If I’m gonna buy a 3D printer, what’s a good entry level one? Not budget necessarily but I’m not looking to go over the top either.
Replies
Echoing others with Bambu. I'm on my 3rd 3d printer and the Bambulab X1C by far the most user friendly and reliable. Their auto calibration and synched cloud/phone/device app really does make a difference if you don't want to spend all of your time recalibrating/cleaning.
aug 31, 2025, 6:07 pm • 1 0 • view
The reason why auto-calibration is so worth it: if you don't have that, you have to re-level the printing plate before EVERY print. That means adjusting corners, using a piece of paper to slide between the extruder and plate to make sure it's mm accurate. Time consuming and annoying and unreliable.
aug 31, 2025, 6:08 pm • 0 0 • view
I like my Bambu Lab A1 Mini
aug 31, 2025, 6:56 pm • 0 0 • view
Bambu labs a1 or a1 mini. High quality and easy to use.
aug 31, 2025, 5:58 pm • 0 0 • view
Really happy with my Bambu P1S; it’s a slightly higher starting point, but I wanted to get an enclosed one to make sure my cat wasn’t a problem. I didn’t get the AMS (addon for automatically switching filament) because I wanted it for function, not aesthetics. Super easy to start with.
aug 31, 2025, 8:24 pm • 0 0 • view
There are some entry level Prusa printers that I like. Plus you can pay a little less to have it arrive disassembled and put it together like an Ikea project, learning a lot about how it works.
aug 31, 2025, 6:08 pm • 1 0 • view
I have an Anycubic Vyper with an old OctoPrint install on a raspberry pi 3. Whatever you get, self leveling and a good build platform material make a big difference. Also consider enclosing it, helps with print lifting at edges, esp. with ABS. Mine is in the garage and the enclosure is cardboard.
aug 31, 2025, 9:59 pm • 2 0 • view
Or a full size A1 if you can afford. Its gorrrrgeous :-)
aug 31, 2025, 6:35 pm • 0 0 • view
Bambu A1 Mini
aug 31, 2025, 6:34 pm • 0 0 • view
Bambu ps1
sep 1, 2025, 1:57 am • 2 0 • view
I’ve really enjoyed my Bambu A1 with the AMS lite add-on (for multicolor prints).
aug 31, 2025, 7:07 pm • 2 0 • view
Got a bambu A1 during black friday last year and I've been insanely happy with it.
aug 31, 2025, 6:03 pm • 0 0 • view
I just ordered a new one the other day. I did a good amount of research and ended up with something over the top but found that anything from Bambu Labs is probably your best bet across all their price points from an “it just works and does what I want” perspective.
aug 31, 2025, 6:02 pm • 2 0 • view
I've used several 3D printers but using my Bambu P1S was the first time I felt like I lived in the future 3D printers promised us. Once you create an account and link the phone app to the printer, you can print from literally anywhere. Just make sure you clean the bed after every print.
aug 31, 2025, 7:47 pm • 0 0 • view
I was literally on the toilet earlier this morning when I remembered my water bottle holder on my bike broke, so I found another one in the app and hit print. Closest to plug and play I've used.
aug 31, 2025, 7:51 pm • 1 0 • view
Also, from a “print things for kids and for functional use” 100% get a filament and stay the fuck away from resin. Resin looks amazing and a mid-resin will LOOK better than a top of the line filament but it’s only worth it if you’re printing things to paint and look at.
aug 31, 2025, 6:04 pm • 6 0 • view
resin is also hella toxic, filament you can print without worrying you’re poisoning the fam
aug 31, 2025, 6:11 pm • 4 0 • view
Everyone is saying the bambu a1 and they are right, just be prepared for the open source girlies to be disappointed. (bambu controversially is more of walled garden than the rest of the 3d printer industry.)
aug 31, 2025, 6:11 pm • 2 0 • view
Bambu is the Apple of 3D printing (mostly complementary, slightly derogatory). Most other platforms are do-it-yourself Linux. There is no Android.
aug 31, 2025, 6:14 pm • 9 0 • view
I was in your boat and I got a Bambu A1 as a Christmas gift. Really easy to start with as it comes with an app with tons of stuff people are constantly creating on. I suggest getting the spool attachment with it called the AMS lite. I learned quickly that you WILL want to print multicolour.
