Honest 3D printer buyer’s guide: Find the best machine for you!

Looking for your first 3D printer? Don’t spend a cent until you have watched this honest buyer’s guide. In this informative video by Teaching Tech, you will learn all about the misconceptions and pitfalls of 3D printing that you should know before entering the hobby. The speaker, who has been 3D printing for almost 10 years, covers how to identify your preferences and intended workflow, how to gather reliable information from reviews and community groups, and explores several categories of 3D printers suited for different needs and budgets. Whether you are a beginner or looking to upgrade, this video provides valuable resources, recommendations, and tips to help you find the best machine for you.

When it comes to 3D printing, it’s important to understand that it is not a user-friendly appliance designed for the masses. It requires knowledge, experience, and a certain level of investment to work efficiently. Therefore, you need to consider whether you want a printer as a tool or as a hobby. The video also advises you to prioritize your preferences in a 3D printer, such as print quality, speed, or quietness, and to watch multiple reviews before making a purchase decision. From budget machines ideal for beginners to premium build-it-yourself kits for advanced users, this guide covers it all. Join community groups, gather knowledge, and choose the best printer that suits your needs and goals.

Introduction

Overview of the article and its purpose

Welcome to this comprehensive guide on buying a 3D printer. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience with 3D printing, it’s important to understand the misconceptions and pitfalls associated with this hobby. This article aims to provide you with the knowledge and information needed to make an informed decision when purchasing a 3D printer. We will explore different categories of printers, identify your preferences, and offer recommendations for beginners. So, before you spend a cent, make sure to read this guide to find the best machine for you.

Understanding 3D Printing

Dispelling misconceptions and pitfalls of 3D printing

The importance of knowledge and experience in 3D printing

Contrary to popular belief, 3D printers are not user-friendly appliances designed for the masses. While they may seem like magical devices, their operation requires a certain level of investment in terms of time, knowledge, and experience. Unlike a microwave or a 2D printer, 3D printers are nuanced and require you to understand processes such as leveling the bed and using slicer software. Additionally, 3D printing involves more assembly and troubleshooting than any other appliance. It’s important to be prepared to learn these skills and be willing to invest time and effort into working with 3D printers.

Identifying Your Preferences

Determining if you want a printer as a tool or as a hobby

Considering priorities in a 3D printer (print quality, speed, quietness, etc.)

Before purchasing a 3D printer, you need to think about your intentions and identify your preferences. Ask yourself if you want a printer as a tool to create specific parts or if you want 3D printing to be a hobby in itself. This will help determine what type of printer you should buy.

Additionally, consider your priorities when it comes to 3D printing. Are you more focused on print quality, mechanical precision, printing speed, or quietness? Depending on your intended use, different attributes of a printer will be more important to you. Take the time to think about these factors as they will influence your decision-making process.

Gathering Reliable Information

Watching multiple reviews before making a purchase decision

Utilizing resources for further research

Joining community groups to collect knowledge and insights

When it comes to gathering information about 3D printers, it’s important to watch multiple reviews from different sources. Each reviewer may have their own testing criteria and priorities, so watching various reviews will give you a well-rounded perspective on a particular printer’s strengths and weaknesses.

In addition to reviews, take advantage of online resources for further research. There are numerous websites, forums, and YouTube channels dedicated to 3D printing that provide valuable information and insights. Joining community groups, such as Facebook groups or Reddit communities, can also be beneficial as they provide a platform for asking questions, sharing experiences, and getting support.

Categories of 3D Printers

Exploring budget machines under $300

Examining mid-range machines ($300 – $700) with specific features and potential quality control issues

Considering manufacturer supported machines with customer service and support

Analyzing premium Core XY printer kits for advanced features and performance

When it comes to choosing a 3D printer, there are different categories to consider. Budget machines under $300 are ideal for beginners and those who enjoy tinkering and constantly upgrading their printers. While these printers may have some quality control issues, they offer a good starting point for learning about 3D printing.

Mid-range machines, ranging from $300 to $700, offer specific features and potential quality control issues. These printers cater to users with specific needs and preferences and may require some adjustments or troubleshooting.

Manufacturer supported machines come at a higher price point but offer customer service and support. These printers are suitable for users who prefer reliability and assistance from the manufacturer.

If you’re more experienced and looking for advanced features and performance, premium Core XY printer kits are worth considering. These kits require assembly but provide high performance and customization options. However, they are not recommended for beginners.

Exploring Unique Capabilities

Understanding Delta printers and their advantages

Discovering extra-large format printers for larger projects

Exploring infinite zed belt printers and their unique capabilities

In addition to the different categories of printers, there are also unique types of printers with specific capabilities. Delta printers, for example, offer advantages such as high-speed printing and a larger build area compared to traditional Cartesian printers.

