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Looking into 3d printing

WilliamTom

Active Member
Hey members. Looking for a 3d printer for a newbie, looking for a machine that l can learn
with but not something l will need to replace to quickly, just looking for your knowledge and wisdom.
 
I started with an Ender 3V2, then moved to a Sovol SV06. I have had excellent results with it. I have an Anycubic Kobra S1 on order.
Currently the Bambu Labs printers seems to have a lock on the set it up and it just works market. There has been a lot of recent controversy over their locked down ecosystem so it's worth investigating that and deciding if it's for you.
Another printer that get good reviews is the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
 
Thanks David. I want to buy a printer that l don’t need to replace in a month because lve out grown it. All knowledge will be gladly accepted.
 
Thanks David. I want to buy a printer that l don’t need to replace in a month because lve out grown it. All knowledge will be gladly accepted.
I think it all depends on what you plan to print. If you know today that you want multi-colour or large prints (bigger than 220mm in all dimensions) or you plan to print only using ASA (which requires an enclosure) then the Ender, Bambu A1 or Sovol will not be the printer for you.

On the other hand if your need is for smaller, single colour prints in PLA and PTEG then the Ender, Bambu A1 or Sovol will be fine. The Bambu has the advantage of being multi-colour capable straight away.
 
I bought a Bambu A1 less than a month ago. My first 3DP. Happy with the hardware & print quality so far but I'm very much as 3DP Novice. Slowly getting up to speed on its slicer (Bambu Studio). But as @David mentions, Bambu coincidentally has become 'controversial' with lots of recent, somewhat negative spotlight attention. Most of the user pushback seems to be coming from people who use other apps or hardware in conjunction with the printer and/or what they interpret as implications of recent 'security' walled garden approach. I can't pretend to digest it all properly, but since its bought & paid for have to make the best of it however it plays out. Take your time to evaluate & try to figure out what you want to do (and of course what you want to print).
 
I think it all depends on what you plan to print. If you know today that you want multi-colour or large prints (bigger than 220mm in all dimensions) or you plan to print only using ASA (which requires an enclosure) then the Ender, Bambu A1 or Sovol will not be the printer for you.

On the other hand if your need is for smaller, single colour prints in PLA and PTEG then the Ender, Bambu A1 or Sovol will be fine. The Bambu has the advantage of being multi-colour capable straight away.
Simple things to start with mostly storage units, devices in the shop, a way to learn cad.
 
Be advised SOVOL is back logged with regard to delivering orders. I ordered SV06 Dec 1/24 which wasn't delivered until Feb 1/25 AND was missing the Klipper addon I had ordered:mad:
 
i have 3 printers, and i still go back to the any cubic mega x i bought 4 years ago. its a pretty basic, but larger sized printer, never let me down.

The biggest consideration IMO to think about the largest thing you want to print, and get a printer that is at least that big. Next up would be silent motor drivers (or the ability to upgrade to silent motor drives), and the wish list would be klipper with octo print.

bowden vs direct drive doesn't make much practical difference other than the ability to print with TPU.

heated bed is a must, i think all printers now have a heated bed now.

once you have one you think you want, check out the reviews, lots of youtube 3d print content creators.

have fun
 
Grab a coffee, settle into you favorite chair, and use google to search the forum for "3D Print" - just enter the following line into a chrome browser url field. Don't forget the quotes as follows:

Site:canadianhobbymetalworkers.com "3D print"

Our own search tool won't combine two terms - that I know of. You can also try other case varients like 3d print, 3D Print, etc
 
i have 3 printers, and i still go back to the any cubic mega x i bought 4 years ago. its a pretty basic, but larger sized printer, never let me down.

The biggest consideration IMO to think about the largest thing you want to print, and get a printer that is at least that big. Next up would be silent motor drivers (or the ability to upgrade to silent motor drives), and the wish list would be klipper with octo print.

bowden vs direct drive doesn't make much practical difference other than the ability to print with TPU.

heated bed is a must, i think all printers now have a heated bed now.

once you have one you think you want, check out the reviews, lots of youtube 3d print content creators.

have fun
Thanks lots of good tidbits there.
 