aug 31, 2025, 6:01 pm • 2 0 • view
I bought an elagoo Centauri Carbon to upgrade an older one I had and it’s pretty much the best price to performance model right now.
aug 31, 2025, 5:57 pm • 0 0 • view
I have an Bambu Lab A1 and it’s been a great experience. It just works. Bambu Lab A1 mini so smaller but very affordable.
aug 31, 2025, 6:18 pm • 0 0 • view
I hear a lot that the Bambu P1S is pretty great for beginners.
aug 31, 2025, 5:57 pm • 0 0 • view
It's pricier than the truly entry level options, but for the cost the Prusa Core One is extremely capable in addition to being user-, consumer-, and repair-friendly. Do you have any specific plans for it in mind?
aug 31, 2025, 6:18 pm • 3 0 • view
Sweet spot when I bought mine last year was the Bambu Lab P1S. Enclosed for compatibility with a lot of filaments but simple to use. Bambu is doing walled garden stuff with their software though, it’s worth looking into.
aug 31, 2025, 5:59 pm • 6 0 • view
Recently picked up the Centauri Carbon, has been fantastic in both quality and price. If multicolor/etc is a must, you'll have to look at Bambu's A1 + AMS, but that jumps the price up a bit. I don't see the appeal of multicolor but ymmv.
aug 31, 2025, 6:05 pm • 0 0 • view
Prusa has been good for years and still is. Can't go wrong there.
aug 31, 2025, 8:29 pm • 0 0 • view
The Bambi A1 Mini is my usual recommended entry level default - and I still use mine often even though I have bigger ones around too.
aug 31, 2025, 5:59 pm • 2 0 • view
Everyone keeps saying Bambu a1 but I'm not a fan of their proprietary hardware. I'd sooner go with a creality Hi or K1, IMHO Creality makes better HW. Honestly they're all about the same, with simple software, mobile app, ease of use. It's really down to Price. Can't really go wrong either way. GL
aug 31, 2025, 8:36 pm • 1 0 • view
You can rent 3D printer time & I would suggest learn ing the design techniques & programming methodology before you commit to a printer. You’ll know more at that stage & can make a more informed choice.
sep 1, 2025, 12:27 am • 1 0 • view
Bambu A1 with AMS. My 2 year old is obsessed with printing toy cars all day.
aug 31, 2025, 7:21 pm • 1 0 • view
The Bambu P1S Combo is a great option if you want a tidy setup with enclosed print area. The price is great now too.
aug 31, 2025, 7:42 pm • 0 0 • view
Bambu is great. We had a Toybox for a while and it was fun. Kids enjoyed it and we had these great kits with it. We wanted to print larger and more complex items, so we upgraded and have had lots of fun with the Bambu!
sep 1, 2025, 1:33 pm • 0 0 • view
Another Bambu A1 recommendation. It just works. Very user friendly. I enjoy my AMS like I enjoyed having a CD Changer. I don't multi-color print, but I like having the color option. This print is red, this print is white, this print is green, etc.
aug 31, 2025, 9:58 pm • 1 0 • view
For liquid resin printers I have had a lot of success with my mars 5 ultra. I’m primarily printing warhammer minis, but it really is user friendly. You upload the slice file and it just works for the most part. You get really good results with a lot of fine detail, but the setup and PPE are no joke.
aug 31, 2025, 10:24 pm • 2 0 • view
I have it outside in a shed in a grow tent, I also have a venting system to get the fumes out of the tent. When I go into the tent to work, I wear a half mask respirator, nitrile gloves and a plastic suit. Its very smelly, and repeated exposure to liquid resin is bad for you. FDM printing is much…
aug 31, 2025, 10:24 pm • 2 0 • view
Safer, but you get really obvious layer lines often. Not a big deal if you’re making buildings or stuff for cosplay, but for a mini that’s about 3cm tall it can really affect look. What are you looking to print?
aug 31, 2025, 10:24 pm • 0 0 • view
If you want a small one, the Weedo Tina 2 has been working well for me. Just a 10x10x12 print size, but that means it can sit comfortably on my desk.