Extra-large format printers are designed for larger projects, allowing you to print models on a much larger scale. These printers are perfect for printing large cosplay props, architectural models, or prototypes.

Infinite zed belt printers have a unique capability that allows them to print objects of infinite length. This makes them suitable for printing long objects like vases or chains.

Recommendations for Beginners

Identifying beginner-friendly 3D printers

Understanding the importance of quality filament from X3D

Offering a discount code for Teaching Tech subscribers

For beginners, it’s important to choose a printer that is beginner-friendly and easy to use. Look for printers with clear instructions, minimal assembly steps, and good community support. The Creality Ender 3 is a popular choice in this category.

In addition to the printer itself, the filament used plays a crucial role in the quality of your prints. It’s important to invest in quality filament, such as X3D filament, as it can greatly impact the final results. X3D offers a wide range of filaments that are both affordable and of high quality.

As a Teaching Tech subscriber, you can also benefit from a discount code when purchasing filament from X3D.

Utilizing How-to and Tutorial Videos

Exploring the benefits of instructional videos for 3D printing

Finding reliable and informative tutorial videos

Instructional videos are a valuable resource when it comes to learning and improving your 3D printing skills. These videos provide step-by-step guidance on various aspects of 3D printing, from assembly to troubleshooting.

When looking for tutorial videos, it’s important to find reliable sources with informative content. Channels such as Teaching Tech offer a wealth of knowledge and tips on 3D printing. Make sure to explore these resources to enhance your understanding and skills in 3D printing.

Conclusion

Summarizing the key points of the guide

Encouraging readers to make informed decisions based on their needs and preferences

In conclusion, this comprehensive guide has covered various aspects of buying a 3D printer. We discussed the importance of understanding the nuances and challenges of 3D printing, as well as the need for investment in knowledge and experience. Identifying your preferences and priorities is crucial in choosing the right printer for your needs.

We explored different categories of printers, including budget machines, mid-range machines, manufacturer supported machines, and premium Core XY printer kits. Additionally, we discussed unique capabilities such as Delta printers, extra-large format printers, and infinite zed belt printers.

For beginners, it’s recommended to choose a beginner-friendly printer and invest in quality filament. Utilize instructional videos and reputable sources to enhance your 3D printing skills.

In the end, make informed decisions based on your needs and preferences. 3D printing is a rewarding hobby that offers endless possibilities, and with the right knowledge and tools, you can enjoy the journey of creating custom parts and bringing your ideas to life.

If you’re in the market for your first 3D printer, hold off on spending any money until you’ve watched this honest buyer’s guide. It’s important to be aware of the misconceptions and pitfalls associated with 3D printing before diving into the hobby.

In this video, we will help you identify your preferences and intended workflow, guide you on how to gather reliable information from reviews and community groups, and explore different categories of 3D printers and who they are best suited for.

To assist you in your research, here are some resources you can check out:

• Replica Wiki: Replicator wiki
• My FDM 3D printer review playlist: [FDM 3D printer reviews](INSERT LINK)
• My review policy: Review policy
• Example Creality Facebook group: [Creality Facebook group](INSERT LINK)

Additionally, here are some 3D printer options you may consider:

• Base/cheapest Ender 3: Base Ender 3
• Ender 3 V2: Ender 3 V2
• Tiny Machines: Tiny Machines
• Prusa: Prusa
• Lulzbot: Lulzbot
• Voron Design: Voron Design
• Rat Rig: Rat Rig

If you’re interested in building your own 3D printer, consider these options:

• Rat Rig V-core 3 build playlist: [Rat Rig V-core 3](INSERT LINK)
• Seckit SK-Tank build: [SecKit SK-Tank](INSERT LINK)
• Hevort: Hevort
• BLV MGN Cube: BLV MGN Cube
• LayerFused: LayerFused
• ANNEX Engineering: ANNEX Engineering

To further enhance your understanding, here are some helpful videos and playlists:

• CoreXY explained video: [CoreXY explained](INSERT LINK)
• My 3D printing beginner playlist: [3D printing for beginners](INSERT LINK)

For calibration and troubleshooting, you can visit my website:

• Free Calibration/Troubleshooting website: Calibration website

For quality filament, I recommend X3D. They offer a buy 3, get 1 free deal and a free sample pack with every order: X3D

For resin, you can find quality products at 3D Printers Online. As a Teaching Tech subscriber, you can enjoy 5% off storewide with the code “tech5”: 3D Printers Online

Feel free to explore these resources and if you find them helpful, please consider subscribing to my channel. If you’d like to support my work, you can also become a patron on Patreon: [Support me on Patreon](INSERT LINK)