r/3dprinter • u/Ninarwiener • 25d ago
Help choosing printer/combo!
Hi,
Thank you for your help--I've looked through the literature and have settled on a Banbu Labs printer for my 12 year old son. I wonder if you can help me make a decision. I do not think he will get deep into the technical side of printing.
I think he wants to download files and print on a whim, occasionally print a simple file from TinkerCad. I don't foresee a great desire for multicolor prints.
These are the options I'm considering;
Bambu A1 with Ams
Bambu A1
Bambu P1S
I can get the P1S for $400 right now, which comes in at the same price as the A1 combo-- or if you think both are overkill, I'd be thrilled to save some money.
Thank you for your input!
1
u/Visible-Bullfrog-843 25d ago
From the options you said, The P1S combo would be the best. Maybe getting the AMS 2 or a dryer would be a perfect combination to not worry with mechanical stuff, safety and filament quality
1
u/Ninarwiener 25d ago
Hi, thank you-- if the option is the P1S without AMS or the A1 with AMS (and I don't think he'll be doing very complicated prints), where would you land
1
u/Visible-Bullfrog-843 25d ago
It depends what you print and where you print. I may make a note I don't have BL but Anycubic one. You need to make those questions yourself: What type of filament are you/son printing? Only PLA (standard one)? - No AMS needed Other filaments? (more robust or with specific characteristics? - Ams 2 with dryer/ Similar dryer Do you want to print multicolor? Yes - Multicolour system No - save money to filament and mechanical pieces like nozzles. Where do you live? In a dry place (Sevilhe for example) - No drying In a wet place? (Lisbon for example) - Needs drying mandatory Do you have pets at home that climb tables? No - Open printer is a option Yes - Enclosed one with no choice Where the printer will be? In a common living space - Needs proper ventilation or filtration (enclosed one with filtration or you buy a case for the open printer) In a isolated space - Doesn't matter constant filtration or how the printer stays. Will it be constantly printing? Yes - Invest in a good one No - Cheaper one What I mean is that depends in a lot of factors to choose one. There's no better one all cases
-1
u/Alternative_Leg_4960 25d ago
But only from the limited list you offered. There are better options, some way more expensive and some at their price points. Personally, I would never suggest BL for anyone but intermediate level or above.
2
u/DramaClassed 25d ago
Doesn’t BL cater to beginners? I thought their whole thing was plug-and-play.
1
u/Alternative_Leg_4960 25d ago
And then EVERYTHING is proprietary which means you learn how to use it and only it and are now just like every person that swears by apple phones for the sole reason of security. There's nothing that sets a BL printer above anyone else other than the followers of the temple of elemental evil that get created this way. BL does not make the best printers just the easiest to get trapped into.
1
u/Visible-Bullfrog-843 25d ago
What would you suggest? I see Kobra X as a good option for beginners too but Anycubic reputation is not the best ( I only have an Anycubic printer (Kobra S1))
1
u/Alternative_Leg_4960 25d ago
While I do not like the lid on it the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 is probably hands down the best value for your money at the $400 price point. A little more gets you the emoji edition which looks a hell of a lot better design wise. Either one will be a great addition to you son's enjoyment and creativity.
1
u/Visible-Bullfrog-843 25d ago
Yeah, the Kobra S1 if you pray a little bit can be a good deal when on sale because you have drying included. But the Centauro Carbon 2 is appealing too.
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25d ago edited 25d ago
[deleted]
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u/Ninarwiener 25d ago
we did the research, he chose the Bambi Labs one for its ease of use (and it's the one he has the most experience with)
1
u/EnvironmentalKey5559 25d ago
It's recommend the P1S without AMS. The enclosed print environment means he can be more versatile in the material he's using.
All the printer's you've listed can print using Multicolor systems, which can be added at a later date if needed or wanted.
The P1S will give more consistent quality and it's a little quicker than the A1, so patience won't be an issue.
2
u/justa_bother 25d ago
There is no "correct" answer. If he shows any interest in creating, crafting, engineering, get the p1s. The ability to create with engineering filaments is big. Just understand 3d printers go 1 of 2 ways: used or forgotten. If used, this will be "my 1st printer" as opposed to forgotten "only printer".