Back in November 2017 I bought my first MakerGeeks filament, a grab bag of 1 roll of Maker PLA, 1 roll Crystal PLA, 1 roll of Maker PETG and 1 roll of Crystal PETG, combined with a Black Friday coupon code they were running at the time. I knew they had a monthly subscription box but as I was just starting out with 3D printing, I didn’t want to commit to that just yet. I also wanted to try out a few different brands to get an idea of how each filament brand would print. After doing some research of what the past 3D Geek Boxes consisted of and watching some unboxing/reviews, I decided to jump in since their promotional email flyer said it was going to be a “Big One.”
The idea of the box is great, $29.95 a month, gets you 2 rolls of high quality filament plus 3D printing extras. The fact that you are getting 2 rolls of high quality filament for that price alone is worth it, especially if you do a lot of printing. What put me over the edge was really the 3D printing extras that are also included in the box. Being someone who is new to 3D printing it was nice to have a monthly subscription that would also include tools or other items tailored to 3D printing when you are just starting out in the hobby. It is a great way to build up your toolbox or maker space, rolled into the cost of the entire box.
With all the good described above, unfortunately I have run into some of the bad as well. The 2 major downfalls I have experienced at this point in my first few months of the 3D Geek Box subscription, is the execution and communication. I will expand on those issues more in the monthly breakdown below. Each breakdown has a link to the monthly e-flyer, the box contents and the monthly maker project for you to try out with the new filament provided in the box.
March
Contents
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- 2 Spools HTPLA Raptor – High Performance PLA – “It’s stronger than ABS, PETG and even most nylon filament plus it’s resin is 100% organic, recyclable and is made from an annually renewable crop, good old corn! • The resin is FDA compliant for food contact and if you anneal it in some boiling water you’ll have a finished part that can stand up to temperatures over 260f!!”
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10ml adhesive non aerosol spray – used to help prevent curling, lifting and warping. Provided by EZ3D Printing.
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3D Geek Box Sticker
- 2 Spools HTPLA Raptor – High Performance PLA – “It’s stronger than ABS, PETG and even most nylon filament plus it’s resin is 100% organic, recyclable and is made from an annually renewable crop, good old corn! • The resin is FDA compliant for food contact and if you anneal it in some boiling water you’ll have a finished part that can stand up to temperatures over 260f!!”
Project
Pros
Cons
This was my first 3D Geek Box I had received from MakerGeeks and it did not contain the 10ml adhesive spray as outlined in the flyer contents. To MakerGeeks credit when I contacted them they offered for me to stay on a list to receive one when it comes in or to get a $5 coupon. It was explained that the outside supplier of this spray did not include enough samples for all of the geek box members. The problem with this is, they clearly new about the short supply and did not notify the geek box subscribers that they might not receive the 10ml spray, at the very least they could have just put a note in the boxes that did not receive the spray explaining the short supply and offering the $5 coupon. Instead they waited for members to contact them to rectify the situation.
April
Contents
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2 Spools Maker PLA
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MakerGeeks GEEK ON window sticker
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MakerGeeks GEEK ON Swagger Logo t-Shirt – You were given a coupon code to order the correct size shirt from the website and it was shipped in the May box.
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Project
Pros
Cons
This month my box was either never shipped or there was an issue with the shipping. I did not receive the box until after I had reached out to MakerGeeks and have them verify with USPS, then finally just ship another box. This box did not arrive until May 12th, at this time the boxes were supposed to be shipped out as of the 25th of the month.
May
Contents
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2 spools of a new Pearlescent line of filament
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3D Geek Box magnet
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8 grades of automotive wet-sanding sand paper – including 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1500, 2500, 3000 grit.
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MakerGeeks GEEK ON shirt from April Geek Box
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Project
Pros
Cons
This box was also a little bit late, arriving as of June 6th, assuming the volume of geek box subscriptions is increasing, maybe they are having trouble keeping up with the demand (is a good thing in a sense that its growing). I did not receive the magnet specified to be in this box, and chose not to even bother reaching out to support at this point. Lastly the wet-sanding sand paper was a great extra added, however the sand paper was clearly cut from larger sheets, which is fine, its only a sample. My issue comes when the pieces were cut in such a way I can no longer tell the grit on the sand paper, and with this sandpaper being such a fine grain its almost impossible to tell just by looking or feel.
Final Thoughts
As of now I will continue with the subscription, even though I feel there have been some issues with these first 3 boxes, I’d like to see how this grows. For the most part the delay in receiving the box is a minor annoyance, I paid for the box so it will eventually get here. The fact that sometimes items are not in the box, as advertised in the flyer is more of a problem because you are not receiving what you paid for. However, getting 2 full 1kg rolls of high quality filament for $29.95, 3d printing extras (when they are included) and getting first access to whatever MakerGeeks cooks up, as of right now outweighs the few problems outline above. Any current or past subscribers experience the same thing? Any one else know of other 3d subscriptions boxes that are better? Leave a comment below.