this post was submitted on 05 Nov 2023
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3DPrinting

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so im a teen with not alot of money but i want to get into 3d printing, another community suggested the ender 3 original. it looks like a solid printer but who know im a noob after all. my budget is around 100$ or less. im looking into making mini figures and painting them or whatever nerdy thing i find. i know the budget is tight but im hoping there is something, also im debating on buying a used 3d printer because they seem cheaper.

also any tips for a noob would be great like what makes said model good or bad compared to other models and such.

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[–] thantik@lemmy.world 22 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (8 children)

The Ender 3 v3 SE is going to be y our best bet. I run a 3D printer repair shop, and unless you are already experienced and good with assembling kit machines and highly technical of a person - you will have a terrible time with an Ender 3, 3 Pro, or 3 v2.

The Ender 3 v3 SE can be had for $200-ish at various places, comes with auto leveling which even handles all the Z-probe offset stuff, so there's no need to get yourself confused with terminology, it already has a direct drive, and PEI build surface, all the things you'll end up spending another $200 on to put on an Ender 3 of a previous generation.

Don't start your 3D printing journey for $100 unless you have a highly technical acumen or you will have a terrible time. I know the others are trying to be helpful by suggesting machines to you that fit within your budget, and it's certainly possible to start out that low -- but the better advice is just to get something slightly better. It'll make the difference between you hating 3D printing, and loving it.

[–] overdark@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago (5 children)

I had a 3 V2 and sold it. Spent so much time and money and still hated it. Will I like that one better?

[–] thantik@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Yes, even the v2 required a lot of assembly and you have to deal with eccentric nuts and delrin V wheels and crap in order to make it print right. The v3 has proper linear rods on the Y axis, no wheels to adjust the bed, everything assembled with like 6 screws. It's leagues ahead of the v2.

[–] overdark@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Thanks for the response. I'll look into getting one then :)

[–] thantik@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago

You're welcome to message me directly if you have any questions about it -- the biggest piece of advice is don't go changing a bunch of crap out of the box as many on the internet will tell you to do. Just download creality slicer, choose the Ender 3 v3 SE, and print. Maybe turn on/off supports as needed. Use the "Level" option when you first turn on the machine, and then print your file. I've had complete technophobes able to run this machine with little to no problem.

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