Just getting started.

[JPerry84]

Hi I'm new to the 3D printing thing. I have been trying to find a printer but having trouble sorting out the affiliate marketers from legitimate reviews. I'm looking for an aio that is easy to work with for under $1,500. Anyone have any suggestions? I've never used a 3D printer but I'm not technologically deficient. Thanks in advance.

[Geoff]

Hi I'm new to the 3D printing thing. I have been trying to find a printer but having trouble sorting out the affiliate marketers from legitimate reviews. I'm looking for an aio that is easy to work with for under $1,500. Anyone have any suggestions? I've never used a 3D printer but I'm not technologically deficient. Thanks in advance.

Hiya,

I am a legitimate reviewer just an average consumer.

For under $1500 I would buy probably a Flashforge, Wanhao, CTC or any of the dual replicator clones. They start at $600 and go to about $1500
If you can afford it, the Flashforge is probably what I'd recommend, not only is there hundreds of thousands of us using them, the forum is already full of good info on them and really, for a first printer you can't go wrong with it.

[curious aardvark]

when you say 'aio' is that all-in-one as in a scanner & printer combined ?

Only one budget choice and I doubt anyone here would recommend it.
http://www.amazon.com/XYZprinting-Vi.../dp/B00OCG91IK
the xyz.

There is a decent aio that's not overly cheap but does seem to work.
http://www.zeus.aiorobotics.com/

[JPerry84]

Yeah I guess that's the question. I like the thought of scanning and replicating but is my best bet to buy the scanner separate? Or is it all irrelevant anyway. I also think the ability to use multiple types of materials would be important to me. I'm sure I sound like an idiot to most of you but I'm worried about spending $700 on something worthless I'll need to replace shortly, or $1,500 on something inferior.

[curious aardvark]

the simple answer is spend $399 - http://wanhaousa.com/products/duplicator-i3-steel-frame
and suck it and see :-)

Material wise fff has hundreds and is increasing at an almost exponential rate.

All printers have good and bad points but in that particular price range the cheap non-propriatary ones are almost as good as the more expensive ones.

[JPerry84]

the simple answer is spend $399 - http://wanhaousa.com/products/duplicator-i3-steel-frame
and suck it and see :-)

Material wise fff has hundreds and is increasing at an almost exponential rate.

All printers have good and bad points but in that particular price range the cheap non-propriatary ones are almost as good as the more expensive ones.

Awesome that is much much less than I budgeted but it looks solid. Good build volume. I had set myself at $1,500 or so but looks like a great way to get my feet wet. Win win. I hate it I didn't waste much. I love it and want a bigger/better machine this will make a great second machine. Thanks a ton.

[curious aardvark]

since the mk II has come out there are pretty much just positive reviews. They sorted all the common issues with the original.

And apparently all you do to make it enclosed is stick a cardboard box over the printer - leaving the electronics and psu outside :-)

If I had desk space I'd probably buy one.

[Geoff]

the simple answer is spend $399 - http://wanhaousa.com/products/duplicator-i3-steel-frame
and suck it and see :-)

Material wise fff has hundreds and is increasing at an almost exponential rate.

All printers have good and bad points but in that particular price range the cheap non-propriatary ones are almost as good as the more expensive ones.

As many bad reviews as good ones, I would steer clear of Prusa machines to be honest, I find the dual threaded rods have caused me more issues than any other printer I have.

I saw those on ebay for $700 (the grey metal ones?) and youtube reviews were not good.

[curious aardvark]

the mk1's had alot of issues. the mkII's are definitely a lot better.

And for the money - what do you have to lose. Plus it's a design that can easily be furtled with.