aug 31, 2025, 10:27 pm • 1 0 • view
I originally got the Bambu Lab P1P and love it. Eventually got the upgrade enclosure kit to turn it into the P1S. Folks saying it’s the “iPhone” of 3D printers are spot on. I wanted something that “just works” and allows me to make fun little things. It’s 100% that for me. Highly recommend!
aug 31, 2025, 7:02 pm • 0 0 • view
(For fdm/filament printers) I've had really good luck with the Flashforge Adventurer and Elegoo Neptune series and you can really tinker with them. The Bambu Labs A1 Mini could be a good start since it's fairly small, but excellent print quality
aug 31, 2025, 6:08 pm • 1 0 • view
FDM or Resin (SLA)? FDM is best for rougher objects (braces, stands) while Resin is better for things with finer details (minis, art pieces) but is a bit messier and requires more care when using the (sometimes toxic) materials.
aug 31, 2025, 6:05 pm • 0 0 • view
I have no idea lol you tell me
aug 31, 2025, 6:08 pm • 1 0 • view
To actually explain: FDM = fused deposition modeling. Heat up plastic filament and squirt it out into shapes. SLA = stereolithography. Shine UV light into a urethane resin to selectively cure it into a shape.
sep 1, 2025, 4:32 am • 3 0 • view
FDM = bigger, coarser models. More diversity of applications. Lots of different materials. WAY more convenient. SLA = smaller, more detailed models. Great for small fiddly stuff. Commonly used for wargaming miniatures. Resin materials are deliriously toxic and have to be handled with care.
sep 1, 2025, 4:32 am • 2 0 • view
What do you want to print? Resin is used for high detail but brittle (miniatures, display items etc). Filament is strong but generally ugly and low detail and used for engineering, fidget toys etc
aug 31, 2025, 7:25 pm • 0 0 • view
As @stevekim.bsky.social Resin has more downsides around kids, so you probably want to go with FDM.
aug 31, 2025, 6:10 pm • 0 0 • view
When you think of “a 3D printer”, you’re probably thinking of FDM. Resin is more expensive and gets you really good fiddly details for stuff like ttrpg miniatures, but prints are *extremely* toxic before they’re finished so handling the raw materials is much more of a process.
aug 31, 2025, 10:03 pm • 2 0 • view
Why not just 3D print a 3D printer?
aug 31, 2025, 6:32 pm • 0 0 • view
As others said a1 mini is the best for what you want. My kids are able to print by themselves and figure it out. It's great and reasonably priced.
aug 31, 2025, 6:00 pm • 0 0 • view
I got a Bambu A1, very easy set up, pretty foolproof and easy to learn. Very happy with this brand, if I had the budget I'd definitely stick with them when upgrading.
aug 31, 2025, 7:36 pm • 0 0 • view
My kids have been begging me to get one, so I'm following this thread closely, haha.
aug 31, 2025, 5:57 pm • 2 0 • view
Resin or FDM?
aug 31, 2025, 5:56 pm • 0 0 • view
Speaking as an owner of a 3D printer (it’s currently dismantled in my closet) Be prepared for even the most “plug and play” device to be a huge pain in the ass, that even when working creates cheap plastic nonsense that will go into a landfill quickly. It ain’t worth it. But if you do, Bambu.
aug 31, 2025, 11:28 pm • 1 0 • view
I love my Bambu X1C, just worked straight out of the box and could print immediately with zero 3D printing knowledge. That being said, it was a gift paid for by multiple people chipping in...
aug 31, 2025, 8:43 pm • 0 0 • view
Get an Anycubic. I’ve had mine for years and love it.
sep 1, 2025, 12:19 am • 0 0 • view
GET A BAMBU DO NOT NOT GET A BAMBU for your first printer, A1 is fine. Strongly recommend you also get an AMS (automatic material switcher) for multicolor prints and just having more colors/filaments on demand If you want to spend a bit more, get the P1S
aug 31, 2025, 5:59 pm • 15 0 • view
Eh, I don't think the AMS is that important, I have one and don't really do multicolor printing much since it wastes so much filament.
