What is good out there in terms of Local host software? I am switching to Slic3r from Cura, but Slic3r doesn’t have any built in host software. I’m looking for something stable, easy for beginners but with some expert tools, and customizable.
Repetier is pretty decent. Btw, you can load gcode into Cura if you want to still use it to control.
I use repetierhost on my printer and prefer it over using Cura or mattercontrol. I will say mattercontrol is a close second to repetierhost. I don’t like the gcode visualization in Cura, it’s so hard to see model clearly.
Slic3r can send prints to an octoprint server. I was running that on a Pi but now I just run it locally on my Linux desktop. It’s turned out to be quite convenient. My flow is to export STL from Blender or openscad, open it in slic3r then send from there to my local octoprint server.
Cura doesn’t have advanced features like retract on layer change, wipe, etc. I need that extra control.
If you don’t have a spare computer to run octoprint on, I’d recommend http://www.pronterface.com It’s lightweight, simple to install, not cluttered, full of advanced features and customisation. 
The part excluder have helped me out more than a few times.
You don’t need a spare computer for OctoPrint actually 
But for quick local operations I’d also say pronterface. But make sure your system doesn’t go to sleep or anything stupid like that in the middle of a print - ruined prints due to that are among the reasons for me to write OctoPrint.
Yeah, I want to buy a Raspi2, and a small lcd. That’ll happen eventually.
I just downloaded repetier host, not bad but the interface is almost too graphic-y. The log is a tiny bar with no real console. But it’s easier than slicing with slic3r then loading into cura.
The sleep mode thing is annoying, had more than enough prints failed because of that.
You think octoprint will work on the pi zero? We’re setting up a bunch of printers at the local library and it would be nice to go headless on the cheap.
It works definitely. I haven’t yet actually printed with one myself, but I’ve gotten some user reports that look good. The pi zero itself I’d better than the first generation pi OctoPrint was originally developed for. The thing I worried about is rather the usb connectivity, but apparently so far Wi-Fi dongles and printer on one powered hub attached to the zero work fine.
Another octoprint user here. I started out using repertier, then moved from Slic3r straight into octoprint. Definitely more convenient for me to have my laptop but tethered to my printer.
Repiteir host is awesome and now has a server feature along with push message app. I like octoprint as well but find the raspberry experience to be touch and go
I found the Pi wasn’t so reliable for doing previews of the layer by layer gcode. On my full size desktop previews work great.
I also recommend running octoprint on an rpi2 and sending your gcode directly to it from within slic3r. I find it to be a very easy workflow to use without sacrificing flexibility.
Pronterface!
At the risk of another “me too” - Octoprint with RPi2 setup is great. The easiest way to get up and running is via OctoPi distribution. This is great since you can control, upload, and monitor untethered via your PC’s browser. Moreover, it has surprisingly easy built-in webcam support to stare at your printer from the living room, instead of always standing in front of it, as I tend to do.