I am looking to buy a 3D printer for my son (and for myself too). We want to print, not tinker, so it should be something that gives great results right from the start.

Can you guide me to a sensible choice?

My first choice would have to be the Prusa MK3S Plus but it is outside the price range I am shopping for, except if I buy used – would that be bad to do?

Realistic choices:

  • €380 used Prusa MK3S+, with 10 days printing time
  • €400 new Prusa Mini+
  • €250 new Ender 3 V2 Neo

Criteria:

  • High quality, no hassle. I want to print, not tinker.
  • Preferably (semi)assembled.
  • Auto bed leveling.
  • Auto error detection (filament, power, etc.?).
  • Budget up to 600 EUR/USD including extras, excluding filament.
  • Speed is not important.
  • Size is not important.
  • Must not be cloud-based.

Questions:

  • Surface?! Smooth, os satin, or textured? (Why) Should I have more than one kind?
  • (Why) Do I need an enclosure?
  • AlchemyA
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    1 year ago

    I never really see flashforge mentioned all that much. But my finder 3 worked straight out the box and has been perfect ever since! Although I have a feeling if it does break repair would be difficult

    • keeb420@kbin.social
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      1 year ago

      I’m going to be getting a new one and ice seen those on Amazon. But never seeing them mentioned makes me weary as if there’s some reason. Like we’re the founded by Jeffrey epstein and the ghost of Jimmy Seville or something? Do they use commonly available components?

      • AlchemyA
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        1 year ago

        😂😂

        I know some of the components like the nozzle are proprietary. But they’re cheap enough on Ali express.

        I’ve had mine about 3 years now and it’s been flawless.