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Balco 3D Printer $364.80 Delivered - Dick Smith eBay

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Balco 3D Printer $364.80 Delivered - Dick Smith eBay
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Obake on 18/03/2017 - 21:36 ebay.com.au (3233 clicks)
Last edited 19/03/2017 - 02:25 by 1 other user
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Original 20% off Selected Tech Stores at eBay Deal Post

I've been thinking about getting a 3D Printer for a while and this deal made me do it.

The Balco 3D Printer is similar to the Cocoon 3D printer Aldi sold a while back and is a clone of the popular Wanhao Duplicator i3 V2.1. It's a great printer for the price.

The original Wanhao, depending on where you look goes for between $600-$800. Kogan's usual price is $449+postage or $456.00 on their eBay store.

Here are some youtube reviews of the Wanhao:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAsaRk26-Gc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzhttJ1h5OY (v2 version)

Computing 3D Printer Balco

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closed Comments

  • mitcheo on 18/03/2017 - 21:41
    +1

    Just bought one, then came on OZ to post it and saw this!

  • mitcheo on 18/03/2017 - 21:43
    +2

    by the way, its balco, not blaco or blanco

    • Obake on 18/03/2017 - 21:45

      Thanks :)

  • slyfox on 18/03/2017 - 21:48

    I was half way through posting this! Ordered mine this morning - looking forward it!

    • jv on 18/03/2017 - 23:09
      -5

      I was half way through posting this! Ordered mine this morning

      Slow at typing?

      • slyfox on 19/03/2017 - 01:10
        +1

        Nah, had to go out, by the time I got back, obake beat me to it!

      • gimli on 19/03/2017 - 07:18
        +3

        When were you last fast enough to post a deal madame JV?

        • PorkHunt on 19/03/2017 - 10:50

          Is jv confirmed female?

  • mitcheo on 18/03/2017 - 21:53

    I have seen an aldi one working and it worked well, like OP said cocoon, balco and wanhao are all the same printer only difference is there is an upgraded V2

  • turk182 on 18/03/2017 - 21:55

    great printer!

  • aibargain on 18/03/2017 - 22:25
    +2

    The Wanhao Duplicator i3 V2 largely gets panned for having so many bugs and needing constant tinkering.

    Any better options at the lower end of the price range used by anyone?

    • ATangk on 18/03/2017 - 23:25
      +2

      What sort of bugs are you talking about? My cocoon create works fine for me.

      • aibargain on 18/03/2017 - 23:26
        +2

        As per review above in post for v2 version. I'm not keen to pull the trigger on this deal.
        Great price tho!

    • dfaktz on 19/03/2017 - 01:09
      +2

      No, sadly not in this price range, the options become goddamn amazing when the budget goes up though.

    • Obake on 19/03/2017 - 06:57

      The Balco in this deal is the ugraded v2.1.

      From what I've read it's fixed some of the issues with v2, the main one being the rubbing belt.

      Other issues can be fixed by upgrading parts yourself. I'm a tinkerer so this doesn't worry me too much and I've had experience with 3D printers at work so know their limits. eg don't expect perfect but DO expect failed prints now and then…

  • fredk1000 on 18/03/2017 - 22:36
    +5

    I bought one of these a few months ago, excellent printer.
    It seems like Dick Smith/Kogan are trying to offload stock. A few weeks ago Kogan put UP the price for a week or so at $549 to then reduce it to $399 maybe create a bigger discount percentage to make more sales??

    Maybe hold off though.
    Have a look here;
    https://www.cocooncreate.com.au/

    Looks like a new model is out soon. Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus with Touch screen re-branded.

    Only Aldi sells Coocoon Create so it must mean it must be around the corner. At what price?

    Over a year now since the original Cocoon Create came out, so it must be soon!

    • igoforthebest on 19/03/2017 - 07:54

      Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus wont be as cheap as this though and the features are exactly the same except the controller being built into the body.

      • fredk1000 on 19/03/2017 - 23:27

        I am guessing when Aldi sell the new Cocoon Create model, I would guess $499.

  • Lord Fart Bucket on 18/03/2017 - 22:40
    +6

    ummm… out of interest, what on earth would you be printing on it?

    Don't get me wrong, i love my gadgets… i just haven't found any use for a 3d printer at home.

