1

However, I have a limited budget and would like to spend ~around $300

I won’t be anything too serious with it, mainly printing our parts to use with my electronics and what not.

I am currently deciding between a model I found on aliexpress

because of its large build size and cool design (though I have to assemble it)

or this one I was recommended on amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018GZBC3Y/ref=ox\_sc\_sfl\_title\_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I would really like to get the one off of aliexpress but I am not sure what to look for in a 3d printer and want to make sure that one is ok before I buy it.

2

@sethwilliam

Aliexpress printers are notoriously flimsy. Be prepared to replace 90% of the parts (from rods and bearings to electronics).

If you are in Canada/US it might be worth taking a look here: http://3dworkbench.co/shop/.

Pretty cheap and better return policy.

3

But the aliexpress printers are the same things that people buy and then sell for double on amazon and other sites :slight_smile: so they can’t be that bad.

4

It’s better to buy from a reputable seller especially if you want customer support without having to ship things back and forth from China.

5

Yes I agree, that’s why I was hesitant to buy off of aliexpress even though the deal seems great.

How do you feel about the monoprice printer I linked from amazon?

6

I’m not against generic branded printers, but looking at the Ali Express one, I have doubts about it. The build materials looks cheap. As far as the Amazon printer, the reviews aren’t promising. Mainboards buring up seems to be a very common problem. While it seems that it gets resolved (multiple times in some cases) it seems like a quality problem.

I always feel a kit is the better way to go, it gives you a great deal of knowledge of your printer. I found a kit on Amazon that might fit what you are looking for. I have friends who have purchased Anet printers, and are very happy with them. https://www.amazon.com/Auto-Levelling-Anet-A8-Printer/dp/B01N4BSWMQ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1489278595&sr=8-5&keywords=anet+a8

This printer has a lot of features, and the parts appear to be tried and tested versions.

7

It looks a lot like the Wanhao. I would just buy a Wanhao duplicator I3 from them directly.

https://www.amazon.com/Wanhao-i3-V2-Duplicator/dp/B01CGB8LA6/.

Sure it’s a bit more expensive, but Wanhao has a good reputation when it comes to their printers.

They make sure you get good quality parts. (https://wanhaousa.com/products/duplicator-i3-steel-frame)

1 year warranty included.

8

Actually I take that back, since you are buying it through Amazon I don’t think it will matter which supplier you go with.

Amazon has a pretty good policy when it comes to defective products and you can return it quite easily.

However, they sometimes will make you pay for the postage to ship it back.

I guess since you have a limited budget, I would go with the cheapest reputable one you can find on Amazon and go from there.

You may have to replace a few parts, but hopefully it won’t cost you too much.

Another way to save money would be to buy it from a Canadian supplier and then have it shipped to the US.

(The Canadian dollar is pretty low right now).

9

Alright I just took a look at that and it looks great.

https://www.amazon.com/Auto-Levelling-Anet-A8-Printer/dp/B01N4BSWMQ/ref=sr\_1\_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1489278595&sr=8-5&keywords=anet+a8

I guess I need to decide between that Anet printer or the RepRapGuru

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KCYKNZ0/ref=biss\_dp\_t\_asn

as well as this because it has a larger print size

https://www.amazon.com/Arrival-HICTOP-Filament-Self-assembly-Printing/dp/B01ERDWSFU/ref=sr\_1\_25?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1489290609&sr=1-25-spons&keywords=reprap+guru&psc=1

Are there any key differences between them?

10

Main difference between the two, is the Anet has auto leveling where the other doesn’t.

Only other difference is the Reprapguru has a glass plate that the Anet doesn’t.

It’s much easier to add a glass plate to the Anet, just need some metal tape at the level measurement points. Adding auto level involves flashing the firmware, etc.

The Hictop looks decent too. Similar to the Reprapguru.

11

I would suggest going with the larger print size.

You can add/change glass plates/UTLEM PEI sheets and even auto leveling but you can’t increase your print size without getting a new printer.

1 Like
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Alright cool guys, thanks! I think I will go with the Hictop one for now as it has the larger print size, Prime 2 day shipping, and decent reviews. Worst comes to worst, I can return it and get either the Anet or the RepRap

13

Also be sure to post if it doesn’t work out so that people know (for historical reference).

14

Will do. :slight_smile:

15

Real quick,

Is it better to have a print area that has more vertical coverage or more horizontal coverage? IE: are most prints printed vertically or horizontally?

Anet

220x220x240mm

Hictop

270x210x180

EDIT: Just found out about the C-10 Printer which has an amazing build volume of 300x300x400 even though it cost a bit more. I will probably end up getting that. Need to do a bit more research on it, but I will let you guys know!

16

Hi,

We are having a closeout sale and are selling the following 3D printers in your price range:

  • 1 x UP Plus 2 - Brand New, Factory Sealed - $300 plus shipping
  • 1 x UP Plus 2 - New, Never Used, was for display purposes only, with original box and contents - $200.00 plus shipping
  • 1 x Up Mini - New, Never Used, was for display purposes only, with original box and contents - $150.00 plus shipping

We also have:

  • 1 x Brand New, Factory Sealed Zortrax M200 - $1,200 plus shipping
  • 4 x Brand New, Factory Sealed Raise3D N1 Single - $1,200 plus shipping
  • 2 x Brand New, Factory Sealed Raise3D N1 Dual - $1,300 plus shipping
  • 1 x Brand New, Factory Sealed Raise3D N2 Dual - $2,100 plus shipping
  • 2 x Brand New, Factory Sealed UP Box - $1,000 plus shipping
  • 1 x New Demo, Used two times for demo purposes, UP Box - $600.00 plus shipping

Again, these are closeout items to empty our warehouse.

No Refunds, No Returns, No Warranties from us on these printers.

Shipping is only within the US 48 and printers would be shipped either from Florida or California depending on the warehouse the prints is located. UPs and Zortrax are in Florida, Raise3D printers are in California.

If interested please contact me, Peter, at 954-300-3222 or email 3dhubs@petermake3d.com

Thank you,

Peter

PeterMake 3D

3dhubs@petermake3d.com

954-300-3222

https://www.3dhubs.com/service/petermake3d

17

Those are great prices, thanks for sharing.

But, “No Refunds, No Returns, No Warranties from us on these printers.” is a gamble.

Especially in the 3D printer market. If it works great, but otherwise you are stuck with something you can’t fix since most of these printers are not open source. It’s going to take a lot more time and money to get the parts and fix it.