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3d printer recs?

Posted on 11/20/21 at 2:15 pm
Posted by PoppaD
Texas
Member since Feb 2008
4930 posts
Posted on 11/20/21 at 2:15 pm
My 5th grade son's top gift request this year is a 3d printer. I know next to nothing about them. Can yall make suggestions and let me know what to look for?

I've seen some kid friendly versions on Shark Tank or should I look for something a little more advanced.

It will mainly be used for hobby type projects.

Thanks in advance.
Posted by finchmeister08
Member since Mar 2011
35675 posts
Posted on 11/20/21 at 2:43 pm to
Amazon - Ender 3

Amazon - Ender 3 v2


they're both the same size, but the v2 has an upgraded board, upgraded control panel, and upgraded belt tensioners. i recent bought the v2 over the original ender 3 and i'm loving it. be sure he learns Fusion 360 (that's what i'm using) for making 3D models.
Posted by FnTigers
Member since Sep 2021
1429 posts
Posted on 11/20/21 at 9:52 pm to
AnyCubic Vyper

It's my first printer and is awesome for a beginner.

It has auto bed leveling and easy to print in 15 minutes from opening the box.

I did a lot of research and skipped the enders for this.
Posted by Dam Guide
Member since Sep 2005
15513 posts
Posted on 11/21/21 at 8:40 pm to
quote:

be sure he learns Fusion 360 (that's what i'm using) for making 3D models.


His age, I would say do blender. He can retain all those shortcut keys easier and be much more versatile in types of 3D design he is able to do. And once you learn blender, using Fusion is like going play candyland after you mastered chess.

One of the Enders would be my first choice for budget printers for new users too, the amount of them out in the wild provides endless resources to get help and upgrades in the future.
This post was edited on 11/21/21 at 8:44 pm
Posted by CoolHand
Member since Dec 2011
2084 posts
Posted on 11/22/21 at 7:52 am to
I’ve got the Ender 3 V2 and am pretty happy with it However, you need to know that it takes some assembly and learning. However there are tons of information and upgrades available for it since it’s so popular.

There are better options out there that take less effort, but cost more an may not have as large of a user base.

I may pull the trigger on a Prusa soon.
Posted by FnTigers
Member since Sep 2021
1429 posts
Posted on 11/22/21 at 8:21 am to
Black Friday Sale.

LINK

also, use coupon code AC1031

$289 shipped. I paid $400 4 weeks ago.

I just bought another one.
Posted by DJNOS1978
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2013
773 posts
Posted on 11/22/21 at 10:06 am to
You are referring to Toybox 3d printer. I would suggest you NOT go that route. Small print volume for $300. NO tech support.

Go with Creality Ender 3 for under $200.
Go with Lulzbot for under $800. I have only heard good about them. I have not used it.

I used Tinkercad for my designs and I have a bunch of youtube videos on 3d modeling and 3d printing and will be making more.

I'd buy it soon though. Supplies are insane right now. Who knows what will happen in two week.s
Posted by jambrous
Member since Jun 2010
488 posts
Posted on 11/23/21 at 12:24 pm to
As in...You make 3d modeling videos? I can print anything under the sun pretty much but I need to learn 3d drawing. I looked into CAD courses but for hobby 3d printing, it ain't worth the money to take classes.
Posted by DJNOS1978
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2013
773 posts
Posted on 11/23/21 at 12:52 pm to
Yes, I teach 3d modeling through video. So far I have only taught TinkerCAD which is free.

But I will be making videos of other software.

No there is no reason to pay for classes with so many free youtube videos out there. I try to teach every single aspect. Since I have dealt with schools and teachers for a while now I have learned that they need to know exact step by step. EVERY. SINGLE. MOUSE. CLICK. lol
But that's ok. Sometimes it's the smallest things that help people to really learn.
Posted by jambrous
Member since Jun 2010
488 posts
Posted on 11/23/21 at 1:04 pm to
Whats your channel name? I'm interested.
Posted by DJNOS1978
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2013
773 posts
Posted on 11/23/21 at 1:45 pm to
YOUTUBE

TinkerCAD is pretty simple and basic. The other folks on here mentioned Fusion. It's a bit more advanced but I don't know that software. I do know AutoCAD and other advanced software though. I'm getting back to making videos. I had to move shop so we are just getting set back up.
Posted by FuzzyBearE
Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2016
451 posts
Posted on 12/30/21 at 8:46 am to
Bumping the thread.

I got the Anycubic Vyper. No coupons currently that I'm aware of - but the website currently shows it as $30 off for $329 from list of $359.

Overall I'm pretty impressed. I've tried building one from parts - but never had much success getting it dialed in. I just never had the time or patience to work on the issues.

The Vyper was pretty much ready to go out of the box. Four screws to attach the print head and Z-axis to the base and 3 screws to attach the control screen.

The enclosed manual had a couple of checklist items - check for any wobble on the build plate or loosened belts. I didn't find any issues that seemed to need adjusting.

Test print of the included owl gcode file seemed pretty good - a little stringing on the ears at the top - but for basically taking it out of the box and pressing "print" - it's about as plug and play as you can get.

I plan to run a few test prints over the next few days. Looking forward to getting it dialed in.

FnTigers - you have any necessary adjustments or tips?
Posted by FnTigers
Member since Sep 2021
1429 posts
Posted on 12/30/21 at 9:21 am to
Absolutely love my AnyCubic Vyper. I bought a second one.

I'm still pretty new to the game but I've printed some awesome stuff.

The AnyCubic Vyper Facebook page is super helpful. Some awesome guys always willing to help.
Posted by DJNOS1978
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2013
773 posts
Posted on 1/3/22 at 8:45 am to
Congrats and welcome to the rabbit hole. I just finished printing my second Iron man helmet. This one is articulated with motors and led lights. I'm taking videos now and will post to youtube when fully done.
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