The Monoprice Maker Select 3D Printer V2 seems like a natural choice for beginners who don't mind a little elbow grease. Experienced users may also be eyeing this printer as a backup. It's competitively priced and has great potential with it's large print area and filament versatility, so what's the catch? We give this printer a hard look uncover any flaws in today's Monoprice Maker Select 3D Printer V2 review.
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Printing Speed
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Build Size
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Precision
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Value
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Design
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User Experience
Monoprice Maker Select 3D Printer v2 Review Basics
This printer is an exact copy of the Wanhao Duplicator i3 V2. In fact, both companies are currently shipping the V2.1. Although the Duplicator i3 V2 has come down in price since we first reviewed it, the Monoprice Maker Select V2 is still a bit cheaper.
That said, the two printers share the same specs. The Monoprice Maker Select V2’s impressive build space measures 7.9”x7.9”x7” over a heated PEI print bed. Max print speed is 100mm/s at resolutions between 100-400microns. The included extruder nozzle works well with both PLA and ABS, heating up to 230C. With a simple nozzle upgrade, you can print with almost any filament.
Besides build space, the Monoprice Maker Select V2’s sturdy all steel frame is its best feature. Despite its rugged design, this printer only weighs 22lbs and is fairly portable. Choose from a tethered USB-C connection or MicroSD card when it’s time to print.
Monoprice Maker Select 3D Printer v2 Review Pros
Large Community
Since the Monoprice Maker Select V2 is essentially the same machine as the Wanhao i3 V2, you benefit from the wisdom of both online communities. If you ever have troubleshooting questions or need advice on what to upgrade next, a thriving community has the answers.
This is especially true when it comes to printable upgrades. Thingiverse is full of of helpful models to help improve print quality and user experience. Youtube is another great resource for tutorials and mod advice.
Overall Value
It’s hard to argue with the price of this 3D printer, even considering our Cons down below. At under $300, the Monoprice Maker Select V2 is one of the best constructed Prusa i3-based printers on the market.
Compromises had to be made with some components, but in all this machine is well-built without suffering from the loose screws, squeaky bearings, or temperamental power supplies of its cheap Prusa i3 competitors. This 3D printer also comes with a 1-year replacement warranty.
Monoprice Maker Select 3D Printer v2 Review Cons
Upgrades Required
There are a few upgrades most people will want to make right away to get the Monoprice Maker Select V2 printing better than, well, a $300 3D printer. Upgrading to an all metal hotend will allow you to explore filaments up to 260C, and installing a Z-brace will keep the printer stable during prints for better accuracy.
Upgrading the dull extruder gear will also improve print quality. Once you factor all this in, the Monoprice Maker Select 3D printer is more of a project than an out-of-the-box solution.
Monoprice Maker Select 3D Printer v2 Review Verdict
We struggle to recommend this 3D printer for casual users and absolute newbies. More user-friendly 3D printers like the FlashForge Finder or QIDI Tech X-One may cost a bit more and have smaller build spaces, but feature much better build quality out of the box.
If, on the other hand, tinkering is your thing, the Monoprice Maker Select 3D Printer V2 is a great investment. This printer will give you a quality base machine to start with that easily adapts to modifications from dual extruders to Z extensions. Beginners and experts with big plans to build the perfect 3D printer won’t be disappointed by this blank slate.
