I want to start 3D printing

[Richard_S]

If it's finicky or awkward I know that I won't have enough time or patience.

It is and it is and don't bother as it takes a lot of time to be proficient. Started in 2018 but now can sit down, design something and fabricate it. But you will need to put in the time and effort to lean the software, hardware and all the inns and outs of the process.. this is sort of like saying I want to rebuild engines, but if I have to learn a lot first I don't have time.. 3d printing is not plug and play

OK, fair enough. You are saying that it's not yet mature enough for those who are not 3D printers first and creators only much further down the list. Thanks for your advice, much appreciated.

By the way, I have no interest in building or rebuilding engines, or indeed using them but I think I get the analogy.