This is NOT Working!🤯 How I plan to Rebuild my Entire 3D Print Farm

Summary — Tech, product features, reviews, and rebuild plan

Context and problem

• Host: Jen from Hamel’s House of 3D Prints. She sells printed models and recently launched a Patreon (3D Misfits) that requires more prototyping and single-model color checks.
• Workflow change: She now prints single, fully-colored prototypes rather than full plates, which dramatically increased filament waste.
• Key issue: Single-piece multi-color prints on single-nozzle printers require heavy purging when swapping colors, producing large filament waste and higher cost/stress.

Technology concepts and product features discussed

• Purge vs purgeless workflow
  • “Purgeless” or multi-tool-head printers (multiple independent nozzles/tool heads) allow color swaps without pushing old filament through one nozzle, dramatically reducing purge waste.
  • Jen cites roughly ~80% filament savings with purgeless setups.
• Multi-head advantages
  • Dedicate nozzles (e.g., PETG for supports).
  • Maintain multiple colors without long purges.
• Specific machines and features referenced
  • Bambu Lab H2C — next-gen, many tool heads, vortex system, large bed, strong ecosystem; expensive (~$2,500).
  • Snapmaker U1 — 4-tool-head capability; cheaper (bought at an ~$850 pre-order price); financing options (~$95/month); expected to cut waste substantially.
  • Prusa multi-nozzle systems — proven but costly (~$3,000).
  • FlashForge Creator 5 — upcoming multi-nozzle contender (interest expressed; not released yet).
  • Other machine types mentioned: Delta (T1 Max) for tall/plant pots; large-bed printers (Plus 4 / “Cheeidy Plus 4” at 305×305) for large household/utility prints.

Printer reviews / performance notes (from her farm)

• Cobra S1
  • Previously liked but had persistent color-bleeding/oozing issues; failed benchy tests and was sold.
• P1S
  • Useful but not fully satisfying (issues like “poop chute” and inconsistent quality). Louis suggested keeping it a bit longer.
• 85X
  • Called the “workhorse” — reliable, used for Patreon production (magnets, gnomes, hippos); profitable and will be retained.
• T1 Max (Delta)
  • Produces consistent high-quality pots; will be kept.
• Plus 4 (large bed)
  • Kept for big utility prints and projects needing 305×305 build volume.
• A1 Mini / A1 Combo
  • Multiples on hand; plan to downsize (sell extras) and keep one A1 and one A1 Mini for quick prototypes.
• Mini Geeetech
  • Small machine, being kept (given to daughter).
• General testing practice
  • Runs benchy prints for validation.

Planned farm rebuild and rationale

• Immediate action
  • Ordered Snapmaker U1 to reduce purge waste and support single-piece multi-color prototyping without full-plate printing.
• Sell or downsize
  • Cobra S1 already sold.
  • Plan to sell excess A1 Mini and A1 Combo units.
  • Potentially sell P1S after Snapmaker proves itself.
• Target final farm (if Snapmaker performs as hoped)
  • Cheeidy Plus 4 (large-bed)
  • One Delta (T1 Max)
  • Two Snapmaker U1s
  • 85X
  • Rationale: a mix to cover large prints, reliable production, and purgeless multi-color prototyping.
• Business reasoning
  • Financing for Snapmaker makes adoption accessible.
  • If Snapmaker replaces P1S, proceeds could fund a second unit to further reduce waste/cost.

Workflow notes & business advice

• Printing one model at a time is inefficient for hobbyists, but may be necessary for quality-focused Patreon workflows.
• Balance is important: keep reliable, profitable machines (like the 85X) while adopting new tech that solves concrete pain points (purge waste).
• Testing approach
  • Prototype in single color, then color-map in slicer and print final single models to verify details before plating.

Reviews, guides, and tutorials referenced or promised

• Jen has produced review videos previously (P1S, Cobra S1, 85X) and mentions rerunning benchy tests.
• She will review Snapmaker U1 once it arrives and is tested.
• Open to reviewing FlashForge Creator 5 if she obtains one.
• Patreon and MakerWorld offerings
  • Multiple flexi magnet-ready models (welcome pack ~20).
  • ~30 models on platforms currently; planning 6–9 new models per month.
  • Early-bird signup information available on her channels.

Main speakers / sources

• Jen — host, owner/operator of Hamel’s House of 3D Prints (primary speaker).
• Louis — partner, provided brief input on keeping some printers.
• Brands/models mentioned for comparison: Snapmaker (U1), Bambu Lab (H2C), Prusa, FlashForge (Creator 5), Cobra S1, P1S, A1 Mini/A1 Combo, T1 Max, Plus 4, 85X, Geeetech.