LaserUser.com Forum (formerly RDWorksLab)

I am thinking seriously about a portable 3D printer that I can carry in my car for the journeys to the sunny south that are becoming more and more tempting in my advanced age. I have a Prusa MK3s that I use every day and as I will be away from my laser for weeks at a time, I think I will need something to occupy want remains of my mind. I plan to study some programs for more proficiency [Fusion360] and learn a couple new ones like Meshmixer.

Anyway, I am liking the Ender 5 and it looks like it is shipped in a fairly small package that I am sure can be reduced further since it will not be crossing an ocean. The Pro model incorporates most of the mods that people have been doing to the Ender 5 for a reasonable price so I think that is a no brainer. I would assemble it and try it and see if it needs more modification and then remove the four vertical extrusions for compacting.

I started this hobby with a Creality 10 and it was a good printer and then moved to the Prusa which is a great printer. Any thoughts? Thanks Gene

If a small bed will do, you may want to consider the Prusa Mini.

I wouldn't consider a Core XY or full enclosured printer 'transportable' in the SWMBO (or HWMBO) friendly sense Death Stares or Eye Rolls across the country travels would make you very very brave or something.

The Ender Pro is from memory only four bolts to drop the gantry (might be 6?) flat to the bed and would get down to about 6" high for transport. MY couple have been great and from stock with the Glass bed I have made only cosmetic tweaks to them once initially setup.

Another to look at might be the Cetus with the now available heated bed option depending on local pricing. To expensive in this part of the world.

I have reconsidered on the Creality- after a close look at my Prusa, I can disassemble it to a small package without much problem. I would buy a Prusa Mini but they are not available to ship till after I return from my outing. I was just cruzing a Make: magazine and saw a filament dryer advertised. I have a good system at home but it seems like something that would sell pretty well. Thanks for the thoughts. Gene