Any 3D printer recommendations?

[Deadeye]

I'm discovering more and more situations where I could benefit from having a 3D printer. As I get more into the 3PO build with the all the greeblies and as I look at other builds, it might make sense to get one. Plus, it just seems like fun to have. With that said, I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the information out there and I'm guessing some of you may have some experience that would help.

I can't justify spending a ton on something like a MakerBot Replicator+. I've noticed there are some in kit form that look interesting. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/REPRAPGURU-RepRa ... 3d+printer. Good reviews, decent build envelope, a variety of filament options. I think I'm handy enough to put together a kit.

So I'm looking for anyone that has recommendations. If you have something you like (or you hate), I'd love to hear about it. If there are things I need to think about, let me know. I'm a CAD designer for work so I can make my own models and create files pretty easily.

Considerations:
-I don't plan to be building anything too huge like some of the BB-8 builders out there but I'd like a big enough print envelope to be useful--maybe 5x5x5 minimum? Bigger is good, with future projects in mind.
-I don't plan on joining 3DHubs or anything so I'll just be printing for my own use and helping out garrison-mates and friends. I don't need anything that prints super quick and I won't be printing daily or anything.
-I admit I don't really understand the print resolution thing (based on some parts I just had printed) but I want to make the "smoothest" parts I can. The parts I had printed through 3Dhubs, I selected the smallest resolution (50 microns, I think) and the printer told me going to 100 would yield smoother parts. Seems counter-intuitive.
-I'm not super familiar with the material options out there but I'd like to have some flexibility in what the printer can use.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[Deadeye]

Still looking for input if anyone has any. Since writing this, doing a bit more investigation I've found that the Creality CR-10 and the Original Prusa i3 MK2 are very well reviewed units that seem to get a lot of love. Anyone have one or know anything about these kits? If you have recommendations for any model, I'd love to hear them.

Thanks!

[Rikileitr]

I don't have any recommendations, but I was also looking to see if there were companies in the area that did 3D printing. I saw somebody put pieces for a Z6 riot control baton from force awakens on whitearmor.net and i wanted to try to build it..

[Deadeye]

I don't have any recommendations, but I was also looking to see if there were companies in the area that did 3D printing. I saw somebody put pieces for a Z6 riot control baton from force awakens on whitearmor.net and i wanted to try to build it..

I had great success with 3dhubs.com and in particular a printer named Miaviator (I'm pretty sure that's right). I think his name is Jonah. He produced great parts very quickly and even made a bunch of suggestions that lowered the price quite a bit. If you need printing done and don't have a source, give it a shot. Can't hurt to get a quote and some advice. And I don't know where you're located but he's from somewhere in Michigan--I think Grand Rapids type area but can't remember exactly.

[Husky]

Make magazine publishes their reviews on 3D printers. That's what I used to buy my Rostock. That and See Me CNC was going to be at Maker Faire. Speaking of that, there will be 3D printer vendors there as well, so you can see them in action.

[Deadeye]

Cool! Thanks, Kevin. I like those delta machines. I hadn't looked into this one before so I'll check it out and I'll see what Make magazine says about the other ones I've seen. And I can definitely look around at Maker Faire and see what's there. Hadn't thought about that.

Thanks for the leads.

[Husky]

Also, Micro Center has a few models that they have running as a demo. Might be worth if you're in the area to check out. They have the Eris from See Me CNC and the Utilimaker. The other models I'm not familiar with.

They also they a 3d scanner that I've been drooling over.

[Zark]

I was going to back the Obsidian on Kickstarter but missed the early bird.

Deluxe model is 249 plus shipping

Heated bed, camera, Android and iOS app. Think it comes with some filament.

Not shipping until December if you can wait

Obsidian 3D Printer: High Quality, Sleek, and Affordable., via @Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/14 ... nd-afforda

[Deadeye]

Thanks, Zack. I'll have to check that one out tonight (can't see Kickstarter from work..BOO). I can certainly wait for something good.

And Kevin, I wasn't even aware that 3D scanners had made their way into consumer versions yet (where have I been?). I know we've had big versions at work for years but that's awesome to hear they're available. Something new I'll have to check out. I might try to get myself over to the Micro Center one of these days when I have some time available.

[devilmaan]

I have a hictop prusa that has to heavily tinkered with and I still don't have it printing exactly the way id like it.. so not really a recommendation but more of a "I wouldn't buy one of these" warning LOL

[Deadeye]

Good info, Todd. I will definitely steer clear of that one. Honestly, the Creality CR-10 seems to get a lot of love in the reviews I've seen and I'm kind of leaning towards that one. The Original Prusa MK2 is another strong contender--smaller print volume and quite a bit more expensive but it sounds really easy for a beginner. That Obsidian that Zack pointed out looks really sweet also but now that I'm aware of the large volume printers I wonder if that one would be too small. It's certainly nice on the budget, though, and full of features. And easy to get started with. So many decisions.

[Proto]

Sorry for being a bit late with some suggestions. I'm not familiar with the requirements to print BB-8, but the Chopper I'm designing can be printed on a 8x8x8 printer.

SeeMeCNC Orion - 8"dia build - Prebuilt - about $1200
SeeMeCNC Rostock Max - 12"dia x 14" build ulome - KIT - about $1000
FolgerTech FT5 - 12"x12x12 - KIT - about $500 (10% discount code available through facebook group)
Creality CR-10 - 12x12x12 - Some Assembly Required - about $500

Dremel Idea Builder - Similar capablity as the Makerbot @ only $900
Dremel Idea Builde 3D40 - Larger Build Volume - only $1200
Lolzbot Taz 6 - Similar price to Makerbot but more flexible (open source, larger build volume & heated bed)

I hope this helps

[hamsandwich72]

I've got a Prussa i3 MK2 and I've been very happy with it. I bought the kit and assembled it myself. Print quality is better than two of my friends (one of which has the Da Vinci). Works with a bunch of different types of filiments.

Let me know if you have any questions.

[Deadeye]

Thanks, guys. Appreciate the input. Still in a holding pattern until I see what I can see at Maker Faire this weekend. Unless something really interesting comes up, I've heard so much good pub about the Creality CR-10 that I'm kind of leaning that way. We'll see if that changes.

[mbone]

If you need any help with the 3D models once you get your hands on the printer, I'm a pretty fair hand with a couple different 3D modeling programs and would be happy to help.

[Deadeye]

Thanks! Mighty nice of you. I'm a CAD designer too so I've got that part covered but I appreciate you offering. What softwares do you use? I have Creo/ProE at work and have been tinkering around with Fusion360 at home. Not getting it as quickly as I expected so I tend to just sneak time at work to do the stuff I need. I'm modeling the pistons for my 3PO and have a guy that's gonna make them from brass rather than 3D print so I've not made much progress on getting the printer. Still, I know it'd be a good thing to have. GearBest is having a sale this weekend so I might have to jump on the Creality.

[Trencher]

I have heard a lot from from my coworker about his formII 3d printer. I'm not sure about details of price, size ect. But I have seen a bunch of miniatures he has made. And they look sharp.