many years ago I had access to solid works, but that access is no longer avail...and I find myself in the occassional situation where I could really use a 3d part....and the 3d printer seems to be the perfect answer...no too expensive...and from all reports...fairly easy to use...

here's the question....

I have zero idea what to buy

hardware...I don't need anything very big...any models I might make would never be bigger than 4 or 5 inches square....

is it ok the printer is open or are the ones enclosed better?

software....
I don't have any 3d or for that matter 2 d software anymore....can I get a 3d printer that has drawing software already onboard?

I have macintosh computers...will most 3d printers run off of mac?

thanks....rb