askchapo

I could offer some advice about FDM printers, the kind that use rolls of plastic filament. They don't have the fume issues that resin printers do. I can't help on the resin ones as I've never used one. I've heard that resin is better for small figures. Most of what I print are larger pieces for robotics projects, I've never really needed the fine detail that resin printers can provide.

I will say that regardless of type of printer, you want it on as stable a base as possible. A super-sturdy table with an entry-level printer is going to give you better and faster and more consistent results than an expensive printer on a wobbly table, because you won't need to slow down the print not to wobble everything like crazy. This is more of a concern with FDM than resin, but it's a good idea even for resin from what I've heard. I do a lot of FDM 3D printing in a fairly small apartment. I'm using a couple of older entry-level Creality printers (Ender 3 V2 and Ender-3 V3 SE) on a small ikea kitchen table with an all-metal frame and legs and it works great. I think I have the older version of this table but mine has square legs instead of round ones. But you get the idea.

If you do go with an FDM printer, don't even bother with whatever slicing software is provided by the manufacturer. Just use Cura if your hypothetical FDM printer is supported (which it probably is). It's open source, cross platform, has a great interface, and runs fast even on very limited hardware. I regularly use it on an older laptop with just 8GB RAM and an integrated intel GPU and it still works amazingly fast for preparing print files.

Another good idea for FDM printers is to use magnetic baseplates. My V3 came with that setup, but the V2 came with a glass plate that's far more annoying to maintain and clean and use. I got one of these kits to retrofit the V2 and life has been a lot easier since then.

If you do get an FDM setup, please feel free to message me, I'd be happy to help!

For 3d printing for miniatures and such, you definitely want to get a resin 3D printer. FDM (filament deposition manufacture) just doesn't have the level of detail and the lack of visible layers that you need for miniatures and such.

I'm pretty sure there must be really good stuff for $300 right now, I remember that some years ago people were amazed at the performance of the Elegoo Mars around that price point, one of the first truly affordable and good resin printers.

~~AFAIK, the resin is a hazard, but mostly to touch and ingestion, not to breathing, so if you use gloves, goggles, and don't lick your gloves, I think you're fine~~. Edit: ignore strikethrough and listen to the answer below by beloved comrade @JoeByeThen

Resin printers need the wash after the print to remove the leftover liquid resin, and possibly the extra UV cure. It does take up some extra space because you need the washing thing for the prints after they're out of the printer, and possibly also a UV curing chamber, but it shouldn't take more than half a normal desk altogether, definitely doable.

If you're concerned about the quality of the finish of resin 3D prints, I'm sure you can find a local club or business which will gladly accept money in exchange for prints. I'd give it a try and get some finished prints before buying a printer!

Some printers can cause hazardous fumes (ABS, Resin, etc.), but PLA printing produces negligible VOCs.

I live in an apartment, so does this even work logistically

This is where I’m at too, I’d love to try it but it seems like you need a shed or a garage to really get into it.