SparkMaker FHD $250 3D Printer Review!

Sean tests and reviews the SparkMaker FHD resin 3D printer, which is currently available as a pre-order for $250. At that price, it's an attractive low-cost resin printer, and we were happy with both its software and print quality. Let's dive into the details of how it performs!

Shot and edited by Ryan Kiser

Tested is:

Intro bumper by Abe Dieckman

Thanks for watching!

[ReedCBowman]

You guys need to do serious macro closeups on a review like this. I can't see anything you're talking about at the zoom level you have on closeups here.

[retroferret]

the focus of the lens in this vid made me really dizzy. and i cant really look at any details and such, which i think shoudl be the point of this vid?

[hectorbacchus]

You guys need to invest in a macro lens for your video camera. I couldn’t make out what you were talking about in the close up shots.

[Platypus]

Tested, I'm as much of a fan of shallow depth of field and "bokeh peeper" as the next guy, but there's no reason to film this kind of video at f:1.2 It's really eye straining to try and see the details of the prints and just watch the video when the presenter goes in and out of focus. Please stop down!

Otherwise, great informative video. Thanks!

[omnifoxaerial]

This seems like an odd comment to leave, but I wanted to compliment you on how well you explained the effect of pixel projection and stepping. The entire matter-of-fact vibe was great, actually. Maybe I'm just grading you on a curve because you're the first video I've seen on youtube that didn't start with "HEY

[TheCarLovingSwede]

You definitely need to film these videos with a higher aperture. It is very hard to see the detail on close-ups when you have so little of the object in focus.

[index]

If you are going to use such a shallow depth of field, please focus well. This was infuriating to watch sometimes.

[Syrus]

zoom in zoom in on the action figures! What are you guys waiting for??? I want to see how high detail they are

[themattyshow]

I've got a Creality Ender 3, and it's an absolute beast of a machine. it's fun to play around with all the settings and just see the prints improve over time.

[Sigma_Eight]

"$250 printer review"
>retails at 499
Okay

[jimmysgameclips]

Tested is so in depth and on point with VR stuff and definitely the same deal with 3D printing related stuff. Awesome channel

[markcoren]

Now I'm doubly stoked to get mine from the Kickstarter campaign! I suspect that you saved me a few hours of frustration around figuring out some of the most basic bits, so thank you! Please keep up the great work, especially featuring 3d printing technology. I know you guys have a broad scope, but the printing videos you make are some of my favorites. Thanks again!

[DJapan]

Keep in mind that the speed can depend on the resin you use. The resin that came with my Orange 10 printer used 8 seconds exposure time per layer, so multiply that by the number of layers in your print, which could be 1400 or more for larger models. When that ran out I replaced it with some resin from Anycubic and the exposure time more than doubled to 18 seconds per layer for the same print quality.

[Fab]

the customer service on the first kickstarter was terrible, they even shipped mine to an old address AFTER I went through their update process (because they missed their ship date). Mine leaked on first use. AVOID!

[Wongsterwish]

Both my first gen SparkMaker from the first kickstarter and the test FHD sent to me work great. The first gen took me some work though, to get things aligned and a board and LCD replacement due to leak resin. The new metal vat that came with the test FHD looks good and no longer exhibit the same problem as the plastic one on the first gen printer. Currently getting ready to print mold with their high temp resin for pewter casting.

[firelizard]

I ordered one based on this review. I hope it doesn't suck like the first version. It sounds like almost all the issues people were having were build or material quality related, so I really hope they've taken better care with their production process this time.

[MattFromRI]

This is the second kickstarted/indiegogo item that Tested has endorsed that are not keeping their campaign promises. This printer company refuses to update their backers and are not processing refunds! The other was the apollo 11 poster created by Fringe Focus' Rob Lubota. I kickstarted that in 2015 and have not received my poster yet he keeps selling other prints off his website! And I am not alone.

[hanswurst]

even with the pixel issue of this small 1080p display the prints are much better than filament print !

[mojitomaker]

Thanks for the review. I did find it difficult to see the stepping you were describing. A positive improvement might be to zoom in a lot further.

[firelizard]

Another update: At the end of February, they claimed to be shipping in March. It is currently March 13th and they have not provided anybody with shipping updates or proof that they're ready to go. They're still listing their estimated delivery as "February".