    • fredk1000 on 18/03/2017 - 22:45
      +8

      Just have a look, I am sure you would find something you want to print.
      http://www.thingiverse.com/explore/popular

      A engineer/designer/artist/creative person would fine a use.

      • eltito on 18/03/2017 - 23:12

        some of those gadgets on that website are so cool! i almost want one now! almost hehe

      • Lord Fart Bucket on 19/03/2017 - 09:02
        +1

        Could Donald print his wall?

      • hawkers8905 on 19/03/2017 - 14:42

        Oh ffs! Now I want one…

        The AA and AAA battery holders on the first page caught my eye… eneloop storage

    • jv on 18/03/2017 - 23:11
      +5

      what on earth would you be printing on it?

      I use mine to print 3D printers

      • shmahoo on 19/03/2017 - 06:53
        +6

        That's like making your first wish from the genie "Unlimited wishes" !

    • [Deactivated] on 18/03/2017 - 23:36

      I print odd-shaped pieces for model building. Much easier (and better) than carving the pieces from block.

      It's not useful for everyone. But I wouldn't want to go back to not having one.

  • insular on 18/03/2017 - 22:56

    can i print myself a new kidney?

  • nagel on 18/03/2017 - 23:18
    +1

    Whats the price of the filaments?

    • fredk1000 on 18/03/2017 - 23:45
      +1

      $25-30 for PLA/ABS for 1Kg. Not all filaments are not equal.
      I liked the samples that came with the printer, I purchase a roll, right away I noticed it was not the same. Maybe I need to find the optimal temperature or something. The sample PLA printed very nice.
      I have only printer a few items so still a novice.

      • jv on 19/03/2017 - 00:05

        Not all filaments are not equal.

        But some are ?

      • nagel on 19/03/2017 - 03:26

        Damn that can end up being one expensive hobby… Think I'll wait until 3D printers using pellets are getting cheaper!

        • dfaktz on 19/03/2017 - 03:49
          +2

          I'm not sure in what world you think 1kg of plastic filament for $25 would be considered expensive.. I assume you don't use a normal printer either, I wouldn't like to know what a kilo of ink is worth.

        • nagel on 19/03/2017 - 04:14

          @dfaktz: Pellets are at lest 4 times cheaper. Only the machines are expensive right now

        • JMC on 19/03/2017 - 12:59

          I don't think you realise how far 1kg of filament goes. I've printed dozens of things (plus a whole bunch of experiments and failed attempts) and I'm not even through my first roll yet. Most models you'll print will either be partially hollow, or small (big solid prints take prohibitively long to print).

          I bought mine in early January and still have about a quarter of my first spool left.

      • chumbucket on 19/03/2017 - 07:29

        If you can, try putting a box around the printer to keep the heat in. You'd be surprised how much that affects the outcome of the print.

  • Russ on 18/03/2017 - 23:20
    +15

    Everyone, if you aren't sure you need a 3D printer, you can try one for very low cost in all capital cities, and some other cities too. Search on Google, e.g. for Melbourne, search "library Melbourne 3D printer", and up pops the first hit saying "A MakerBot Replicator 2 3D printer is available at Bentleigh Library and Carnegie."

    Even some smaller cities have it, e.g. I found on the web "Port Macquarie-Hastings Library Service now has a 3D Printing service available to the community."

    In Brisbane, it's at "The Edge", part of the State Library of Queensland. You have to attend a training course costing $25, then you just pay for the amount of material you use - they weigh the item and there is a charge per gram.

    I believe the training is free in some cities.

    • jv on 19/03/2017 - 00:07
      +1

      they weigh the item and there is a charge per gram.

      is it legal?

    • crashtest on 19/03/2017 - 00:10

      …..+1 top idea Russ. I'd wanted to understand programming before buying. Found a local service. Cheers n'beers.

    • Russ on 19/03/2017 - 00:10
      +2

      More info, I found there are several 3D printers available for public use in and around Brisbane.

      There's the one at the State Library (in the middle of Brisbane), but also others available at:

      • Logan
      • Bribie Island
      • Caboolture
      • Ipswich
      • Gold Coast
    • Elyxar on 19/03/2017 - 01:40
      +1

      You can also search 3dhubs to find one suitable for you have your stuff printed on.

