Best 3D Printer for Mav and related Constructs?

[Rvnrock]

I've been thinking about getting one 3D printer - would want one with the capabilities of making some Mav-related things. Don't want to spend a fortune, but not waste money on a toy. You early adopters out there, what models/spec's should I be looking for?

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[nunucello]

Definitely get a PRUSA !!! These machines just work. You do not have to fiddle with anything.

https://www.prusa3d.com/product/original-prusa-mini-3/

 

[FakeCowboy]

Definitely get a PRUSA !!! These machines just work. You do not have to fiddle with anything.

https://www.prusa3d.com/product/original-prusa-mini-3/

I've always heard good things about Prusa, I have a jailbroken sindoh which is nice since it's enclosed and has a HEPA filter since I mostly work with ABS which has a terrible odor when printing with it. What amazes me about 3D printers is the amazing prints some people are able to produce with seriously low budget machines because they have an amazing understanding of all of the machine settings and how they affect the print. I've never worked with a Prusa but their machines definitely seem like the best balance between cost and quality. My Sindoh was over $1,000 and until I "rooted" it I was only able to print with PLA and ABS.

 

[nunucello]

Prusa Mini+ is only $349. It is rock solid and have never had any issues. I have hundreds of hours of print time and love it. I alternate between PETG and PLA. I also regularly change nozzle diameters without any issues. Highly highly recommend.

 

[HPR]

Get the biggest print bed you can afford lol, as long as the machine is ok. I have a Robo R1 fdm printer and a Sonic Mighty 4k resin printer.

 

[muledeerhunter55]

I have the Creality Ender 3 and have enjoyed it. It is a popular budget option.

 

[TheGriffin1313]

Nice printer build base is ideal to take parts off. Price is crazy cheap but its in the Czech Republic. Not sure if parts and support will be that available. But for 350 bucks who cares

 

[FakeCowboy]

Nice printer build base is ideal to take parts off. Price is crazy cheap but its in the Czech Republic. Not sure if parts and support will be that available. But for 350 bucks who cares

Prusa has been around for a while in the 3d printing realm, proven product with lots of support. Not sure what Czech republic has anything to do with it, I've been there, nice place.

 

[TacoHolder]

I've been using an Ender 5 for a few years now. It's a solid machine, but the best thing about it is the community support. It's one of the more popular models out there. I would recommend the Ender 3 if your budget is tight or you just want a taste of 3D printing. They can often be had for ~$200. They're actually only $100 right now if you're near a MicroCenter.

https://slickdeals.net/f/15623785-100-creality-ender-3-pro-3d-printer-new-customer-exclusive-100

 

[nunucello]

Nice printer build base is ideal to take parts off. Price is crazy cheap but its in the Czech Republic. Not sure if parts and support will be that available. But for 350 bucks who cares

Parts and support are excellent. Everything sent DHL. 3 Days delivery from once ordered is what I experience.

 

[TheGriffin1313]

Prusa has been around for a while in the 3d printing realm, proven product with lots of support. Not sure what Czech republic has anything to do with it, I've been there, nice place.

I use MakerGear https://www.makergear.com/ and they are in Ohio and only time difference is about 2 hrs to me in the west. I have owned their printer for about 10 years and have placed calls to them and have spoken to real people each time over the phone whenever I had issues with their printer for repair or for upgrades over time.

That is what I was referring too regarding the Czech Republic.
As wonderful and beautiful country that it is it is (some really cool stuff coming out of there aside from 3d printers) on the other side of the planet. They may have a support center here but not sure if they do? But again at 350 who cares where they are as this is in the budget of through away money (for some) my filament cost for the year would cover the cost of this printer alone.
So if you are a self supported tech this is a no brainer purchase.

 

[FakeCowboy]

I use MakerGear https://www.makergear.com/ and they are in Ohio and only time difference is about 2 hrs to me in the west. I have owned their printer for about 10 years and have placed calls to them and have spoken to real people each time over the phone whenever I had issues with their printer for repair or for upgrades over time.

That is what I was referring too regarding the Czech Republic.
As wonderful and beautiful country that it is it is (some really cool stuff coming out of there aside from 3d printers) on the other side of the planet. They may have a support center here but not sure if they do? But again at 350 who cares where they are as this is in the budget of through away money (for some) my filament cost for the year would cover the cost of this printer alone.
So if you are a self supported tech this is a no brainer purchase.

I've contacted Prusa regarding some of their offerings and their customer service is excellent. I get the buy local thing, I've just always heard really good things about Prusa machines. I wouldn't hesitate to order from them based on what I've seen and dealt with in terms of their customer service response.

 

[SeniorChiefMM]

I've been thinking about getting one 3D printer - would want one with the capabilities of making some Mav-related things. Don't want to spend a fortune, but not waste money on a toy. You early adopters out there, what models/spec's should I be looking for?

I own a Prusa Mini+ and have been TOTALLY satisfied with its build quality and the quality of my prints. The material you'll want to use for automobile accessories is definitely PETG.

That being said, no printer will work miracles. Take time to understand what goes on, the settings, and the materials. Prusa printers are made in the Czech Republic and their quality smokes anything else mass produced out there IMHO. That doesn't mean they will do everything for themselves. With a little research and reading though you will be happy for years to come.

 

[teh603]

Ender 3 v2 user here. They get the job done, but they're definitely kinda fiddly. Most people usually end up tinkering with them a lot- mine has a capricorn tube and a dual- gear extruder, and it's one of the least modified ones out there. Some people go so far as to install multiple extruders, direct drive extruders, change the hotend or heat sink, upgrade the bed and extruder springs, you get the idea.

What always bites me in the butt is humidity. If you're doing a whole plate full of D&D stuff, low relative humidity can make the difference between a nice clean print job and a stringy mess.

For Maverick accessories, you're going to want to be able to use high- temperature PLA, PETG, or PCTG. Or ABS if you absolutely have to- I don't recommend it. You might have to upgrade components to deal with those higher temperatures. In my case, that'd mean a high- temperature tube.

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