Flashforge or CTC.

Good evening all!

So basically I've been looking at getting a 3d printer for a long time but the game changes so fast and I'm stuck!

I'm from the UK and have around £1000 to play with, I'd rather shop in the UK if possible. I'm looking for a pre-build, I'm pretty sure I could build one of these if I have to but I'd rather get to the good stuff quicker :)

I'm currently looking at 2 printers, there's the cheap ebay(which seems to have good reviews!) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CTC-3D-Pri...YAAOSw2s1Uy1Ls

Then I was also looking at the flashforge creator pro: http://creative3d.co.uk/flashforge-c...FasBwwodQLAJFQ

This is a geeky hobby for me as I love to create gaming props, think fallout weapons etc. I really want speed though so would it be better to pick up a couple of the CTC printers or go for the flashforge, I can't find any direct comparisons between the 2 printers so before I mess up I'd best ask for your expert opinions!

Great forums by the way :)

ps. Sorry I can see you get these questions a lot! :(

Flashforge Creator is a Makerbot Replicator 1 clone

CTC is a Flashforge Creator clone

Don't think you can go wrong with either.

basically the pro is a fully enclosed machine with some upgraded bits.
better for printing abs.

But for £1000 there are probably better options out there with larger build volumes which means making your props in fewer pieces.
That said the replicator clones are very good machines.

whereabouts in the uk are you ?
You're welcome to pop round to my workshop and have a butchers at mine in operation if you like.
I'm pretty much smack in the middle of england. :-)
Got a standard flashforge creator - which is my go to machine. And an all metal chassis sort of pro (not enclosed but has all the other upgrades) Klic-nPrint that I use for specialist stuff. Currently loaded for dual colour flexible sling pouches
Attachment 8514

Another option to look at is the wanhao i3. http://creative3d.co.uk/3d-printers/...-duplicator-i3
stupidly cheap and a nice volume.

The printrbot plus - okay wee bit more pricey but 10 inch cube volume and serious metal chassis: http://creative3d.co.uk/3d-printers/...lus-3d-printer

Or you could go the multiple printer route.

But like I say if you fancy having a chat and a more in depth look at the machines - let me know :-)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by curious aardvark

basically the pro is a fully enclosed machine with some upgraded bits.
better for printing abs.

But for £1000 there are probably better options out there with larger build volumes which means making your props in fewer pieces.
That said the replicator clones are very good machines.

whereabouts in the uk are you ?
You're welcome to pop round to my workshop and have a butchers at mine in operation if you like.
I'm pretty much smack in the middle of england. :-)
Got a standard flashforge creator - which is my go to machine. And an all metal chassis sort of pro (not enclosed but has all the other upgrades) Klic-nPrint that I use for specialist stuff. Currently loaded for dual colour flexible sling pouches
Attachment 8514

Another option to look at is the wanhao i3. http://creative3d.co.uk/3d-printers/...-duplicator-i3
stupidly cheap and a nice volume.

The printrbot plus - okay wee bit more pricey but 10 inch cube volume and serious metal chassis: http://creative3d.co.uk/3d-printers/...lus-3d-printer

Or you could go the multiple printer route.

But like I say if you fancy having a chat and a more in depth look at the machines - let me know :-)

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Thanks very much for the advice! I'm based in Didcot, where abouts are you? As I would love to take a look.