under something, molded plastic retaining hardware so it will still look stock if you accidentally break something )
Negative First thoughts
Manual mentioned black screws to install extruder assembly there were no black screws in my package of parts, a screw length would have been more useful
Some advice on how to prepare the print surface would have helped
Clear example of how to do your first print may help someone who hasn't researched skienforge/ makerbot/ maker ware/flashforge
Positive a week later
Firmware update scary but was easy (sailfish firmware was worth the update)
Dual prints work well (although I still have to figure out deprime settings)
Happy to find makerware works to generate Gcode
Still lots of filament left despite heavy use the first few days
I feel comfortable enough to start a print and go to bed now
I was happy to find the makerbot replicator design files on thingiverse, so claims that this is built from an open source design were easy to confirm. It makes me just that little bit happier I bought this one.
The flashforge team really put a good device together, branching off an ok design and getting it just right, it really works just out of the box.
Negatives a week later
Weaknesses appear to be in software it is almost all open source so not FF fault
-It's always improving but if you don't have the patience to deal with software updates, non ideal workflows and several different ways to do things, maybe wait to get a 3d printer
My only faults in dual prints are the other colour oozing out of the extruder (again likely software configuration/proper use issue)
I have some issues with warped bottoms on larger prints; however use of fresh kapton, a wash of acetone/leftover plastic seems to work well for me if I need a perfect print.
Open issues:
PLA printing (CLOSED see addendum)
-Seems to be fixed in later printers
-Not sure if my printer is in the "fixed" or" partially fixed" batch not an issue for me right now. However I would like to see the Level of effort to make the fix. I think it's just to replace the nozzles but I am not sure.
well that's my review hope it helps someone sitting on the fence one way or another
Addendum:
good news
its been almost 5 months now still runs like a champ
flashforge sent me an upgraded extruder so in theory i can print PLA, i need to get around to trying that out but news on the forums says it works fairly well
-found printer travels well if you add plexi glass panels... everything you need piles into the printer and a box making it easy to bring it some where to show.
software is a little better. but that combined with unchecked models on thingiverse is still the cause of most of my failed prints.
bad news
had to replace the x-axis end stop wire with the included one (again 20 min of my time so no big deal just scary when it failed that's all )
i am not printing every day (but i never expected i would be running 24/7)
(also fixed some typos above)
Update: We have had this for awhile and still printing things out. We have had an issue with the display. One of us shocked the unit (The unit sits on a table in a carpeted room)and caused some digits to quit working. The company was nice enough to send us a replacement, but I managed to damage that one too. I would add some ESD protection to the display interface. At any rate one thing I may suggest is that I think the unit does need to be tested for FCC compliance part 15 and have a certificate placed on the unit.
The company was great to deal with, kept in touch with me and answered my questions promptly. Even though this shipped from China I got it in a week.
So I ordered this late Thursday night and it arrived at my doorstep on Tuesday morning via FedEx. It was very well packaged, no damage to anything.
Here is all you need to do to get up and running;
Switch the power supply to 115V.
Attach the extruders using the two shortest silver screws found in the hardware bag. Attach the spool holders, put spools of filament on. Install the two black plastic filament guide tubes in the plastic clips found on the back of the machine.
That is it for assembly. Do not forget to switch the power supply to 115V.
Next download MakeWare and install it. The Flashforge instructions tell you to use RepG but you can use MakerWare instead it will be easier. In MakerWare you need to tell it that you are using The Replicator (dual). Once you plug in the USB cable and it connects you will be able to upload new firmware. Currently the latest is 7.2 and it has worked perfectly so far.
Then level the build platform and load the filament into the extruders. There are built in utilities for both of these.
There is also a program under utilities for calibrating the extruders. Use this to dial in the offsets for the dual extruders, mine was slightly off.
Positives:
Well made
Comes with two full spools of filament, black and white (not natural)
Some spare parts are included such as several screws, nuts, fuse, thumbscrew for leveling the platform, linear bearings, a three foot long cable (for limit switches I think), belt, fan, and the plastic clip used for securing the filament guide tube.
2GB SD card included
Easy to set up first print was flawless.
Much support available since nearly all Replicator tips, upgrades or solutions will also apply to this machine.
Arrived in less than five days.
Works with MakerWare
Negatives:
The fan that cools the mainboard is mounted on standoffs which tend to vibrate, there is a gap between the fan and the floor of the machine. A glob of hot glue securing the fan to the panel helps a bit. I will probably replace it with a quieter fan.
Right extruder nozzle a few thousandth higher than left I will need to adjust it.
