Edit: wow I’m overwhelmed by all the help I received in this thread, I was gonna reply to everyone but it’s gotten to a lot. You’ve all given me a lot to think about, thank you so much.

Hello there, hope everyone is doing well. I could use a bit of help/wisdom choosing my first FDM machine.

I get it, the technology has advanced a lot and I’m so lucky to be getting into this when I am, spoiled for choice with great options which is kind of the problem.

Realistically, my main goal is building functional, engineering style parts for my work as a cinematographer, think things like custom viewfinders, cable ties, precision rollers, and general parts and accessories for my rigs.

I do have a kid and family home too so I’ll definitely want some toys for him and knick-knacks for the house but that’s secondary.

So I know I need an enclosed core-XY with high temp hardened steel nozzles/heated bed for these special abrasive engineering materials.

I don’t want 3D printing itself to be my hobby, but I definitely know how to tinker, I’m also not half bad with CAD/3D modelling.

Folks recommend Bambu but I’m also conscious of much cheaper options available that would do what I need.

I think I’m almost settled on the elegoo Centauri Carbon, but I’m worried about regretting not having multi-color right away (they’re supposedly bringing an AMS style add-on but it’s not there yet), and even when it does, it’ll have the massive waste issue all these systems have.

So then there’s the brand new options that are just coming out like the Snap maker U1 which sounds amazing but I dunno about getting something so new and apparently they don’t have great track record.

Also looked at creality, flash forge, Audi Q2… It seems I discover a new brand/option every day even after a month of research, lmao.

So, what are your opinions? What would you get as someone in my situation? I’d rather not spend too much on the printer (hence not listing Prusa) but I also don’t want buyer’s remorse and wanting to upgrade in a few months, ideally I get a work-horse that’ll serve me for years to come right away and skip the upgrade paths…

Thanks in advance for your thoughts 🙏

  • early_riser@lemmy.radioEnglish
    3·
    1 day ago

    Background: I just got my first printer (Bambu Lab A1 mini) last year. I am also not an engineer and, like you, don’t want the printer itself to be the hobby.

    Based on my experience, and what I’ve seen others say online, Bambu Lab is still the king of “it just works”. If you’re not as ideologically motivated by right to own as I am, I’d say go with Bambu.

    While I have zero experience with the company, Prusa seems to be the most consumer friendly, though they have their own issues. If I buy a second printer, it’s likely going to be the Prusa Core One.