I am looking to get a new 3d printer. I’ve had an ender 3 V2 for a few years. While I’ve been able to get many excellent prints out of it, I’m looking for a printer for my new apartment that will require a little less tinkering and troubleshooting. I’m pretty experienced with the nuances of 3d printing, and don’t mind taking things apart and fixing things(but not every time I wanna use the thing). Realistically I’ll be printing mostly PLA and PETG, but it would be nice to have the option of trying out other higher strength filaments, and I’d like to have an enclosure to play with ABS eventually.

I prefer to spend around $500. I’ve been eying up the Bambu P1S with the AMS but I really don’t think I can afford almost $1000 right now. If it’s really worth it, I can pull it off. The Bambu a1 is also interesting, but id prefer to have a core-xy with an enclosure.

I’ve been looking at the flashforge 5m or 5m pro, as well as creality k1c. Those prices are way more attractive. Or perhaps qidi?

All the choices and different technologies on the market now are a little bit overwhelming, and I don’t want to be disappointed in my purchase. I’ll mostly be using it to print random things for around the house and for electronics projects.

Any thoughts or recommendations are welcome, thank you!

  • felbane@lemmy.worldEnglish
    7·
    3 months ago

    I think the usual recommendation these days is get the highest rated corexy in your price range.

    I’ve heard mixed reviews about Bambu AMS; seems cool enough, not quite the same as a true dual extruder, has some quirks and annoyances.

    • ShepherdPie@midwest.socialEnglish
      3·
      3 months ago

      I recently got an X1C after several years with an Artillery Sidewinder X2 and all I can say is that while the AMS does have a lot of waste when doing multiple colors per layer, you can tune it to waste less and purge into infill, and the quality and reliability of the printer means I’m wasting a ton less of filament because I’m not getting failed print after failed print.

    • andyspam@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
      1·
      3 months ago

      Whats a reputable source to compare ratings/reviews for these machines? Do you have any personal recommendations?

    • Spacehooks@reddthat.comEnglish
      1·
      3 months ago

      Wouldn’t get the bambu for the multiple colors swaping unless you like wasting PLA or your print is optimized for layer colors. Like this kimono kitty I saw has a few layer swaps and it’s built on top of each other so it works out well.

      https://youtu.be/ZmdIi1ggJU4=UvPBm5NhrAX_Cfiz

      I did a tiny dead space helmet keychain for my brother and it was just sooo much waste and time.