Best Printer for Beginner under $1,000!

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12-02-2015, 03:38 PM
Psychophoria

Best Printer for Beginner under $1,000!
Good afternoon everyone.
The last week or so I've been going through every thread and Youtube video I can find on the topic, and although I've gained a wealth of knowledge I'm still a bit confused on all the models, brands, etc.
I'll supply my criteria, and would be very thankful for any suggestions I could get.
- I'd like to print with ABS.
- I'd like a 10 x 10 x 10 build platform, but can manage with smaller dimensions.
- I'd like a heated bed.
- I'd prefer not to build it myself.
Obviously, with my price tag of around $1,000, I may not be able to get all that I desire; So some of the things I would like may need to be sacrificed.

I really like these models, but am more than open to hear of any options the community thinks would be recommended.
- Flashforge Creator Pro (I've heard you can get cheaper knock offs, but that may be a walk into the unknown.)
- Printrbot Simple Metal with Heated bed (Printrbot has a MASSIVE community, but I feel that for the price there may be better options.)
- Wanhao Duplicator I3 (Heard they're straight out of China, with customer service that resembles a shit in a toilet.)
- Dremel Ideabuilder (Saw this one at a local Electronics Store, but haven't seen many people talking about them.)
If anyone has some input, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks!
12-02-2015, 05:02 PM
Ward

Walk in the unknown? Yep...I took that walk and BOY am I glad I did !!

I was EXACTLY where you were a month or two ago. Had NO CLUE what to get or even what I really wanted except for the short list like you posted.

I was 2 seconds from pulling the trigger on a Flash Forge Creator Pro ($1199.00).
On the suggestion of a community member, I looked into a MonoPrice.com Clone of the FFCP....and ultimately bought one ($699.00)

I can honestly say I could NOT be happier. The printing is superb, it's quiet, has all the LCD front panel functions I need and even has those beautiful internal LED lights that I wanted.

Could the $1100.00 FFCP print any better? Nope. From what I learned later, they are made in the same facility.

The ONLY thing on your list it doesn't have is a larger print bed. Mine is basically 6 x 8. Enough for me.
But if you definitely need bigger prints, get something with a bigger bed. Just don't be afraid of the clones. Remember, decades ago, IBM had the real mcCoy (computers) but the clones put an end to IBM's computer dominance.

Pay as much as you're comfortable with. Me? I bought myself a DJI Phantom with the savings. So now I have it all (figuratively speaking) :cool:
12-02-2015, 05:34 PM
ssayer

The only thing I would have done differently with that extra money than you is... I would have built my own quad and pocketed the savings. :p:p:p
12-02-2015, 05:46 PM
Christina Jackson

I would recommend at least 3 of your options. If I will choose it would be:

1. PrintrBot. Their printers are superb and they have incredible customer support. If you encounter some problems with your 3d printer (which I bet is rare, at least from my experience), they will entertain and address your problems immediately.

2. FFCP. This is another great printer with quality prints and runs quietly.

3. Wanhao i3. This is also a great printer but I've heard some issues with Wanhao USA. I hope whatever it is, the issue will be fixed though
12-02-2015, 10:51 PM
Sebastian Finke

If you intend to print ABS you wull need an enclosure. Your shortlisted printers must be enclosed ir you will need to have an enclosure made (really simple).
12-03-2015, 02:31 AM
LambdaFF

I am really satisfied with the metal Plus : auto levelling, nice volume, reliable and tweakable. And now I have updated with metal hot end and I'm planning to go with the double geared extruder as well.

That's what makes Printrbot so great : they don't just sell machines, they also provide stuff to keep the machine current with upgrades.

http://3dprintboard.com/showthread.p...al-Plus-prints
12-03-2015, 04:15 AM
iDig3Dprinting

If you had the extra money you could go for the UPBOX, this is an ABS specialist with enclosed build chamber. Its very Plug'n play and also has the build volume you are interested in. The other added bonus is that it is made by PP3DP / TierTime the same people who made UP Plus 2 and the UP mini which are both great printers.
12-03-2015, 07:04 AM
Marrrs

I see ABS is on top of your wish list. But, if budget is an issue, maybe it would be wiser not to narrow the field down to ABS capable machines? PETG is also durable and works on a wider range of machines, with heated bed. Less fumes as well...
12-03-2015, 07:14 AM
iDig3Dprinting

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marrrs

I see ABS is on top of your wish list. But, if budget is an issue, maybe it would be wiser not to narrow the field down to ABS capable machines? PETG is also durable and works on a wider range of machines, with heated bed. Less fumes as well...

This is a good suggestions, shame there is no way to up-vote contributions.
12-03-2015, 06:58 PM
Psychophoria

Thanks everyone for the replies so far.
A few questions and comments..

1. Is printing ABS unrealistic at this time? Why does it need a enclosure? I just feel it's most durable for what I'd like to do.
2. I'm going to just forget about having a 10 x 10 x 10 build size. I can just build in smaller sizes and piece things together.
3. That Monoprice China company scares me. Read up a bit on these forums, and one fellow had one that essentially self destructed. Maybe I just need to open my mind.
4. What's the difference between the Printrbot Metal and Plus? They look quite similar, but the Printrbot metal is quite a bit cheaper.

Because of Printrbot's well known reputation, I feel that maybe I will start there. On Amazon.com, I'm able to find a Printrbot Simple with a heated bed for $750. Sweet. But, I have to be patient and wait until I'm certain on what I'm buying. Once again, I really appreciate everyone's time and effort they've put into helping me discover a printer that suits my needs.
Hopefully others in my situation, especially with Christmas around the corner, will be able to look upon this thread and find some useful information.
12-04-2015, 01:55 AM
LambdaFF

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psychophoria

1. Is printing ABS unrealistic at this time? Why does it need a enclosure? I just feel it's most durable for what I'd like to do.

