[Der ABT]

Im looking into a cheaper 3d printer for making random parts, kids teaching tool etc.

Would prefer ABS capable.
Was hoping for at least 6 inch capable.

Never used one so any tips, suggestions, features i need please let me know

[smdubovsky]

Most comparisons I read list the Prusa at the top of the list for bang/buck but its not as cheap. The Creality Ender 3 is often listed as the best under $200. Coworker bought the latter and seems to make decent test prints. He had it up and running quickly.

[Dave O]

I've got one that I bought a year or so ago and have never used. Thought my son might be interested in it but I was wrong.
I'll try to remember to post what I have when I get home. I'd let it go for less than I bought it for if you have interest.

[Charlie Stylianos]

I just bought a Lulzbot TAZ6 for our lab. It was a tossup between that and an Ultimaker S5. We wanted larger(er) printing ability and multiple filament types. Who knows how much use it'll actually receive, hence making the decision easier.

[Charlie Stylianos]

The MonoPrice printers were also a consideration. They looked to be a bit hobby grade, so quickly passed. May be more up your alley.

[Der ABT]

Right now looking at the 2 to 300 dollar desktop printers....also been told nylon is a bit better to use.

Figure if i use a cheap one enough ill look at further investment...have 3 or 4 car related projects to try now.....

Am a beginner, and a few look decent enough for what im trying to do in that range.

Examples...micro+3 https://store.printm3d.com/pages/micro-plus

The Creality 3 already mentioned
And the Anycubic i3 Mega

[Scuba]

Originally Posted by Der ABT

Right now looking at the 2 to 300 dollar desktop printers....also been told nylon is a bit better to use.

Figure if i use a cheap one enough ill look at further investment...have 3 or 4 car related projects to try now.....

Am a beginner, and a few look decent enough for what im trying to do in that range.

The learning curve is pretty steep, especially if you don't have a strong CAD background.

If you just want to get a few parts made, there are plenty of sites where you can contract someone to design and print something for you.

On the other hand, if you're truly interested in learning 3D printing, a specific project(s) can be a good motivator.

I've found the Prusa i3 to be very capable with great support.

If you want, I can print parts for you.

[Jabs1542]

You always want to consider the work envelope, this will define how large of a part you can make. The build size for the 3D Micro you referenced is 4.5”, and you usually can’t take that to its limits (equal heat issues), so you are probably limited to parts that fit within a 4” cube.
If you want a larger work surface than building your own is the way to go, particularly in your price range. There are quite a few kits out there: https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&ke...l_84nwjl3bkl_e

Looks like $200-$300 will get you an 8” to 10” work cube.

[Vicegrip]

Anything you buy but the most entry level machine will be eclipsed many fold in price and capability in 4 years or so.

My son is now angling for one after finding CAD to be, in his words "fun!". I am stuck between entry level=frustrating and mid level=$ that might end up on a dusty shelf in a year.

[edevinney]

IMO having watched my kid go through this, youll never keep up with the evolution. There's value to having an ok printer locally, and then using a service for high quality prints.