Grab a coffee, settle into you favorite chair, and use google to search the forum for "3D Print" - just enter the following line into a chrome browser url field. Don't forget the quotes as follows:

Site:canadianhobbymetalworkers.com "3D print"

Our own search tool won't combine two terms - that I know of. You can also try other case varients like 3d print, 3D Print, etc
That’s sounds like a good bedtime thing.
 
Ya l guess your the lucky man, lol

Sometimes..... I often have headaches or stomach cramps or I'm just too tired.

I'm actually in your boat on 3D printers. I've been looking for quite some time, but they scare me.

So, since I've been playing with AI lately, I asked Gemini "What is the best 3D Printer for all skill levels?" Gemini doesn't seem to be aware of the current controversy. This is what it said:

For a 3D printer that caters to all skill levels, I'd recommend the **Bambu Lab X1 Carbon**. Here's why:

* **Ease of Use:** It's practically plug-and-play. Assembly is minimal, and the auto-calibration feature takes the guesswork out of bed leveling.
* **Speed:** This printer is FAST. It can significantly cut down your print times, which is great for both beginners who want quick results and experienced users with tight deadlines.
* **Quality:** Despite its speed, the X1 Carbon delivers excellent print quality with fine details and smooth finishes.
* **Versatility:** It can handle a wide range of materials, including those that are more challenging to print with, thanks to its enclosed chamber and high-temperature capabilities.
* **Features:** It comes packed with features like a touchscreen interface, a built-in camera for remote monitoring, and even an optional Automatic Material System (AMS) for multi-color printing.

While it's not the cheapest option, the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon offers a fantastic balance of user-friendliness, performance, and features that make it a great choice for anyone looking to get into 3D printing or upgrade their existing setup.

**Here are some other options worth considering:**

* **For beginners on a budget:** Creality Ender 3 V3 SE (affordable and easy to use)
* **For those who want multi-color printing:** Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo (great for beginners and offers multi-filament printing)
* **For educators:** Creality K1C (durable and has features that make it suitable for classroom use)

Ultimately, the best 3D printer for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. But if you're looking for a top-of-the-line machine that can handle anything you throw at it, the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon is definitely worth considering.
 
Sometimes..... I often have headaches or stomach cramps or I'm just too tired.

I'm actually in your boat on 3D printers. I've been looking for quite some time, but they scare me.

So, since I've been playing with AI lately, I asked Gemini "What is the best 3D Printer for all skill levels?" Gemini doesn't seem to be aware of the current controversy. This is what it said:

For a 3D printer that caters to all skill levels, I'd recommend the **Bambu Lab X1 Carbon**. Here's why:

* **Ease of Use:** It's practically plug-and-play. Assembly is minimal, and the auto-calibration feature takes the guesswork out of bed leveling.
* **Speed:** This printer is FAST. It can significantly cut down your print times, which is great for both beginners who want quick results and experienced users with tight deadlines.
* **Quality:** Despite its speed, the X1 Carbon delivers excellent print quality with fine details and smooth finishes.
* **Versatility:** It can handle a wide range of materials, including those that are more challenging to print with, thanks to its enclosed chamber and high-temperature capabilities.
* **Features:** It comes packed with features like a touchscreen interface, a built-in camera for remote monitoring, and even an optional Automatic Material System (AMS) for multi-color printing.

While it's not the cheapest option, the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon offers a fantastic balance of user-friendliness, performance, and features that make it a great choice for anyone looking to get into 3D printing or upgrade their existing setup.

**Here are some other options worth considering:**

* **For beginners on a budget:** Creality Ender 3 V3 SE (affordable and easy to use)
* **For those who want multi-color printing:** Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo (great for beginners and offers multi-filament printing)
* **For educators:** Creality K1C (durable and has features that make it suitable for classroom use)

Ultimately, the best 3D printer for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. But if you're looking for a top-of-the-line machine that can handle anything you throw at it, the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon is definitely worth considering.
Wow some good solid advice, thanks for taking the time to reply.
 
Creality K2 is a copy of the Bambu X1C that has been slightly updated. Apparently either one just works as is.
Bed slingers are going away as Core XY printers have more advantages in a smaller footprint front to back and enclosure capable or built in. Multi-filament is an advantage even if one is not considering colour, as support materials calls for a filament change! Many people are hoping Prusa will release a Core One with two extruders using the XL tech.
 
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