Buttons frequently register a double press getting used to it.
Somewhere there is a loose fastener, I can hear it vibrating when printing but cannot locate it. Has no negative effect on printing.*
* The noise was coming from the Y axis rods. I loosened their mounts and retightened while holding a little pressure outboard. This small adjustment was enough to eliminate the rattling.
I'll start out by saying that the Creator IS compatible with Makerbot's 7.2 firmware, Makerware, and .X3G files. Totally and completely. Plugged it in through USB with Makerware up, and it registered it as a Makerbot. No hiccups or problems flashing the firmware. It all just worked.
The machines are not identical, but they're very close. The Creator is obviously based on The Replicator, and a lot of parts are the same, or very very similar. The Creator's screen in the front is bigger, and brighter (it's blue with white text) and if you're lower than it, it's very easy to read, even from half a room away. However if you're above eye-level from the screen the viewing angle is crap and you have to bend down to read it. The refresh rate is also a lot lower, so you have to scroll slower to actually be able to read it.
The buttons on the Creator are really nice. I love that they're separate instead of one continued squishy square. I also love how the Creator's buttons are very 'clicky'. The Replicator's buttons are very soft and mushy, and sometimes I can't tell if I've pushed them or not, or accidentally let my finger slip to the side and then end up going back in the menu.
The build platform seems nice and consistently flat so far. At first I was worried that it wouldn't be very leveled, but I haven't had any problems with it. I've actually had more problems with one of my makerbot's that has a slightly warped platform in one corner. The Creator does NOT come with a roll of Kapton tape, however. So you'll definitely need to make sure you buy yourself a roll from somewhere. The build platform comes with tape already applied to it, but you'll need to change that out after a while, so get yourself some tape.
--editing this bit - My Creator came with MK7 nozzles instead of MK8 nozzles and I actually ended up replacing it with an MK8 that I ordered from Makerbot. However my friend got two Creator's about two months ago, and his came with MK8 nozzles, and they work beautifully, so I'm assuming they've upgrades since I originally bought my bot.
--/edit
Overall, I'm happy. It's definitely a decent alternative, but I'd say it's slightly more finicky than the Replicators in some areas. Might need a bit more love and attention, so it might not be quite as user-friendly.
Also, there are enough differences around the Extruder area that the mods out there (like the baring and spring replacement for the craptacular Delrin Plunger feed mechanism) won't work as they are, and you'll have to make modifications to get them to fit and attach properly. --edit-It actually appears that they redesigned the plunger area so it actually mimics the barrings mod that I prefer to use on my replicators, so... good on them! This is a definite improvement --/edit--
Oh one other difference is that the Creator doesn't have all the fancy LED lights all over the place, like the Replicator does, but this is honestly a feature more than anything else. The LED arrays in the Makerbots are notorious for causing electrical shorts, which cause the fuse capacitor on the Mightboard to blow, requiring a replacement of the whole darn board. Creator got rid of the LEDs all together, and I think this is good because it reduces the risk fo shorts and static zaps.
Anyway, I've only had it a few days, but so far I'm satisfied.
The spool holder is interestingly different gives greater room for different spool sizes, but it doesn't hold them on very well, so you've got to keep your eye on it for the first few prints since it'll want to unravel and get tangled around the holder.
--edit--
OKay, so now that I've had the thing about 5 months, I figured I'd update this.
I still like the Creator as a viable alternative. Although mine is actually down at the moment because of a blown x-stop cable.
I wanted to add in this because I know more and more people with no experience with 3D printers are looking into them. They are not end-user-friendly devices. This isn't like your average consumer-level machine where the thing just works without much tinkering. They break down regularly and you will have to replace parts. Over the last year, on all of my bots, I've gone through xstop cables, thermocouples, nozzles, replaced plungers with barring mods, replaced ALL of their heated build platform cables, replaced fans, and even had to replace one of the stepper motors. This is normal. It's true for Replicators and it's true for the Creator. (In fact, one reason to stick with an actual Replicator, over a Creator, is that they cover their machines under warranty, so when something breaks, they'll send you replacement parts for free.)
If you're the sort that's afraid to mess with a machine when something goes wrong, a 3D printer probably isn't for you. There's a reason that it was the DIY community that started this home 3d printer movement. The founders of this movement, and the people who drive it, are all tinkerers. Building the 3D Printers is just as much part of the fun as actually using them. If you think that sentence is totally mental, then 3D printers aren't ready for you yet. Wait a few more years until they get more end-user friendly.
