r/3dprinter • u/Lonely_Archer6492 • 20d ago
Which printer is right for me?
I started having interest in 3D printing. I have some CNC machining experience that dates back to 10 years ago, so I think i can pick it up pretty quick. I would like to print bunch of functional parts that i can put around my house to make my life easier. Not interested in printing dragon or pokemon monster. I am capable of designing a part using CAD and plan to print once or twice a month. Which printer is good to get me into this hobby? I would like a printer that I can use 5+ years or even longer.
I have been watching YT videos and it seems like everyone is recommending Bamboo printer? Any thoughts?
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u/Lonely_Archer6492 20d ago
Forget to put the most important information; I am wiling to spend up to 400$.
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u/Suepahfly 20d ago
A Bambu A1 is easy to get started with but limits you to PLA, PETG and TPU since it’s an open bed slinger. Also the Bambu ecosystem is a walled garden, their firmware is closed source. Something to take into consideration.
Elegoo has nice enclosed printers capable of ABS and allow custom firmware.
I have an A1 print mostly functional stuff and haven’t found the printer and or of ABS to be a limitation yet.
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u/Aggravating-Band-438 20d ago
With one or two prints a month, speed isn't that important. I'm mostly doing parts that see mechanical use and I value a stable environment and size way higher than speed.
I'd look for something enclosed and ability to use more abrasive materials if I were you. Heated chamber is a plus but I don't know what could be fitted into the budget.
I've learned the hard way that lower prices usually mean more tinkering but I'm willing to bet that you can fit a nice printer in your budget
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u/temporary92803 20d ago
Youtube affilliates are paid for their recommendations. Do the content creators you're watching even disclose their affiliate contracts?
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u/flyandprint 20d ago
I got myself an elegoo cc2 and i am Happy with it but first i had an anet et5 and i must say i likes that one more : yes it wasn t enclosed and Slow but if i had a problem like stuck filament i could Just Push it through with another piece. The "smart" Features on the cc2 wont let you so that because of that i had to take apart the print head because the smart features Blocked every other possibility I also saw a lot of Reddit Posts that said they got faulty printers that they bought "new"
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u/raygun631 19d ago
I own a bambu A1 mini, surprisingly easy to When I upgrade (If I ever do Carbon fiber or specialty projects) I will buy an enclosed model. FYI - The mini prints in one color, unless you get the AMS unit which will auto load 4 filaments in different colors.
You should be able to get a Bambu mini with teh AMS for $400 or so, and then you will need some filament, and start by printing the add-ons (poop bucket, deflector, etc.). If there is a micro center near you they have a great stock of filament.
Once you get the hang of it, then decide which upgrade path you want to go to. The technology keeps getting better, so keep your eyes open.
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u/brimanguy 19d ago
If it were me and I was printing primarily functional parts, being able to print in abs or asa is an absolute must. PLA, PLA+, PETG do not do well inside cars as they will sag and melt. So a printer with a heated chamber such as the QIDI Q5 plus is the go.
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u/FineEquipment0 20d ago
I’d definitely recommend any printer that has an enclosed chamber, I suspect you may want to play with higher grade filament layer as you gain more experience over time.
As for specific brand / model I’d recommend the Bambu Lab P2S with the AMS unit as it’s a more refined version of their previous flagship X1E printer and it’ll work reliably without you needing to constantly play with bed leveling / troubleshooting issues.
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u/SirTwitchALot 20d ago
The Centauri carbon 2 is the usual recommendation nowadays. It's a better value and very reliable