I’ve been wanting to get a 3d printer for a while and now I’m starting to finally look at getting one. It seems like in general though finding clear reviews and knowledge on printers is much harder than other things but maybe that’s because I’m not in the hobby yet. Bambu is a no from me but I’m open to other options. I was kinda looking at he centauri carbon but I’ve heard it’s pretty loud and I live in a small apartment. The Prusa Core One seems like a decent option but it’s all quite expensive so I don’t wanna save up for that unless it really is the best option and there’s nothing reasonable cheaper. What’s everyone’s thoughts? Absolute max budget is $1k but I would strongly prefer to spend something ~$500 or less

  • LCP@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    19 days ago

    I ended up going with the Flashforge Adventurer 5M for ~$175 https://slickdeals.net/f/18590524-flashforge-adventurer-5m-wi-fi-3d-printer-w-auto-leveling-167-20-free-shipping (You can get 20-60% back from certain cashback websites like TopCashback or Capital One Shopping if you are comfortable with using them.)

    You can 3D print an enclosure for the 5M after purchasing an enclosure kit for ~$40 online.

    There’s also the 5M Pro model for ~$100 more that comes pre-built with an enclosure for sound dampening and printing with materials like ABS. It also comes with a camera and an extra nozzle. I didn’t go for it cause of the higher upfront cost, plus I don’t expect to print outside of PLA and PETG.

  • atomic peach@pawb.socialEnglish
    0·
    26 days ago

    If you’re up for making it a hobby and you like tinkering, have you thought of building a Voron? After using a few off-the-shelf units, I’ve come to appreciate using an open source project because upgrading components is so easy and second nature. You can incrementally upgrade specific aspects when your wallet and desires dictate it.

    • galaxy_nova@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      0·
      25 days ago

      I like the idea but I’m not sure that it’s there for value. Maybe my second printer? Plus idk where to source the 3d printed bits

      • FleetingTit@feddit.orgEnglish
        1·
        21 days ago

        Many kits come with the printed parts nowadys. Alternatively you could look around on the Voron Discord, maybe someone in your part of the world would be willing to print the parts for you.