Advice on first 3D printer - eviltoast

I am looking to purchase a 3D printer as a hobbyist, not for any commercial use. I have limited options with local 3D printers but that’s good as they’re mostly cheaper low end printers so I can look at them thoroughly.

When I’m comparing the different 3D printers I’m mainly looking at the following: Cost, nozzle diameter, layer height, volume, and viable filaments.

My question is, is there anything else I’m missing? Are there important things I should be considering or avoiding?

Different printers have different resolutions but for my purposes it looks like they’re all highly accurate and way past what I need. Not worried about speed either. They all mention bed and nozzle temperatures but I assume they are all within the necessary range for the filaments they allow right? So does it matter?

Also, any advice for maintenance? How to make it last as long as possible any mistakes I should be wary of. Thanks.

  • rambos@lemm.eeEnglish
    4·
    9 months ago

    For less than 1k you can get a brand new bambu lab p1s. I dont have it but its recommended a lot (not open source tho).

    Features:

    1. Nozzle size (doesnt matter, better check how difficult is to replace the nozzle)
    2. Max bed temperature and max nozzle temp defines what materials you can print
    3. Mechnics - coreXY is probably better than cartesian (less moving mass for faster printing), smooth rods and rails are better than wheels

    Camera is fun to have, but all other AI crap is not necessary for sure. For 1k I would expect printer that prints great even without automatic bed leveling (not sure is there any without one today)

    Maintanence:

    Clean the printer at least once a month, relube rods with sewing oil and threaded rods with grease