Tevo Tornado 3D Printer Review & Tips - Chris's Basement

Overview

The Tevo Tornado 3D printer presents itself as a Cartesian aluminum extrusion large build volume machine, boasting dimensions of 300 x 300 x 400 mm. It is equipped with a Titan clone extruder, a V6-ish hotend, a part cooling fan, an AC-powered heated bed, a single Z lead screw, and houses its electronics in a sidecar box. Notably designed for enthusiasts and hobbyists, the Tornado attempts to offer a generous printing space and reliable components for various 3D printing projects.

Performance and Features

The printer’s AC heated bed is highlighted for its rapid heating capabilities, going from 20°C to 100°C in about three minutes, which is notable for efficiency. The build platform is deemed sturdy with minimal inconsistencies, and the durable build sheet provided, along with a spare, adds to the machine’s value proposition. The Titan extruder clone represents an interesting inclusion for this printer, contributing to its performance in handling filament. Additionally, despite having only a single Z lead screw, performance does not seem to be adversely affected, indicating good design optimization in this aspect.

Challenges and Tweaks

Initial usage and longer-term testing reveal a journey of adjustments and challenges. Issues such as bolt tightening and extruder gear slippage were encountered, pointing towards some maintenance and design refinement needs. The machine demonstrated variability in print quality at different speeds and with different models, which required iterative adjustments. Layer shifting, a significant concern for print accuracy, necessitated voltage adjustments to the stepper drivers, particularly noted during complex project attempts such as the He-Man sword replication. These instances underscore the importance of user involvement in calibration and troubleshooting for optimal performance.

User Experience

The Tevo Tornado caters well to users willing to engage in tinkering and adjustments, with its setup and calibration being a crucial part of the initial experience. While it may offer a tempting price point and large build volume, the necessity for frequent adjustments and the potential safety concerns associated with its AC heated bed could deter some, especially those new to 3D printing. The presence of 'salmon skin' artifacts on prints, although addressable with additional parts, further hints at the need for upgrades to achieve smoother results.

Conclusion

The Tevo Tornado, with its considerable build volume and appealing price, positions itself as an intriguing option for the DIY 3D printing community. However, the experience of using it reveals a balance between its potential and the hands-on commitment required to unlock it fully. For users looking for out-of-the-box performance and minimal setup, other market options might offer more convenience. Nonetheless, for the hobbyist who enjoys the process of tweaking and customization, the Tornado provides a substantial foundation for exploring large-scale 3D printing projects.