Page 1
Page 1
Started By
Message

3D printer recommendations

Posted on 9/8/25 at 10:54 am
Posted by Delacroix
Member since Oct 2008
4022 posts
Posted on 9/8/25 at 10:54 am
Looking to dip my toe into 3d printing. I mainly want it for functional items like storage organization, minor replacement parts, etc.

My limited research has brought me to Bambu labs A1, but I am open to other suggestions.

I have a good bit of CAD experience, but not with the standard modeling software that the 3d printers use.

Posted by madmaxvol
Infinity + 1 Posts
Member since Oct 2011
21564 posts
Posted on 9/8/25 at 11:14 am to
I've known people who have had really good experiences with Bambu.
Posted by Fat Batman
Gotham City, NJ
Member since Oct 2019
1594 posts
Posted on 9/8/25 at 11:20 am to
I'd probably go P1S if you can swing it. I think for functional parts where you are going to want to be using PETG/ASA/ABS you will get better results with the enclosure of the P1S. Core XY printers I think are also faster, more rigid and have less vibration. From what I have seen on FB marketplace the Bambu printers seem to hold their value well, so, with either model, theres that if you end up not liking it.

quote:

I have a good bit of CAD experience, but not with the standard modeling software that the 3d printers use.


The slicing is not a steep learning curve, if that is what you mean. Bambu has it dialed in pretty good out of the box. If you have 3D modeling CAD experience, that carries over directly. You can model in whatever software you are already comfortable with. Then you slice that model in the Bambu slicer and hit print.
This post was edited on 9/8/25 at 11:21 am
Posted by Dam Guide
Member since Sep 2005
16480 posts
Posted on 9/8/25 at 11:33 am to
PETG and PLA will be fine on the A1 without enclosure.

You will mostly use PETG for functional prints for indoors.

If you decide to start making parts that need a bit more heat resistance and UV protection for outdoor and car parts, ASA is a tough print and you will need an enclosure, so the P1S is the better way to go.

Bambu Studio is stupid easy to use, bambu printers are basically kitchen appliances these days with ease of use.

This post was edited on 9/8/25 at 11:34 am
Posted by guedeaux
Member since Jan 2008
13819 posts
Posted on 9/8/25 at 1:55 pm to
What is your budget?

The Bambu X1C combo is on sale now at Best buy for $999.

The P1S combo is $750.

Elegoo Centauri Carbon would be next.

I have two P1S, and I am super happy with them.

A1 is a fine machine, but the enclosure and core XY system on the P1S, X1C, and centauri removes a lot of the potential issues.

I know a few folks who got the A1 and very soon thereafter upgraded to an enclosed core XY.

If money is no issue, get the Bambu H2D.
Posted by Dam Guide
Member since Sep 2005
16480 posts
Posted on 9/8/25 at 2:20 pm to
quote:

If money is no issue, get the Bambu H2D.


I'd wait for the H2C if you want multicolor, H2S if you want to use the full bed.
Posted by Delacroix
Member since Oct 2008
4022 posts
Posted on 9/8/25 at 3:31 pm to
quote:


What is your budget?


I'd like to keep it under $500 as I experiment with the printer. If I find myself using it a lot, I don't mind upgrading later if needed.
Posted by guedeaux
Member since Jan 2008
13819 posts
Posted on 9/8/25 at 5:23 pm to
quote:

'd like to keep it under $500 as I experiment with the printer.


A1 Combo is best choice under $500, IMO.
Posted by FnTigers
Member since Sep 2021
2258 posts
Posted on 9/8/25 at 11:37 pm to
A1 combo. We have 2 and my boys use them all the time.
Posted by Itismemc
LA
Member since Nov 2008
4783 posts
Posted on 9/9/25 at 10:22 am to
Another vote for Bambu A1, go ahead and get the combo with the AMS lite for multicolor printing.

Also the 12$ hobbly lobby PLA spools are pretty good, they have a wood and marble color thats a little bit more

If you get a bambu let someone here give you a referral code.
Posted by Kingpenm3
Xanadu
Member since Aug 2011
9734 posts
Posted on 9/9/25 at 1:59 pm to
quote:

The Bambu X1C combo is on sale now at Best buy for $999.



Thanks for the heads up!! Just ordered.
first pageprev pagePage 1 of 1Next pagelast page
refresh

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookXInstagram