What do you think the best first printer that’s under $400? I am thinking about the Wanhao Duplicator i3. Thoughts?
“best” and “under 400” does not go together. That’s like asking what is the best way to die: drowning or fire.
Which one will operate reliably. Which one will be the fastest.
Which one will be the most accurate.
Pick one of those 3 attributes.
@Stephanie_A ok then the most reliable printer under $400?
My take on it here: http://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/1211/least-expensive-3d-printer/1212#1212
Your credible choices at $400 are 1) low quality 2) very small 3) chipped filament, pick which one you want.
I have a Wanhao Di3 and am really happy with it. Well built, and great support.
No I think that’s a valid question. Of all the printers $400 and under the Wanhao i3 does seem to be the best.
@Evan_Nguyen what do you think about the Play?
For reliable you’re looking for quality electronics, extruder, and motors. A frame that is not acrylic, and uses proper fasteners.
I don’t think anything of it to be honest. It’s just something that I had never considered based on price vs print size vs hardware vs expandability.
@Evan_Nguyen what would you buy if you were looking for a reliable printer with an average build volume?
The local library bought a bunch of printrbot plays. They’re certainly reliable, but small print area. Upgradable to a larger bed or heated. Personally I think the simple is a much much better machine and worth the extra money.
@Stephanie_A how about the Lewihe Play?
@Robo_Electronics Tough crowd for a simpe question huh? Yes, things are mixed and it’s not components from NASA, but will she print how you would expect? I would imagine so.
Why don’t you (I know I’m going to in a few months) pony up another $100 for the Duplicator i3 Plus from them?
http://wanhaousa.com/products/duplicator-i3-plus-steel-frame
Just make sure you do your research on YouTube and the expected forums so you know before you buy.
@Jon_Gordon do you think the duplicator i3 plus or the printerbot simple is better?
You just have to weigh your options and really figure out what you want out of your machine. I would go with the Wanhao because I need the volume, I need a high temp flexible extruder, I like the price, and a prusa design is hard to mess up, but that also means failure might be higher than the Printerbot, which it probably is, but that again is perspective.
I’m a tinkerer, and I know I will get my best expected prints from it, you might be diffrent. Hell, I know they use cheap bearings so I’ll order new “better” ones at the same time because I just know… Doesn’t turn me off one bit.
@Jon_Gordon which one is the easiest to start I with no prior knowledge?
@Robo_Electronics What do you think by your research?
Printrbot is dramatically higher quality and better customer service than Wanhao.
Well for uder $400, I would get a tevo Tarantula for $229, Its a piece of crap out of the box, But luckily you have $171 <-- With that you’ll turn it into an excellent printer, First they have a co-op right now on the group that gives you 12 laser cut aluminum parts to replace all your very crappy 12 acrylic parts, Now your down to $101, Next I would replace the power supply with a better one for $30, and I would then get a hardened steel e3d tip for $25 and then buy a a heated bed for $46, then you would have a great printer. lol Later on I would replace the hotend for a full Authentic.
I have a @Printr_bot play and it was a pain in the back end to dial in. I’ve had mine sometime now and it’s my first 3d printer. I’m really happy how it works within it’s own limitations… even with the extended print bed it wouldn’t quite match build volumes of similar price machines, pb does have great support… there are more choices now more than ever. I would have leant toward build volume knowing what I know now. Good luck!