this post was submitted on 28 Oct 2025
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3DPrinting

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I am interested in getting a 3D printer but I have no idea where to even started. Is there such thing as a multi-purpose printer? What’s a good source to read up on printers, software, filament?

I am thinking small replacements items like drawer guides, funnel for espresso machine, essentially little parts and pieces that break around the house and farm. Also maybe some device cases (including outdoor ones) etc.

Ideally I don’t want a closed system. I have a Cricut for 10 years or so and I hate being locked into the app so much. Unless there is a really, really good reason.

Edited to add: Thank you all! What an amazing community!

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[–] papalonian@lemmy.world 2 points 4 days ago (1 children)

I'll offer a counterpoint. If this is your first printer, don't build it from a kit. Most printers will require some assembly, and that's totally fine, but if you have no experience with 3d printers (and likely anything similar in size or technical requirements), it's going to be way too easy to make some small mistake that results in days of diagnosing where you went wrong.

My advice would be to find a decent mid-range printer, and if you really wanna dive deep in to the hobby, build or buy a big fancy second one later. I'm still rocking my $150 Neptune 3 from like 3 years ago, I've thought about upgrading but haven't really needed to.

[–] bowreality@lemmy.ca 1 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Neptune 3? What brand is that?

[–] papalonian@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago

It is from the brand Elegoo. The printer is pretty dated at this point, so it's not the one I'd recommend. There's probably more robust systems out there.