3D printer. Ender 5 pro or something else?

I've been looking at printers in the same price range and I think I have decided I am just going to go with the Ender 3.

Main reasons:

1. You can get one for $200 with a glass bed upgrade.

2. Doesn't really seem like you get much in terms of print quality by increasing to the top end of my price range (0-$600).

3. The Ender 3 has a huge user base/community, meaning there is already a plethora of videos and write ups on anything you want to know about the machine, troubleshooting and upgrading the machine. Also means 3rd party vendor support for aftermarket upgrades. For instance, the silent mainboard that comes with the Ender 5 you can get for <$30 for the Ender 3 if you decided it was necessary.

4. Assembly doesn't bother me as I converted a manual benchtop mill to CNC, so I am already familiar with how CNC works and how to setup a machine. But again, for those that don't I'm sure there is a wealth of information/videos out there on assembly and setup due to the huge community. It also seems very straightforward and easy based on videos.

5. Bed size seems like it would work for the majority of what I want to do with it.

6. If I really get into 3D printing I can upgrade to a bigger/better machine and still have a decent secondary printer. If I print some shite and then it collects dust for a few years, well then I only spent $200 on a temporary hobby.

I have been looking at 3d printers for years and this thread got me back looking. Wow prices have come down. I was about to buy last night before I realized everywhere is sold out.

You didn't want the pro? They didn't have the pro or 3 in stock yesterday evening when I was looking.

I have a Prusa MK3S, started out life as a MK3 at launch of MK3. I don't recommend it. It's a lot of money for a lot of aggravation. I highly recommend starting on an Ender, they seem to be a lot more beginner friendly and the price is much better.

I do recommend getting the upgrade for the Enders where you can get a removable magnetic bed. I have a powder coated textured PEI for ABS and PLA and a smooth PEI sticker for PETG. PETG will destroy the powder coat version unfortunately or I would use that for everything. So much easier than dealing with glass beds and you can pop parts off easy.

edit: what complaints does the removable one get? I don't like glass beds, but I have auto leveling that requires metal to sense.

Idk I read about people having alignment issues with the magnet, warping issues, issues detaching smaller parts, etc. It just seemed like the vast majority of people in the Ender forums recommend the glass. I could be wrong though.

Not sure how your auto leveler is setup. But you could use a metal disk of known height for touching off on non-metal surfaces.

I have an Ender 3 and have used it for the past year or so... One of the biggest issues I run into is keeping the bed level. Definitely upgrade the spings under the bed and add the nuts between the bed and spring to make sure the screWs don't back out. It works well, but initial setup is key, so take the extra time to get it setup correctly to save headache down the road. It took more then 3 hours to get ours setup once it came in, so don't expect a quick 3d print once it arrives.

Search YouTube for videos on common failures and setup advice. If it is not aligned correctly and rollers too tight, you could have flat spots worn into rollers over time that would need to be replaced for accurate prints later.

If the 5 comes in stock today I'm going to buy it.

Think they may have sales for father's day?

In stock. Just bought one. Where are people getting good cheap PLA?

I always use E Sun PLA+ and I get mine on eBay.