Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Any recommendations for a 3d printer good for printing little things like arms etc. Biggest thing I would end up printing would probably be cheap. If you know any that are cheap, affordable (Around 450$ and under) and get the job done fairly quickly, let me know please. Thanks!

Edited by MadGamerAK
Wanted to add a word.
Link to comment
https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/384906-3d-printers/
Share on other sites

I've used AnyCubic Photons for a few years now, my current is a Photon Mono X 6Ks,  you can get a Mono 2 for $147.00, though anycubic is running a sale so there's a few options under 450.

 

I think a small printer for a few things can be pretty handy, though I am partial to a larger build plate if only to reduce the number of prints I need to do and maximize sub assemblies.

Link to comment
https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/384906-3d-printers/#findComment-6082895
Share on other sites

Brothers, ask you 2 honest questions:

 

  • What's the electricity cost like and are newer printers more energy efficient?  My friend Timperial Guard leaves projects like overnight
  • What's the smell or sound like?  I think the smell is ok from where I've seen ppl place their printers, not that bad, but is it noisy please?

 

These are like the hidden, non-obvious costs.  Because my friend Timperial Guard would tell me how cheap 3D printing is, then I'd ask him to hook me up with a mini (for like BattleTech, like I wanted a specific Mecha) and instantly he'd go like "pfft, no, just buy it online (for US$5 + shipping)" and I started realising there might be other costs.

Link to comment
https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/384906-3d-printers/#findComment-6082903
Share on other sites

10 minutes ago, N1SB said:

Brothers, ask you 2 honest questions:

 

  • What's the electricity cost like and are newer printers more energy efficient?  My friend Timperial Guard leaves projects like overnight
  • What's the smell or sound like?  I think the smell is ok from where I've seen ppl place their printers, not that bad, but is it noisy please?

 

Electricity is negligible. Realistically a printer is just a small motor for moving the plate up and down plus a UV lamp that comes on for a few seconds at a time. You will not notice any difference in your electric bill.

 

The sound is a light buzzing noise when the plate is moving, pretty much fades into the background.

 

The smell is what will get you. Printers definitely have to be kept in a garage or well-venilated area. The models themselves do not smell once the resin is cured, but uncured resin gives off a lot of vapors that should not be allowed to spread around the house.

Link to comment
https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/384906-3d-printers/#findComment-6082905
Share on other sites

When budgeting for your printer, make sure you account for all the extras you will need, too.  Biggest ticket item would be a wash/cure station (essentially an alcohol bath and UV light setup that will remove any uncured resin and bring the print up to its final hardness).  But you will also need PPE (resin is toxic, keep it off your skin and don't breath the vapors.  A respirator mask and gloves are a must, and a shallow pan to keep the printer on to contain spills is a good idea) and a good, steady work surface to set it up on.  You probably don't want to set it up on your desk next to your computer.

Link to comment
https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/384906-3d-printers/#findComment-6082907
Share on other sites

The good thing about 3D printing is that the actual quality of the machines has reached a point where even cheaper yesterday's-model printers are going to be absolutely great quality, they'll just lack some of the fancier bells and whistles that come bundled with the newer stuff. My printer (Elegoo Mars 3 Pro) goes for like, £130 and still prints amazing quality minis. 

 

Re: smell, it is worth mentioning that you can get enclosures for printers (they look similar to grow tents, incidentally) which from what I understand are absolutely fantastic for keeping fumes dealt with.

Link to comment
https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/384906-3d-printers/#findComment-6082908
Share on other sites

8 hours ago, NovemberIX said:

I've used AnyCubic Photons for a few years now, my current is a Photon Mono X 6Ks,  you can get a Mono 2 for $147.00, though anycubic is running a sale so there's a few options under 450.

I also have a Photon Mono X 6Ks and it works very well for small, detailed parts.

 

Be aware that your choice of resin will also strongly influence the quality of prints. I had good experience with Creality LCD 8K resin. 

Link to comment
https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/384906-3d-printers/#findComment-6082916
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   1 member

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.