Have you given consideration to try PET ? It doesn't warp, it doesn't require a 110°C heated bed, it doesn't smell (as much), it melts above 85°C which is probably OK for whatever you have in mind...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psychophoria

4. What's the difference between the Printrbot Metal and Plus? They look quite similar, but the Printrbot metal is quite a bit cheaper.

The Printrbot line has 3 products : the Play, the Simple and the Plus. They used to be in wood, so when they shifted to metal contruction they named them the Metal Plus, the Metal Simple...
The Plus has 10*10*10 inch volume, the Simple is smaller but you can upgrade the Z and Y axis with some kits so I think you can reach 6*8*10 volume. I'd say both are interesting for you.
12-05-2015, 08:59 PM
Psychophoria

If I were to build an enclosure, would the Printrbot Simple or Plus be acceptable for ABS?
12-06-2015, 07:27 AM
LambdaFF

People have been printing ABS with both so far, without enclosure. Don't know how efficiently though : I went straigt to PET.

An enclosure would help, that will remain true nevertheless.
12-07-2015, 11:45 PM
Psychophoria

Quote:

Originally Posted by LambdaFF

People have been printing ABS with both so far, without enclosure. Don't know how efficiently though : I went straigt to PET.

An enclosure would help, that will remain true nevertheless.

I have decided on either the Metal or the Plus.
From my research, Printrbot has an excellent reputation, which is a major plus in my opinion.
It prints in ABS, which is a must for me.
The quality is VERY high compared to Chinese knock offs.
12-08-2015, 06:32 AM
Ward

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psychophoria

I have decided on either the Metal or the Plus.
From my research, Printrbot has an excellent reputation, which is a major plus in my opinion.
It prints in ABS, which is a must for me.
The quality is VERY high compared to Chinese knock offs.

Congrats!
The hardest part is making a decision on which one. Now you're down to just two!
The only hard part left is the payment).
Looking forward to hearing your experiences with it :cool:

PS...I was under the impression that the parts for all these printers pretty much came from the same manufacturers...clones included.
But I'm still a noob myself.
12-27-2015, 12:03 AM
Psychophoria

Well. I'm going to have to bump this thread..
I'm sitting in front of my ROBO 3D right now, and well. I'm ready to bury the thing..
It has been NOTHING but issues since I got it. Worked great for about four hours, then it went downhill and off a cliff into Hell.
I think I need a different model.
What about that Printrbot Metal Plus? I know it doesn't have a heated bed, but.. Do you need that for printing with PETG? I'm kind of over the ABS thing, when PETG has more strength and is much less temperamental.
Printrbot headquarters is a quick 15 minute drive, so I'll be heading there Monday just to check it out at least.
I really like the build size with the ROBO 3D. The build quality of the unit, I would say, is so-so, the print quality is now horrible.
I heard Printrbot print quality is sub-par.
Check out my thread on the ROBO forums, and you can see the nightmare I've been through.
http://community.robo3d.com/index.ph...f-issues.7359/
Thankfully, Amazon.com has a GREAT return policy.
12-27-2015, 12:29 AM
Psychophoria

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ward

Congrats!
The hardest part is making a decision on which one. Now you're down to just two!
The only hard part left is the payment).
Looking forward to hearing your experiences with it :cool:

PS...I was under the impression that the parts for all these printers pretty much came from the same manufacturers...clones included.
But I'm still a noob myself.

Maybe I should of gone with the Metal or Plus like I was planning on.
12-27-2015, 04:38 AM
LambdaFF

Don't know where you read that : it is also sold with �* heated bed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psychophoria

What about that Printrbot Metal Plus? I know it doesn't have a heated bed, but.. Do you need that for printing with PETG? I'm kind of over the ABS thing, when PETG has more strength and is much less temperamental.
Printrbot headquarters is a quick 15 minute drive, so I'll be heading there Monday just to check it out at least.

Do go. They seem like a nice bunch.
12-27-2015, 02:41 PM
Psychophoria

This morning I got the ROBO 3D to work again..
I will still check out Printrbot anyways.
What a HEADACHE it's been this printer.
But on the positive side of things, I've learned SO much.
12-27-2015, 03:25 PM
ServiceXp

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psychophoria

This morning I got the ROBO 3D to work again..
I will still check out Printrbot anyways.
What a HEADACHE it's been this printer.
But on the positive side of things, I've learned SO much.

and that hopefully out weighed the frustration... Just think how much better you know your printer now... :p
12-27-2015, 07:30 PM
Bobby Lin

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psychophoria

I have decided on either the Metal or the Plus.
From my research, Printrbot has an excellent reputation, which is a major plus in my opinion.
It prints in ABS, which is a must for me.
The quality is VERY high compared to Chinese knock offs.

Congratulations on choosing that one! I was supposed to give my recommendation but as I've read along the forum posts, I'm glad you finally decided on what printer to purchase and I assure you, you won't have any regrets in Printrbot Metal Plus! It's really a great printer, never encountered any problem with it(and if I do, their customer support will help me troubleshoot my problem right away). Great decision, pal! I look forward in seeing your 3d prints in the future!
12-28-2015, 08:40 AM
Sebastian Finke

Psychophoria: Go to Youtube search for Barnacules. He released a video on fixes for the Robo3D. It might help you...