3R printers

brode · Nov 18, 2021

Looking into a 3D printer to print items for the hobby what do those of you that have them recommend?

>>klong<< · Nov 18, 2021

I can offer no first hand experience, but all my research pointed to Prusa for entry level, turn-key printing. I just ordered a fully assembled Mini and expect it in a couple weeks. Lead times a big on a couple models, so plan accordingly if this is a holiday gift. Mine is a family gift. I want to print reef stuff, the wife wants to print stuff for her classroom and the kid will probably print cats.

cajun1337 · Nov 18, 2021

The Creality Ender 3 Pro is a good affordable entry level 3D printer. Due to its low cost and high print quality, guides and upgrades are plentiful on the web. It does take some patience and checking out the plethora of web content to get the best out of it, but once dialed in it is a solid machine.

If you desire turn-key 3D printing a Prusa i3 is hard to beat.

NeonRabbit221B · Nov 19, 2021

I really honestly don't love the Mini+ from Prusa. The heat bed thermistor wears out quickly due to the enclosure design and I have had to tear it apart a few times due to jams... I loved the MK2S and wish I had bought an MK3 instead. Mini+ is just a newer design so maintenance isn't as easy and its got wear and tear issues.

>>klong<< · Nov 19, 2021

NeonRabbit221B said:
I really honestly don't love the Mini+ from Prusa.

I hope my experience is different. 3D printing will be a new thing for me, and I liked the $400 price tag better than the $1000 price tag. Build extra volume wasn't important to me.

BillyW · Nov 19, 2021

Dang, I ordered the Mini+ about 10 days ago too. I hope that I don't have issues, I like the smaller footprint.

KStatefan · Nov 19, 2021

I have had a Prusa MK3 for a few years and like it.

Malcontent · Nov 19, 2021

Prusa announced a new model recently...

NeonRabbit221B · Nov 19, 2021

Yeah my biggest issues with the Mini+ have been the heat bed cable rubbing and pulling the plug around so when hooking the wiring up make sure the heat bed thermistor has some slack in the enclosure and that the cable cover is fairly tight. Second, the extruder gear assembly has PTFE tubes that run to the hot end. The tubing is connected using a 2 part wire nut so that you leave one side in the plastic piece. The PTFE tube it came with was too short and the two nuts were too tight and un threaded from the plastic piece which causes the threads to shred apart. This caused so many jamming issues.