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?
Its not the cheapest, but your math is boosted a bit. 4 years ago, I bought 3 ikea lack tables for 30€ in total and sides were <100€. I know everything is more expensive today, but I built enclosure with storage. You can also use cheaper sides (I got 18 mm wood for furniture) and you can make enclosure with only one lack table if printer sits on something already, it shouldnt be more than 100€. Tent should be cheaper than cabinet anyway, but anything is better than cardboard box
