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Hi, I’m 14 and Am looking to buy my first 3D printer, I would like to spend 500$ or less but that can stretch. I would like it to be close to 200-200-200mm print space, and as far as heated beds and auto leveling go, I don’t think I need them but it would be nice. I don’t mind building a kit as long as not to much computer work is needed because I’m not good at it (I do love building though). Here are some printers I have found:

—RP9—

—Kossel 2020—

—Maker select—

Any advice is appreciated, Quinn

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Hey @QuinnH2O, we just launched our 2017 3D Printer Guide yesterday! It includes user reviews from our community that can help with your decision, as well as our Printer Index where you can compare 3D printers according to price and reviews. I hope that helps and happy buying!

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I know some people will disagree, but personally I feel a heated bed is really important, even when just printing PLA. With a 98.7% print success rate on my own machine (knock on wood) and hundreds of complaints online of prints curling and peeling off the bed, the biggest difference I’ve seen is that I have a well primed bed at the correct temperature. Some people will go on about how much better auto leveling is, but mine is a manual leveler and takes me all of 3 minutes a month to relevel, so I don’t see what the fuss is about. Sure if it comes with the printer you end up getting, great! Every printer has it’s pros and cons, and especiallly it’s quirks! This is why I suggest looking at printers that have a good community and customer service. This usually also means open source, which in turn means that spare parts, modifications and usually filament is cheaper. Which is nice.

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Thank you, I am leaning towards the Maker Select (dup i3) which has a heated bed

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It just occurred that I put the wrong printer in my list, —Duplicator i3— is supposed to be —Maker select—

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Have you checked out the Folgertech FT-5?

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Haven’t seen that one, looks pretty good, how hard would it be to put together?

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It doesn’t look too hard. There are some great Youtube overviews of the printer. Maybe 6-10 hours to get it running. I’m planning to get it in a couple weeks.

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cool

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We recently saw a deal that BestBuy has the Robo 3D + for $599.00 This is a great deal. I suggest keeping your eyes open on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Also check websites lie dealnews.com they have good deals as well.

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Thanks for all your help, I have decided to get the maker select, can’t wait!

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I got the printer 2 days ago and I am loving it! I would highly recommend it to anyone that is looking for a printer.

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I was going to write “whichever printer you get, you should end up loving it” - so I’m very glad it worked out! Congratulations and happy printing!