      Basically people who know what they are doing put their 3D printer up on the site as a 3D hub.
      If someone wants something printed and that hub meets their requirements they contact the hub and upload their file. Price and time is all calculated and once agreed you pay and the hub prints it and you either pick it up or have it delivered.

      I've used 2 hubs so far. If you don't want to buy a printer or you are daunted by the learning curve but want something printed give it a go.

    • XVX on 19/03/2017 - 07:38

      I just found a 3D printer at the Helensvale Library but it says it costs $5 per cubic inch. I only want to print out this headphone stand http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2050885 but would it cost alot at that price rate?

      • igoforthebest on 19/03/2017 - 08:52

        check 3dhubs.com. You might find some locals willing to print for you for cheap, probably might be quicker too!

      • fredk1000 on 19/03/2017 - 23:39

        This would use about 10m of 1.75mm filament about 30g of filament according to Cura splicer software.

    • Tony76 on 19/03/2017 - 12:39

      Thanks, I live in East Bentleigh.

  • bragains on 19/03/2017 - 00:32
    +2

    Damn someone just bought the last one!

    • snaggot on 19/03/2017 - 00:35
      +1

      Yep - It was me!

  • mitcheo on 19/03/2017 - 00:57
    +1

    they still have them at the kogan ebay store

    • Hyena on 19/03/2017 - 09:10

      Doesn't look like they're doing 20% off though :(

  • snaggot on 19/03/2017 - 01:19

    So what's the go-to place for decent quality filaments?

    • Aussar on 19/03/2017 - 07:07

      I've gotten a roll of PLA from BestBay.com.au, $22/kg and free shipping over $60 I think. Doesn't hurt to hunt around and join 3D printer groups though!

  • GOB on 19/03/2017 - 05:15

    Does anyone here know enough about 3D printing to comment on this product:

    Aurora Labs S-Titanium Pro 3D metal printer for US$49,999+GST

    Supposedly the benefits of this small format (170kg) printer are that it can print in 3 modes (SLS, SLM, DED) and can print quickly (supposedly 1 tonne per 24 hours but yet to be confirmed, which is 100x faster than competitors, again, supposedly).

    http://auroralabs3d.com/shop/s-titanium-pro-6/
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5---u__zFRohXQVZYl92pQ

    Any info greatly appreciated! Chrs!

    • chumbucket on 19/03/2017 - 08:03
      +2

      Why would you need to print metal, let alone so much that it would be better to purchase your own SLS printer than contract out?

      Some things to consider with this, they have a very high ongoing consumable cost, they might have to bring their own installers from WA to you, you may have to have it serviced regularly to keep product warranty (again WA techs).

      Speed shouldnt be a priority with 3D printing if it is at the cost of quality. If you were after speed for large runs, then other methods of manufacturing would be much more beneficial.

      I think USYD Engineering was looking at purchasing this printer if the manufacturing lecturer won over the DM's last year.

      • GOB on 19/03/2017 - 12:02

        Thanks for the heads up Ollie, so what type of person or company WOULD find a product like this competitive/beneficial?

        • chumbucket on 19/03/2017 - 12:30
          +1

          Maybe if you were prototyping designs to fit on an engine or some application where you required strength or heat properties? Monash Uni race team used SLS to manufacture uprights for their car one year I think.

          Most of the time its easier and cheaper to start with a block and remove material (CNC for example) rather than build up.

        • Russ on 22/03/2017 - 01:54

          what type of person or company WOULD find a product like this competitive/beneficial?

          There was a TV show a couple of months ago, called "The SuperVet". It's about a veterinarian in England, who repairs injuries that other vets won't touch - like repairing congenital bone deformities. He gets titanium brackets 3-D printed, to hold the bones in the correct position, or even to replace large segments of bone.

          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Supervet

  • Aussar on 19/03/2017 - 07:10
    +1

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/WanhaoDi3/ - Very useful facebook group with a lot of information about this and similar models of printer.

    Knowledgeable people and a great set of links right at the start for more information (especially on upgrades like glass beds, Z-Brace, Hot end, etc etc)

  • BargainKen on 19/03/2017 - 07:38

    Print some eneloops, then I won't have to come here anymore :)

  • freemoneyhunter on 19/03/2017 - 08:37

    I don't see the point of a 3D printer. Save your money, will be another junk item sitting around the house unused.

