Best Printer for Beginner under $1,000!

[Psychophoria]

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!

[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)

[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.

[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

[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).

[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

[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.

[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...

[iDig3Dprinting]

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.

[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.