Little one
Beginner
As a beginner, when you prepare to get a new printer, what's the key point, speed? enclosed? core xy? Marlin or klipper?and screen? price?
- Thread starter Little one
- Start date
I was a complete beginner, got an Ender 3 pro because it was recommended as good for beginners - still use it today.
Super capable machine for the price - if you watch out for specials they can be had for $US99 sometimes
Super capable machine for the price - if you watch out for specials they can be had for $US99 sometimes
For a beginner, choosing a popular printer that has a big community and support, followed by somewhat low (but not the lowest) price. You should consider your other, more advanced needs/wants such as Klipper, high speed printing, and more advanced kinematics after you gain some experience.
A popular printer will have easy parts availability when (not if, when) something needs to be fixed or replaced. A lower price for a beginner is good because it lets you make mistakes without being too costly. Investing in something cheaper also a good way to test if you actually need to own and use a 3D printer. 3D printing is a time consuming and tedious process with lots to learn, and (in my opinion) really doesn't become truly useful until you can design your own objects via CAD program.
Ender 3 is an OK choice since it's popular worldwide and pretty cheap, although there's some things I don't like about it (V wheels, single Z screw, bowden, PTFE lined hotend). It's a good way to get started and make sure that 3D printing is something you want to spend time on. Be aware that because the Ender 3 is so cheap, you will be missing some desirable features such as magnetic PEI bed, auto bed leveling, and silent stepper drivers.
A popular printer will have easy parts availability when (not if, when) something needs to be fixed or replaced. A lower price for a beginner is good because it lets you make mistakes without being too costly. Investing in something cheaper also a good way to test if you actually need to own and use a 3D printer. 3D printing is a time consuming and tedious process with lots to learn, and (in my opinion) really doesn't become truly useful until you can design your own objects via CAD program.
Ender 3 is an OK choice since it's popular worldwide and pretty cheap, although there's some things I don't like about it (V wheels, single Z screw, bowden, PTFE lined hotend). It's a good way to get started and make sure that 3D printing is something you want to spend time on. Be aware that because the Ender 3 is so cheap, you will be missing some desirable features such as magnetic PEI bed, auto bed leveling, and silent stepper drivers.
^this right here.
buy a popular printer because you WILL need a lot of help and support and a popular printer will have a lot of online help and support.
what makes a good printer depends on what you typically print. So buy something middle of the road and not super expensive, learn, and then discover what features you like and what areas you want to spend more money on with your next printer based on the pain points you experience with the stuff you print.