However, if you're willing to try and learn, it's not really that hard. I was never much of a tinkerer, and definitely never could have imagined myself replacing a heated nozzle, or trouble-shooting the latest inexplicable problem, a year ago, and now I do it all the time. The learning curve isn't *that* high.
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Amazon suggests a shorter reply but if you are going to spend 1300 dollars on something you probably want to know as much as possible. So will do this in point form, overall it does deserve a 4-5 star rating with the difference being how much fiddling you are willing to put up with for me I'm tolerant and I like the tweaking so it gets a 5.Why I bought this printer:
Price for a printer with two extruders could not be beat.
-at the date I purchased, I stopped looking after I ordered
Google groups showed some problems and company seemed to be addressing the issue as they came in a fair manner, and revising design
Similar to makerbot replicator, other post here highlighted the differences
Why I almost didn't buy this printer
Flashforge website is a bit of a mess seems there are two sites that link back and forth with one another
One report of a shipping problem (how would I deal with that kind of problem being 12 timezones away)
Positive First thoughts
Arrived well packaged, box wasn't beat-up to badly but it defiantly wasn't handled with kid gloves
Was able to print in an hour or so of opening the box
Printing something in 3d is defiantly something to watch the first few times you do it
They emailed me the most up to date manual the day my printer was to be delivered, (a nice personal touch I thought)
They include Spare parts (screws that will roll under something, molded plastic retaining hardware so it will still look stock if you accidentally break something )
Negative First thoughts
Manual mentioned black screws to install extruder assembly there were no black screws in my package of parts, a screw length would have been more useful
Some advice on how to prepare the print surface would have helped
Clear example of how to do your first print may help someone who hasn't researched skienforge/ makerbot/ maker ware/flashforge
Positive a week later
Firmware update scary but was easy (sailfish firmware was worth the update)
Dual prints work well (although I still have to figure out deprime settings)
Happy to find makerware works to generate Gcode
Still lots of filament left despite heavy use the first few days
I feel comfortable enough to start a print and go to bed now
I was happy to find the makerbot replicator design files on thingiverse, so claims that this is built from an open source design were easy to confirm. It makes me just that little bit happier I bought this one.
The flashforge team really put a good device together, branching off an ok design and getting it just right, it really works just out of the box.
Negatives a week later
Weaknesses appear to be in software it is almost all open source so not FF fault
-It's always improving but if you don't have the patience to deal with software updates, non ideal workflows and several different ways to do things, maybe wait to get a 3d printer
My only faults in dual prints are the other colour oozing out of the extruder (again likely software configuration/proper use issue)
I have some issues with warped bottoms on larger prints; however use of fresh kapton, a wash of acetone/leftover plastic seems to work well for me if I need a perfect print.
Open issues:
PLA printing (CLOSED see addendum)
-Seems to be fixed in later printers
-Not sure if my printer is in the "fixed" or" partially fixed" batch not an issue for me right now. However I would like to see the Level of effort to make the fix. I think it's just to replace the nozzles but I am not sure.
well that's my review hope it helps someone sitting on the fence one way or another
Addendum:
good news
its been almost 5 months now still runs like a champ
flashforge sent me an upgraded extruder so in theory i can print PLA, i need to get around to trying that out but news on the forums says it works fairly well
-found printer travels well if you add plexi glass panels... everything you need piles into the printer and a box making it easy to bring it some where to show.
software is a little better. but that combined with unchecked models on thingiverse is still the cause of most of my failed prints.
bad news
had to replace the x-axis end stop wire with the included one (again 20 min of my time so no big deal just scary when it failed that's all )
i am not printing every day (but i never expected i would be running 24/7)
(also fixed some typos above)
Best Deals for FlashForge 3D printer, dual extruder w/2 ABS spools
We received our unit in the mail from China yesterday. We received prompt and quick service and any questions were quickly answered. The unit appears well designed and the pressed wood panels are better in my opinion then if they were produced in plastic. The paneling is more for looks than structural strength anyway. It took us awhile to figure out how to properly configure and calibrate the base plate and extruder. The Replicator is based on an open source hardware design and uses a community based and maintained software suite. This can be somewhat frustrating during the learning curve as the community is constantly updating the software and its associated companion programs and they don't always play nice together. Sometimes this doesn't go smoothly. However, before too long we were on our way printing our first article, a small whistle with moving ball inside. It actually printed the ball inside the whistle one layer at a time, then closed up the case of the whistle. Its quite interesting to watch it work. A great investment for children to learn the basics of mechanical 3D structures and rapid prototyping. And yes, the customer service was much better than many of my American experiences.Update: We have had this for awhile and still printing things out. We have had an issue with the display. One of us shocked the unit (The unit sits on a table in a carpeted room)and caused some digits to quit working. The company was nice enough to send us a replacement, but I managed to damage that one too. I would add some ESD protection to the display interface. At any rate one thing I may suggest is that I think the unit does need to be tested for FCC compliance part 15 and have a certificate placed on the unit.
