this post was submitted on 25 Apr 2024
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3DPrinting

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Best options for entry level 3D printing available these days? (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) by pico@sh.itjust.works to c/3dprinting@lemmy.world
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I've had access to a roommate's 3D printer, but they'll be moving away soon :(

Wondering if people have takes on machines that are considered entry level today but may have evolved handy features since, well, when you were an entry level user.

If this isn't the right place for this please be nice I'm sorry

EDIT: okay I left out way too much detail for this to be answerable.

I've been printing for a year, so im not absolute beginner tier, and can benefit from some of the fancy gizmos like auto leveling, multi filament, etc. but i dont really venture beyond PETG and PLA. I mostly use 3D printing in other maker/diy projects; creating custom fixtures, quick tools and jigs, attachments for sewing machines, table saws, tool organization etc. You get the idea. Im not a mechanical engineer or prototyping medical equipment. I just really enjoy the power of being able to model something i need, print it, and immediate use it to complete a project. I dont do any figurines.

My budget is a maximum of 300 canadian dollars, including filaments, replacement parts, and add-ons. I am impartial to any brands or companies, i actually would perfer something that doesnt have proprietary bullshit, but the printers my roommate have are a (GEETECH) Ender 3 Clone and a TwoTree SP-5. The two tree is really awesome, but also over kill for what i need personally.

Other considerations are that It should be relatively compact, not mini/micro or anything, I would rather print twice or rearrange the models on the print bed some times and have more space than the other way around.

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[–] Hello_there@fedia.io 8 points 6 months ago (2 children)

If you're only doing one project every once in a while, consider just ordering parts from people online. They do the work, and mail you a finished part.

[–] Moonrise2473@feddit.it 9 points 6 months ago (1 children)

With the prices I saw, just a few prints costs like buying an ender 3 but without the fun of maintenance

[–] cmnybo@discuss.tchncs.de 4 points 6 months ago

The printing services are good if you need metal prints or if you need resin prints and can't deal with the fumes and mess.

If you just need filament prints, it's better to buy a printer. It really sucks to wait a week or more for the part to show up only to find that you made a mistake and it doesn't fit.

[–] pico@sh.itjust.works 1 points 6 months ago

I definitely am not a power user like others, but after practicing with 3d modelling for the last little while, it has become an integral part of my workflow on most of my projects from household repairs, woodworking, electronics, etc. Its also something I am looking to increase my proficiency in so i dont thinkn the ordering online route is for me.

Thanks for the reply!