My LR2 got “postponed” 5 years ago when I got sidetracked by building the “perfect table” for it and then .. life happened. From what I remember it needs a few more 3d prints and assembly.
I was wondering if it still makes sense in 2026 to complete it or a LR4 would make more sense
I have build the LR3 and I have a LR4 in progress. So far the LR4 feels easier to build, faster to put together and it seems more rigid and faster as well. I would go for the LR4.
I don’t have experience with anything other than the LR4. I will say, like you, I had the same thing happen to me. I started on a LR3. I printed all the parts and bought all the items needed. After I decided to finish it, I noticed the LR4 was available. I decided to just pivot and build the LR4. I am glad I did since it runs very well.
He is talking LR2, not 3. I would definitely build the 4. The 3 was a big leap in overall design, the 4 was again in terms of rigidity.
What phillip said is true, that said ALL RYANS machines are great! if you are building LARGE, I too would recommend lr4. If not large then maybe try the lr2. Personsal choice. Now if you are going to stop yet again, do not do the lr4. Get the lr2, see what fun we have and then start bldg your next 5 year project ;l
I agree with this for sure. I started with a LR2, then 3 and now 4. All full sheet machines. The 3 was WAY better than the 2, and the 4 has been even better than the 3. If your machine is not put together yet I would for sure strongly consider going to the 4!
If you hadn’t started assembly, then you’re essentially at some very low state of completion.
Start over and build an LR4. All of Ryan’s machines are good, but each generation of LR has improved on the previous ones. LR2 to LR3 was a huge jump, then LR3 to LR4 is another notable improvement.
How is your table coming along? If you still have a long way to go on that project, then, your overall completion may be low enough that pivoting to LR4 will be an easier decision. You can tell we’re biased towards LR4, and your success.
There seems to be a consensus regarding lr4 superiority especially for large (full sheet) format. I thank everyone that pitched to help with my decision!
I decided to donate the lr2 parts and subassemblies to someone to build a smaller table and I’ll pivot to V4!
This is the right decision. I have built all 3 LR machines. I never got the LR2 to work correctly. The LR3 was very good in most respects and the LR4 is a significant leap forward in many ways.
Enjoy the new project. You won’t be disappointed.
One more for the “I built different versions” list.
I built an LR2, and for the most part, kept using the Primo unless I needed something that it could not fit.
I upgraded to the LR3 when it was in beta, disassembling the LR2 for parts and the table, and pretty much went 50/50 for small use, mostly depending on which endmill I had loaded in which machine. Some projects also had parts cut on both machines running at the same time.
My LR3 is still assembled, and I built a new LR4, slightly smaller (Quarter sheet) than my LR3, and it’s a pretty massive upgrade. I now feel like I could just disassemble the Primo (though I have not.) I still hesitate to disassemble the LR3, because I have many unique and custom parts to it (Acrylic YZ plates, steel XZ plates, plus my taller Z axis…)
Still, I would absolutely go LR4 with a new build now. I plan to build another larger one.
I feel your pain. My LR2 was mostly working. The old firmware melted a printed stepper bracket. Then the movers broke the drag chain, wires and some parts in the last move. I am going to stick with the LR2 as I have all the steel tubes cut and beveled with a bunch of expensive customizations that would need to be chucked, but it might be a while before I get back to it.
I built the LR2 several years ago now. ( my build pix. are here on the forum )
I’m now in the process of upgrading to the LR4.
I liked the LR2 but wow it had issues from support brackets breaking to the mainboard housing I built falling apart and leveling issues. Most problems were prob. my limited construction skills. .. but it worked and I had a sheet load of fun along the way as well as learning loads of new skills.
The LR4 looks to be more rigid.. at least I hope it is. I have all parts ready to go and am awaiting the tubing from a local hardware store. The tube is 31.8mm OD (outer dia.) & I read that ± 0.2mm is permissible.
Fingers crossed.