Honest reviews on FlashForge 3D printer, dual extruder w/2 ABS spools
I have no experience with 3d printers so I have nothing to compare it to. That said this printer has exceeded my expectations. Within an hour of starting to use it I was printing my first object. After that I made a test design in sketchup and was able to print it as well. My son has been downloading designs from thingiverse like mad and printing them, he even printed an object that clips on to the printer to help feed the filament.The company was great to deal with, kept in touch with me and answered my questions promptly. Even though this shipped from China I got it in a week.
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My third 3D printer. I have a cupcake, highly modified Thing-O-Matic and now this one. This is a clone of the MakerBot Replicator. I normally would not support a company that sold a copy of a product but since you can no longer get a Replicator from MakerBot this was the best alternative. I have no interest in the Replicator 2, I believe the original Replicator design to be a better printer.So I ordered this late Thursday night and it arrived at my doorstep on Tuesday morning via FedEx. It was very well packaged, no damage to anything.
Here is all you need to do to get up and running;
Switch the power supply to 115V.
Attach the extruders using the two shortest silver screws found in the hardware bag. Attach the spool holders, put spools of filament on. Install the two black plastic filament guide tubes in the plastic clips found on the back of the machine.
That is it for assembly. Do not forget to switch the power supply to 115V.
Next download MakeWare and install it. The Flashforge instructions tell you to use RepG but you can use MakerWare instead it will be easier. In MakerWare you need to tell it that you are using The Replicator (dual). Once you plug in the USB cable and it connects you will be able to upload new firmware. Currently the latest is 7.2 and it has worked perfectly so far.
Then level the build platform and load the filament into the extruders. There are built in utilities for both of these.
There is also a program under utilities for calibrating the extruders. Use this to dial in the offsets for the dual extruders, mine was slightly off.
Positives:
Well made
Comes with two full spools of filament, black and white (not natural)
Some spare parts are included such as several screws, nuts, fuse, thumbscrew for leveling the platform, linear bearings, a three foot long cable (for limit switches I think), belt, fan, and the plastic clip used for securing the filament guide tube.
2GB SD card included
Easy to set up first print was flawless.
Much support available since nearly all Replicator tips, upgrades or solutions will also apply to this machine.
Arrived in less than five days.
Works with MakerWare
Negatives:
The fan that cools the mainboard is mounted on standoffs which tend to vibrate, there is a gap between the fan and the floor of the machine. A glob of hot glue securing the fan to the panel helps a bit. I will probably replace it with a quieter fan.
Right extruder nozzle a few thousandth higher than left I will need to adjust it.
Buttons frequently register a double press getting used to it.
Somewhere there is a loose fastener, I can hear it vibrating when printing but cannot locate it. Has no negative effect on printing.*
* The noise was coming from the Y axis rods. I loosened their mounts and retightened while holding a little pressure outboard. This small adjustment was enough to eliminate the rattling.
Monday, August 4, 2014
Educational Insights GeoSafari Sedimentary Rock Collection Review
Very Disappointing. I bought for my grandson and unfortunately did not look at the dimensions or weight. The box and rocks are small. The rocks are about the size of a large marble. From looking at the picture, I thought it was bigger. The information inside the box is like instructions you would receive, not in a book form. Now I have to buy something to go with this since it looks very cheap. One of the pitfalls of buying online.
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Perfect for third grade curriculum. Easy to identify for children of this age. Included are illustrations that help identify the rocks.Best Deals for Educational Insights GeoSafari Sedimentary Rock Collection
The 3rd type of rocks for a beginner's collection. Eight year old grandson is ready to go on a field trip to gather his own matching samples as well as acquire some different ones. Really went over well for an educational present.Honest reviews on Educational Insights GeoSafari Sedimentary Rock Collection
If you are looking to introduce your children to starting collections, this is a great toy. Comes with a storage tray in reusable box if you don't want to invest immediately in collector boxes. Each rock is identified and has facts about it.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Educational Insights GeoSafari Sedimentary Rock Collection
I bought all three for a class presentation and they worked wonderfully. Just the right size and quantity for my purposes.
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