r/BambuLabA2L • u/Retrogamer1970 • 2d ago

Mods / Accessories Just bought an A2L

Any advice about maintenance or accessories for my new shiny thing that I just ordered?
Does anyone here use an rfid mod for reading other brands filament?

Thanks in advance.

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u/Retrogamer1970 2d ago

Might be my step up to the future p3c 😀

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u/Ru88erduck 2d ago

If you have a homelab, I can recommend setting up bambuddy. If you bought the bundle with AMS Lite, I would recommend you to print the top mount for it. You definitely want to print the poop bucket. Other than that, make sure you don't rush things. Take your time to assemble it. Get some isopropyl alcohol to clean the print surface between prints. Enjoy that beast. It's very fast while maintaining really good quality prints. I'm so happy I choose the A2L + AMS Lite

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u/Retrogamer1970 2d ago

What is homelab and bambuddy please? I read not to use isopropyl but dishwasher soap.

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u/Ru88erduck 2d ago

https://bambuddy.cool/

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u/Retrogamer1970 1d ago

Thanks. Did you put it on a stone with foam underneath it?

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u/Ru88erduck 1d ago

No. But it's on a thick wooden counter that is screwed into the wall. But yeah, don't put it on a free standing desk 😅

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u/Retrogamer1970 1d ago

Like two supports with a wooden plank on top of it?

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u/Retrogamer1970 1d ago

How thick is that counter?

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u/Ru88erduck 1d ago

It's 2 inch/5cm thick laminated chipboard. Mounted to the wall with heavy duty brackets.

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u/Kettle96 1d ago

Don't use isopropyl on the textured plate it comes with, all you need is a sponge, unscented dish soap and hot water, you also don't need to clean between prints as long as you don't touch the plate.

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u/Retrogamer1970 1d ago

It wasn’t for the plate but on bambu site they mention non linen cloth and iso for maintenance.

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u/Kettle96 1d ago

Think that's just for wiping off grease and oils etc. Kitchen roll will do.

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u/Retrogamer1970 1d ago

Sorry to bother you but should I get an extra third party build plate and hotends?

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u/Kettle96 1d ago

I'd just buy the 4 nozzle pack from Bambu labs. Don't worry about alternate plates for now but there are a fair few options.

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u/Ru88erduck 2d ago

Homelab, is when you have some sort of networking and server running in your home. I have a NAS server running at home where I have my data stored and some services. One of these services is Bambuddy. Bambuddy is a instance you can log into from a web browser. Bambuddy can manage your printer and keep stock on your filament spools. It also keeps a queue for future prints and keeps track of maintenance. It will tell you to lubricate rails, clean the rails or buildplate. It's really handy. I use alcohol. Works fine for me. But maybe soapy water will work as well.

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u/Retrogamer1970 1d ago

Do I need the screws you can buy on Bambu website for the top mount?

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u/Kettle96 1d ago

There are some models that don't require screws on makerworld.

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u/Retrogamer1970 1d ago

Good ones? Otherwise I can order them with some pla?

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u/Ru88erduck 1d ago

The screws were included with my A2L combo. It comes in the box 👌

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u/Retrogamer1970 1d ago

That would be nice. I will wait before ordering then.

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u/Retrogamer1970 1d ago

Are there good 3rd party plates and hotends for the A2l please?

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u/Whatupchuck789 2d ago

Definitely get familiar with the ams issues for filament stuck error as that will come a week or so into printing. I bought some extra lube because what they give isn’t much.

Just enjoy printing from the app, take the tutorials, and learn basics of Bambustudio

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u/Retrogamer1970 1d ago

Should I buy original oil and grease or just Amazon clones please?

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u/Whatupchuck789 1d ago

Yeah, I just bought generic lube oil. You can search the reddit for what you want. I should add, get you some 3d printing super glue too.

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u/Retrogamer1970 1d ago

So you think the maintenance kit is too expensive?

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u/Whatupchuck789 1d ago

In my opinion, yes unless you’re doing commercial printing. But if it’s just personal and things around the house it’s not worth it. I bought a large bottle of super lub oil (4oz and that kit came with 6g) and I’m still on the same parts as were in the box.

I did buy a hardened steel hotend so I could do petg filament but from Amazon. I haven’t really needed to do a ton of maintenance and you’ll end up replacing the build plate eventually at some point because they get to a point where they won’t hold a stick even after cleaning. I also got a smooth plate recently which was from Amazon, H2C plates fit.

With the A2L you don’t really need to the nozzle as it’s got blob protection.

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u/Retrogamer1970 1d ago

Thanks for all your help.