aug 31, 2025, 6:36 pm • 0 0 • view
I agree with you on multi-color prints wasting filament, though there are tweaks you can do to limit that, but having 4 colors to choose from at any given time is amazing. It also helps keep filament dry and the ux of loading or swapping filament is as easy as I think a 3d printer can be.
aug 31, 2025, 7:44 pm • 1 0 • view
I’m going to second this, and also encourage getting the AMS-lite with an A1. I got mine without and I was feeling the lack of multi-material within a few months.
sep 1, 2025, 12:09 am • 1 0 • view
I see a lot of people recommending the A1 mini; I started with that and it was a lot of fun, but a lot of models are pre-scaled to fit the A1 sized plate and I outgrew it pretty quickly. I strongly recommend just starting with the 256x256mm built plate and save yourself some headache
aug 31, 2025, 6:06 pm • 3 0 • view
Agree with this but not your ams comment. Newbies don’t need multicolor immediately.
aug 31, 2025, 7:44 pm • 2 0 • view
I've been working with 3d printers for 6 years now, and have had an X1C with AMS for over a year. I just this week did my first multicolor print. Before, the AMS was used to make it easier to switch colors at the start of the print
sep 1, 2025, 9:56 am • 1 0 • view
Have they reversed on the firmware thing?
aug 31, 2025, 6:28 pm • 0 0 • view
Bambu A1 is the way to go, just to add to the chorus
aug 31, 2025, 6:26 pm • 0 0 • view
I ended up getting the Bambu A1 with the AMS (4 colors). My 11 and 13 year old kiddos are both able to use the Bambu software to find and print models with minimal assistance. Spending more than the A1 AMS would get a fully enclosed model which could be handy for certain filaments that require it.
aug 31, 2025, 6:15 pm • 0 0 • view
Hey just jumping in this thread without reading anything: Have you heard of Bambu?
aug 31, 2025, 10:46 pm • 0 0 • view
That being said I have a Bambu X1C and P1S and they run like a dream. AMS is super sweet, but definitely not necessary. Buy a used one off FB Marketplace while everyone is upgrading to the H1D - I'm seeing P1Ss w/ AMS going for like ~$400 right now
aug 31, 2025, 10:48 pm • 1 0 • view
I’ll also cast my vote for the bambu P1S. It’s kind of like the iPhone of 3d printers it just works.
aug 31, 2025, 11:52 pm • 1 0 • view
Depends entirely on the use case. FDM for prototypes or undecided stuff. RESIN for fine details (statues models miniatures, etc)
sep 1, 2025, 9:03 am • 0 0 • view
bambu a1 mini uk.store.bambulab.com/products/a1-...
aug 31, 2025, 5:58 pm • 0 0 • view
maybe useful reference for your choice www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHQO...
aug 31, 2025, 6:16 pm • 0 0 • view
You want a Bambu. There are other good printers, but Bambu is the brand where you're buying an appliance that Just Works instead of your hobby becoming "tune the 3D printer". Within that, it's all about your price range, bed size, and whether you care about AMS (easily use multiple materials).
aug 31, 2025, 7:44 pm • 10 0 • view
I agree. I have a Creality and a Longer, but maintaining them is a big part of using them. Bambu seems to just work.
aug 31, 2025, 8:23 pm • 1 0 • view
Recently upgraded from a creality (bad) to a prusa mk4s and it's been a dream. Assembly is no joke but well documented and kinda fun, once it's built it's been "push button make thing" for a few hundred hours worth of prints
aug 31, 2025, 7:06 pm • 0 0 • view
I’ve really been happy with my Prusa printers- I’ve had the Mk3S+, the Mk4, and the CoreONE, two of each model. The majority of issues have been user error, they’re 100% user serviceable, and they even come in a DIY kit option so you can learn it inside and out. Bambu is good too-
aug 31, 2025, 7:55 pm • 1 0 • view
But I have concerns about the long-term longevity of some of their components, the lower degree of user maintainability, and how the company has done some skeezy stuff in the past with data privacy and proprietary lockouts. Really depends on whether you want an appliance or a machine.
aug 31, 2025, 7:55 pm • 1 0 • view
At work we have a Bambu (X1 I think) that works really well. Also a FormLabs one that's decent but limited on filament options.
aug 31, 2025, 6:16 pm • 0 0 • view