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@gomez@toot.walesI'm thinking of getting a 3d Printer to play around with. I'd like something that has decent quality.
I'm overwhelmed by the various options. I've so far discovered at least 9 different types of print technology.
Can anyone with any experience of 3d printers help guide me to get the right type of machine?
@gomez That depends on what you want to do. If want a printer that's reliable and just prints I would suggest a Original Prusa i3 (or the mini if that's more appropriate for your budget).
If you want to tinker with the 3dprinter itself I would suggest the Creality Ender or Ender v2.
All printers mentioned have an excellent community and also you'll have no problem getting parts for these printers in the future (either for uprgading or repair).
@gomez All printers that I mentioned above are FDM (fusion deposit modeling) printers. This type of printer is the most suitable for a beginner (and if you ask me the least hazardous and most environmental friendly). For this reason I stay away from everything that needs hazardous chemicals (e.g. SLA printers) or printers that use particles e.g. SLS printers. I don't think that the last category has any printer for hobbyist anyway.
@ericbuijs Thanks for that. The Prusa would be in budget.
Whilst I don't mind tinkering I'd prefer something that was reliable, produced good quality prints and I'd rather spend a bit more up front than buy something cheap I'd have to replace quickly.
What he said
I have an Ender 3 Very affordable, needs assembly and adjusting to setup Lots of mods to improve function, add features, and such
Basic
If you can afford it, get a Prusa
Higher quality Designed and build to just work
@defrisselle @ericbuijs next question software?
@gomez Do you mean the slicer or software for modeling.
@ericbuijs
Sorry the software for modelling, I assume the slicer software comes with the printer.
@defrisselle
@gomez I see. If you want to do 3dcad I suggest Solvespace, OpenSCAD or FreeCAD. OpenSCAD is, I suppose, more suitable for programmers. Solvespace and FreeCAD are more like 'traditional' 3dcad software.
If you want to do more creative modeling I suggest Blender or Dust3D. Blender is great but has a steep learning curve. Dust3D only allows for low poly 3d models (for now).
I don't know anything about proprietary modeling software but perhaps someone else can answer that.
@gomez think about your use cases first. The different technologies each have their own strengths and weaknesses.
For small intricate details and the most fidelity resin or laser sintering is great. But build size is relatively small, resin is stinky and messy (requiring a separate, well-ventilated room), and laser sintering is costly.
For larger build volumes, FDM is probably better but details are not going to be very crisp and the printers are more complicated mechanically.
@fedops problem is I don't really know my use case. I don't want it for a specific purpose.
I'm not going to be printing miniature figurines so I think I can skip SLA.
Someone told me about a Snapmaker 2 which can print, etch and engrave. That versatility is appealing but I don't know if I'd be buying the worst version of everything by having a 3 in 1.
@gomez in short: yes. You'll be compromising on everything.
If you want an FDM printer essentially for getting your feet wet and tinkering, Chinese printers like the Ender 3 are cheap enough to not have to compromise on an all-in-one.
@fedops great thanks for the info. Is the Ender 5 a worthwhile improvement over the 3?
@gomez not in terms of print quality and reliability. If the build volume is ok for you then the Ender 3v2 is a great machine.
@gomez
If I were to buy a 3d printer, I'd have a look at lulzbot. Because like them I like free software and open hardware. If that resonates, have a look
https://www.lulzbot.com/about
@jaz I think I've been put off SLA printers despite the better quality due to the noxious chemical element. If I had an external workshop however........... 
@gomez
Hi Gomez!
That depends on what you want to achieve. As a rough guideline I may suggest FDM printers for mechnaical parts and SLA/DLP for very fine detailed stuff.
Other methods are not really affordable or practical at the moment.
@Bklronin I think I'm going with FDM to start until I've cleared some garage space when I might try a SLA.
@gomez Then I would suggest a Prusa i3 mk3. Has sone really nice features, good quality and is kinda affordable.
iuriimtl.eth
@gomez Ender 3PRO autobed leveling must have, never with ABS - only PLA!
@gomez did you ever get one?
@jwilliford68 not yet. I almost bought a Prusa i3 but the delivery time was really long (I've just checked and it's down to a couple of weeks at the moment) and then I got busy with other things.
Maybe in a month or so......