3D printer for $73 shipped. Too good?

[zapta]

With two rolls of filament and a SD card. Too good to be true?

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/6-Material-size-210-210-210mm-High-Quality-Precision-Reprap-Prusa-i3-DIY-3d-Printer-kit/32485524251.html?

[singapol]

You people want a good deal but use common sense. Can you diy one yourself for $73? If you are doing business can you sell something for less than it cost to make plus free shipping? Aliexpress like ebay has seller rating but it has none because shop opened on 29 sept. 2015. Ah...that explains it then place an order and see if it reaches your doorstep.

[sleemanj]

Yes this one is going around at the moment, it's a scam.

You will place the order.
Shortly after they will say something like "we had to change the shipping method, so we will give you $[small amount] refund, please open dispute and we will give you the refund"
You open the dispute, they give th partial refund, they get the rest of the money, the printer never arrives, you are S-O-L because you already used your one-and-only dispute.
If you don't open the dispute, they will get progressively more insistent that you open the dispute, putting a time limit on the refund offer etc.

There is no printer, the printer is a lie.

You can get some cheap printers on Aliexpress, I got one, but not THAT cheap, THAT cheap is not only below cost, it's basically a free printer.

http://thinkl33t.co.uk/anatomy-of-a-scam-the-tale-of-the-40-3d-printer/

[onlooker]

Yes this one is going around at the moment, it's a scam...

Good to know! I almost fall for the trick.

[amyk]

Can you diy one yourself for $73?

If I use salvaged parts, probably yes, but it'd be far more than $73 in labour...

This scam is really funny. Look at the other items in this not-so-creatively-named "Shenzhen Co., Ltd" store:

A 3D printer that can print metal, "rubbrt", and somehow wood, for less than $63!

[station240]

They must really think we are all stupid. Even in china $73 would barely cover the wiring, PCBs and the postage.

Anyway apparently it's sold out, wow really... lol
No doubt their address is given as Shenzhen Market, no shop number hahaha.

[Mechatrommer]

please open dispute and we will give you the refund"

or simply they only accept bank wire transfer. no dispute no refund, aliexpress doesnt want to get involved...

[amyk]

The item and store seems to have disappeared. I wish I had taken a screenshot of that wood-printing 3D printer though...

[sleemanj]

The item and store seems to have disappeared. I wish I had taken a screenshot of that wood-printing 3D printer though...

While I didn't see that, it should be noted that there are in fact "wood" filaments for 3d printers now.  Or rather, PLA filament which is infused with a certain percentage of wood fibre to produce a "wood" effect.  Similarly, there are metal containing filaments (eg copper, bronze, brass) for metal effect printing.  Quite interesting times.

[station240]

The item and store seems to have disappeared. I wish I had taken a screenshot of that wood-printing 3D printer though...

While I didn't see that, it should be noted that there are in fact "wood" filaments for 3d printers now.  Or rather, PLA filament which is infused with a certain percentage of wood fibre to produce a "wood" effect.  Similarly, there are metal containing filaments (eg copper, bronze, brass) for metal effect printing.  Quite interesting times.

Another version of filling plastic with sawdust because it's cheaper than actual plastic. Given PLA isn't that stable long term, wood filled is going to be "showbag" quality plastic.

[PointyOintment]

The item and store seems to have disappeared. I wish I had taken a screenshot of that wood-printing 3D printer though...

While I didn't see that, it should be noted that there are in fact "wood" filaments for 3d printers now.  Or rather, PLA filament which is infused with a certain percentage of wood fibre to produce a "wood" effect.  Similarly, there are metal containing filaments (eg copper, bronze, brass) for metal effect printing.  Quite interesting times.

Yes, Laywood and possibly competitors now.
But pure wood can now be friction welded (and, apparently, extruded too):

where I learned this, with more info

[crispy_tofu]

Here's an example of a wood filament:
https://www.bilby3d.com.au/DispProd.asp?CatID=9&SubCatID=110&ProdID=FIL175Wd (no affiliation)
Looks like its 60% wood blended with PLA - apparently it even smells like wood!

But pure wood can now be friction welded (and, apparently, extruded too):

where I learned this, with more info

That's pretty neat!