I dont think the 2 has a heated build plate. This is required for ABS or there will be extensive warping if you get the part to stick to the build plate. The print heads can do it, but not the plate.

The 2X added the heated build plate, a second extruder and hotend and the plastic enclosure pieces to keep temp fluctuations from affecting the print. Most later clones like the flash forge have the features of the 2X.

instead of spending a lot of money on solidworks or acad try SCAD first. its a free program that works well for people just getting into 3d printing. Neil

I've messed with a few of the free 3d modeling programs and I'd recommend getting BLENDER at www.blender.org. It's a full blown 3d program that can even do animations. It's totally free. It also imports a lot of file formats that the other free ones don't. 3dDesign is a lot easier to use but, has much more limited functionality.

That being said, blender is a full blown 3d program so, be prepared to watch hours of you tube tutorials. It's not super bad if you've messed with 3dDesign or google sketchup. it's a little easier to figure out just because you're familiar with the concepts. Messing with 3d programs is just a little different than most programs. There's lots of keyboard controls. It's worth it though, even if it's to learn to be able to model out some basic shapes.

You'll still have to export the file out to .stl then slice and print it with other software. That's just what I've learned in my 3d adventures. I hope it helps.

@Antron007 ... Any recommendations for just creating .stl files? I wouldn't need 90% of what Blender offers... I just want to create and print basic 3d .STL files....

Autodesk 123Design (the program I meant to mention previously. sorry for the wrong name.) is fairly easy to get use to and make shapes. It will export out .stl's.

It was the one I was using the most. I only really started using blender because I wanted to mess with "engraving" a logo into an object so I needed to use specific fonts that I couldn't use in 123. But It's a great program for the most part.

To be honest and fair, I'm by no means an expert. I'm just fumbling through when it comes to 3d design.

What ever route anybody goes, I highly recommend watching tutorial vids on you tube or something. I've had a computer since 1986. I also have done just about anything you can do with a computer at least once and using these 3d programs is just different from anything I've ever messed with.

Sorry to be so long winded. In short, I think 123Design will do you right @RichardR.

@Antron007... Well you know more than me.... thanks dude...

Glad to help