    • igoforthebest on 19/03/2017 - 08:50
      +4

      3d printers are not for everyone, its useful for those who know how to use it and what to use it for.

      • [Deactivated] on 19/03/2017 - 16:14
        -1

        The examples of items you could 3D print, posted earlier, looks like gimmicky junk to me. One mans trash is anothers treasure?

        • igoforthebest on 19/03/2017 - 17:09

          Each to its own…. That is your opinion, No one is asking you to buy it. This item has been advertised on ozBargain, if it doesn't necessarily reflect your interests, move on…

        • PlagueistheCheap on 19/03/2017 - 18:57
          +1

          One mans trash is anothers treasure?

          That's no way to tell your kid they're adopted

  • MPK on 19/03/2017 - 08:39

    I have been looking at Robo 3D (C2 and R2) printers. Looks very impressive.

  • samlor on 19/03/2017 - 09:21

    Sold out :-(

  • supnigs super skids on 19/03/2017 - 09:26

    haha.printty print printittys print, printitties print. zooom zoooop

    • BargainKen on 19/03/2017 - 11:57

      Can you print a 3d printer?

  • werty98 on 19/03/2017 - 12:36

    How long does it take to print a spanner?

  • me3 on 19/03/2017 - 14:02
    +2

    If you missed this one and are looking for a good cheap printer I can highly recommend the Anet A8

    http://www.gearbest.com/3d-printers-3d-printer-kits/pp_33731…

    I have had one for 6 months and get great prints. Note that this is a kit, you will not be getting it out of the box and producing prints straight away but if you are a tinkerer you cant go wrong. Great fan base so lots of support groups etc.

  • hawkers8905 on 19/03/2017 - 15:24

    If this ever comes back in stock, is this a good printer that I can simply just open the box, download something from thingiverse and pretty much hit print?

    • igoforthebest on 19/03/2017 - 15:43

      For that price, yes. However, keep in mind that setting it up for the first time can be time consuming. The Z frame comes separate and you'll need to screw it to the XY frame. Then you have to level the bed which requires a lot of patience and time.
      Oh and you'll need a spool of filaments too as the printer only comes with 4x sample PLA filaments which are certainly not enough if you need to print something big.

  • dufflover on 19/03/2017 - 15:33

    ah good ol 3D printers. The thing I'm ever tempted to get (this price level only ofcourse hehe) but I can't think of what I really want to print to justify the price, yet.

  • fluffyd1 on 19/03/2017 - 17:40
    +3

    I purchased a Cocoon Create (Same type) 7 months back.

    As an engineer and perhaps like many engineers, I have always been terrible at 'hand making things' unlike many of my more artistic or skilled mates. Such a device gives me great satisfaction to be able to imagine and create functional items. I like to prototype different concepts and ideas but there will be some weeks it sits idle and others I am printing non-stop. Filament or running cost (OzB specials even better) is not something to be concerned about with these multi-filament models (as opposed to some models that require proprietary filament with a chip - think printer ink cartridges)

    The first thing I designed and printed is below. Got my wife on board fast and my son is growing up with the constant whir of his dad's 3d printer. http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1767927

    Love mine, but very niche people who could probably find long term value, even when it's such a good price.
    Engineering toy. Probably the dawn of a new future in many aspects for certain industries or parts.

  • timpo on 29/03/2017 - 10:31

    Mine arrived yesterday. Does everyone else have a super noisy power supply fan?

  • Obake on 29/03/2017 - 13:43

    I got mine on Thursday. It's not overly noisy but I have mine set up in my garage so I might just not be noticing the sound as much.

    I'm pretty happy with it, it's pretty much on par with the $2000 makerbot we have at work, but it's about 3 years old. Leveling the bed is a LOT harder though, I'll have to print out new thumbscrews and see if it makes it easier.

    The makerbot software/slicer is a lot easier to use too. I'm trying out slic3r which seems to be the easiest to use. I couldn't find cura profiles but once I get to know the printer more I might start using cura (btw I'm on a Mac and there was no Mac version on the SD card).

    Waiting for my glass bed to arrive and I might pop in to ikea on Friday to get a couple of Lack tables :)

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