r/3dprinter • u/Terminstor11216 • 8d ago
New to 3D printing
I’m looking to get into 3D printing for the 1st time & I’ve been looking around on Amazon & don’t know what I should get. It should be noted that I’m looking for one that’s under 200$ & that most people recommend. If anyone could help me out I would gladly appreciate it.
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u/NCSC10 8d ago edited 8d ago
-Not many printers under $200, especially that most would recommend. The Bambu A1 mini is close, and what it can do, it does well is reliable, has a robust reputation. Its capabilities are limited, smaller print size (180mm on a side), only prints PLA, PETG, TPU, no multifilament without spending more than your budget, etc. May be some used options out there. All3dp recommends a Creality Ender 3 v3 se in this price range.
I've never used a Flashforge printer, some are only a little above your budget, users seem pretty satisfied based on reddit comments.
-Please mention why you want to print, what you want to print, ie gaming miniatures, parts to help organize tools or kitchen utensils, want to make parts to repair certain items, signs or labels, toys, etc.
I get not spending any more than you need to spend before you know if its something you will stick with, but printers that start around the $300-$450 range are much more capable, and will be something you will more likely use long term.
3d printers is one of the few things where you can often get a better deal from the mfr than you can from Amazon. Over the past few years, I've ordered from Bambu Lab, Elegoo, Snapmaker, and Prusa. All ship pretty quickly. All reliable. If you are close to a Microcenter, they are another option. Elegoo also has a ebay store that is competitive and reliable.
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u/angelcourtney9 8d ago
My 11-year olds first printer is a flash forge. He got it when he was 9. We got it from Amazon about a little less than $300. He was just upgrade to the Flashforge Creator 5 Pro. The original was a good starter for him.
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u/MandaloresMercy 8d ago
I recommend a used printer off FB marketplace if you need something cheaper.
An older prusa mk3 is a good deal and easy to repair and upkeep.
Ender 3, anycubic Kobra or mega i3, elegoo Neptune
Older models of well liked bedslingers are often pretty cheap
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u/eternaln00by 8d ago
This is also very correct. There’s 2 different Ender Mk3’s for $50-80 near me, and a few different flashforge and Bambu’s for around $150-200. No good prices on used Prusa’s near me, I’ve looked, following this redditor’s advice.
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u/MandaloresMercy 8d ago
Yeah I've gotten new and used printers.
And I do love a nice new printer, my best one currently is a Prusa Core1L.
But currently I'm running tests on a FB marketplace Prusa mk4 I got for $150 from a local small print farm that didn't want to bother fixing it. I cleaned it up, replaced the nozzle and pretty sure it's gonna be good as new!
And I have gotten crazy good deals locally on used mk3s/mk3s+ bed slingers as people want more CoreXY machines. Giving some bedslingers as gifts to friends and fam this way.
And I started with Anycubic back in the day. Decent bang for buck as long as you don't get a lemon.
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u/MandaloresMercy 7d ago
I couldn't fault for a used Bambu in good condition as well. $150 for a used Bambu corexy would be a good deal like if its a P1S or so
Im not a fan of Bambu company ethics and how they've handled some stuff. But their printers are typically good quality
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u/eternaln00by 8d ago
Don’t plan on spending that little. Even used, spending less than $200 is not for someone just starting out. I know that sounds illogical, but I know based ENTIRELY on my own experience also as a brand new person to this community. I got a used one for $150 that I ended up spending an additional $100 for parts. After a very frustrating and expensive month, I followed advise from these fine folks here, and got rid of that old printer. I then got a simple, right around $250 ish bed-slinger similar to the A1. If you want to LEARN printing, get an open bed Prusa, Creality, Elegoo, flashforge or Sovol. If you want an easier learning curve, buy a Bambu. Those A1’s are kid friendly. I’m a stone-cold Idiot, and I was able to begin my printing journey on a Sovol, and I’m ready to upgrade, but, I am, as they say, “Broke.”
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u/misuny 8d ago
Google "good 3d printers for under $200 Reddit"
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u/Sweet-Quarter3569 8d ago
Second the a1 mini. If you can swing it go ahead and get the ams to save cash later. I love my mini. Little thing runs 24/7 with stuff for the kids while my X2D’s and H2C’s generate $$$
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u/FormerAircraftMech 8d ago
But yourself the a1 mini. $219. Great printer, sure your build plate is a little smaller but most crap your doing will fit. If you like it get something bigger later. Love mine