Ender3 V2 Bowden tube/PC4 connector recommendation

ScoobyDoo · 18 Jan 2021 at 11:51

Ive got a Ender 3 V2 on order and been watching loads of youtube setup videos.
Most of the videos recommend changing the hotend bowden connector and also the tubing for capricorn
Ive been looking on the bay and the forest, there are a few to choose from but a lot get negative reviews.

I was wondering if anyone has done this quick modification and can recommend a set of tubing, connectors and the cutter and where to purchase them from?
Thanks

deuse · 18 Jan 2021 at 12:03

ScoobyDoo said:
Ive got a Ender 3 V2 on order and been watching loads of youtube setup videos.
Most of the videos recommend changing the hotend bowden connector and also the tubing for capricorn
Ive been looking on the bay and the forest, there are a few to choose from but a lot get negative reviews.

I was wondering if anyone has done this quick modification and can recommend a set of tubing, connectors and the cutter and where to purchase them from?
Thanks

Why don't you use it and find out for yourself?
As long as it prints good I see no point in changing things because a youtube guy says so.

ScoobyDoo · 18 Jan 2021 at 12:13

deuse said:
Why don't you use it and find out for yourself?
As long as it prints good I see no point in changing things because a youtube guy says so.

I was just going off what a lot of the install videos were mentioning and saying it was easier to change when building then afterwards.

RevBillyG · 18 Jan 2021 at 13:41

I've got an Ender 3 pro.
The only thing I've added to it is some drawers, a Raspberry Pi enclosure and a filament guide.
Works perfectly, I'm even using the supplied magnetic bed (the glass one that also came with it is sitting unused in a drawer as are the upgraded springs for the bed.).

People seem to be obsessed with modding these out of the box when, if they're set up correctly, they work perfectly.

deuse · 18 Jan 2021 at 14:03

RevBillyG said:
I've got an Ender 3 pro.
The only thing I've added to it is some drawers, a Raspberry Pi enclosure and a filament guide.
Works perfectly, I'm even using the supplied magnetic bed (the glass one that also came with it is sitting unused in a drawer as are the upgraded springs for the bed.).

People seem to be obsessed with modding these out of the box when, if they're set up correctly, they work perfectly.

This.

ScoobyDoo · 18 Jan 2021 at 16:10

Ill stick with the standard setup then

bulb66 · 18 Jan 2021 at 16:21

To be fair the PTFE coupler's are rubbish and I've had them fail mid print, the QC on them is less than great and it worth having extra IMO.

As for the Capricorn tube, not worth it at this stage to be honest. Just remember it's a PTFE lined hotend so printing above 240°C for long and repeated prints can be harmful to you because PTFE degrades and release toxins. So you can either get some standard or Capricorn to have as spare.

Scougar · 1 Feb 2021 at 23:24

I print in my basement PETG with 245C, which is next to my work desk. Should I replace the PTFE with capricorn to avoid toxins? (I've also seen a hotend mod with just a small piece of capricorn used in the hotend.)

EddScott · 4 Feb 2021 at 13:32

RevBillyG said:
if they're set up correctly, they work perfectly.

After initial successes with my V2 I started having problems so went down the route of modding - direct drive, dual z axis support etc.

However, I had to get the printer working properly first in order to print the various mods. Having got the printer working pretty well, I now think if it's working, why am I about to take it apart??

bulb66 · 4 Feb 2021 at 14:32

EddScott said:
After initial successes with my V2 I started having problems so went down the route of modding - direct drive, dual z axis support etc.

However, I had to get the printer working properly first in order to print the various mods. Having got the printer working pretty well, I now think if it's working, why am I about to take it apart??

When I started in 3d printing, I had a second hand printrbot and just used it and learnt. 6 months later I purchased a brand new larger printrbot and then modified the old printer, then things got out of hand, haha. I now have 12+ FDM printers because what I enjoy the most is building, upgrading and tweaking.

bulb66 · 4 Feb 2021 at 14:34

Scougar said:
I print in my basement PETG with 245C, which is next to my work desk. Should I replace the PTFE with capricorn to avoid toxins? (I've also seen a hotend mod with just a small piece of capricorn used in the hotend.)

That's an option but all PTFE breaks down in the hot end. The best option is an all metal hotend.

Scougar · 4 Feb 2021 at 22:31

bulb66 said:
That's an option but all PTFE breaks down in the hot end. The best option is an all metal hotend.

Any ones recommended? (ender 3 v2)

bulb66 · 4 Feb 2021 at 22:46

Scougar said:
Any ones recommended? (ender 3 v2)

I've used a Phaetus Dragonfly BMS but the Micro-Swiss All Metal is also available.

Those with be drop in replacements.

Dannysaiyan · 25 Mar 2021 at 22:45

There are disadvantages to all metal hotends though

However, my advice with the ender 3 is tinker and learn and dont upgrade until you figure out why you need that upgrade. The ender3 is not a plug and play 3d printer.