3D printer

[julianE]

I'm considering a 3D printer purchase, nothing fancy. making small parts, gears and such, small enclosures for picaxe projects. I don't want to spend much more than $300. Any suggestions? Which 3d printer are the picaxe forum denizens using? Thanks in advance.

 

[Jeff Haas]

I got an Ender 3 in 2019, it's been really useful. There are newer models out there that improve on the version I got with more features. There was a bit of a learning curve to the whole process, but once I got it down, the printer has been an appliance that reliably cranks out electronics enclosures.

Look at YouTube channels by these two guys for demos and reviews:
Teaching Tech
CHEP

Also, one of the best upgrades was a Raspberry Pi that runs a custom installation called Octoprint. It allows me to send a file to the printer via wifi, and then it manages the whole print process. I got a wifi plug that Octoprint can control, so the printer will finish up a print in the middle of the night and then automatically get turned off.

 

[julianE]

Ender 3 is the one i was looking at, it's available at a local store so i can have a look at it. thanks for the input, appreciate it.

 

[Bill.b]

The Ender 3 V2 is a better buy. With all Creality printers it is recommended to upgrade the control board, see the bigtreetech website. I would recommend the E3V3 control board and the TFT35E3 display as well. I agree with Jeff Haas that a Raspberry pi running octoprint is a greeat improvement.

Bill

 

[erco]

My 3D print guy has two TAZ printers and loves them. He's one of the few people who use Shapr 3D software on an ipad instead of Solidworks. Faster & cheaper all around and better for some tasks. https://www.shapr3d.com/ There is a Windows version now too.

 

[Jeff Haas]

Agree with Bill - see if your local store has the Ender 3 V2. It's got most of the upgrades I had to make on mine! Check to see what kind of control board it has, if it's silent you can get by with it for a long time before having to upgrade (although an upgrade is about $35 - $40.)

 

[julianE]

Looks like I'll be waiting some more, getting a little dear for my budget with upgrades and all. What they have in stock is a
Creality Ender 3 S1 3D Printer around $380,

 

[Bill.b]

The S1 is a good printer but the pro version is better as to can handle hot end temperatures up to 300c. I am using the same direct drive extruder as comes with the S1 Pro on my Ender 3 v2.

 

[oracacle]

I would suggest looking into geeetech as well. Been trying an A10 since it's release and been reliable and accurate enough for my needs