1 Topic by TheBaron

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Topic: So, my uncle wants a 3d printer....

Well, my uncle came to visit me and decided that he wants a 3d printer for his desk on his office. He knows nothing about them and doesn't want to go through a lot of work with it, just wants something relatively cheap that prints well and he doesn't have to futz with too much to make it work. It's to show off how cool and tech savvy he is, not to do anything super important.

I have resigned myself to being the person to set up whatever machine he gets, but I don't want to be holding his hand with every little issue that comes up. Money isn't much of a hurdle for him, and convenience will play a large part. What's the simplest 3d printer for a person to use? should I just sell him my SD3 (since it's all calibrated) and then buy another one for me? I am kinda at loss on the best avenue.

Feel free to toss in any advice you can think of. Thanks!

SD3 w/ RUMBA (8825s), merlin hot end (in pieces). Ender3 w/ silent board for PLA printing. Ender5 w/ silent board, e3d v6, new z lead screw, and glass bed. DiY Kossel w/ smoothieboard (in pieces). Vellman Vertex (in pieces)
Shapeoko2 router in process of being converted to laser engraver (in pieces)
Multicam 5000 series CNC Router w/ 11HP spindle, 5x10' table, and auto tool changer (in pieces)

2 Reply by Heartlander

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Re: So, my uncle wants a 3d printer....

Such a device does not exist, in my very humble opinion, especially not for the cost of something you would put on your desktop.  Sell him a dead printer with some Yodas and square stuff that he can put inside it. Maybe some greenery around it would be a classy touch. A track light on it... you know. Just be sure you cut the power cord off if you want to stay in his will.

Robox printer, HICTOP (Prusa i3 variant) Model 3DP17 printer, ELEK 2.5W laser engraver, AutoDesk 123D Design, Windows 10

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3 Reply by TheBaron

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Re: So, my uncle wants a 3d printer....

Hah, the thing is that, despite his luddite exterior, he is actually very technically capable. I think he just doesn't want to mess with it much. Perhaps he will have to make due with a SD3, since that's what I'm comfortable with and it will make it easier for me to help him. Then, when he inevitably tires of it, I'll have two!

SD3 w/ RUMBA (8825s), merlin hot end (in pieces). Ender3 w/ silent board for PLA printing. Ender5 w/ silent board, e3d v6, new z lead screw, and glass bed. DiY Kossel w/ smoothieboard (in pieces). Vellman Vertex (in pieces)
Shapeoko2 router in process of being converted to laser engraver (in pieces)
Multicam 5000 series CNC Router w/ 11HP spindle, 5x10' table, and auto tool changer (in pieces)

4 Reply by chuddly

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Re: So, my uncle wants a 3d printer....

http://www.staples.com/Cube-3D-Printers … _SS2044291

If its in a staples store its got to work fairly well....i wouldnt go with and SD3 because they are not plug and play ready.  I have no experiece with the cube...but its small and has a pretty skin and should work pretty easily

5 Reply by Hazer

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Re: So, my uncle wants a 3d printer....

Sounds like this would be perfect:

http://pirate3d.com/

Its PLA only, and supposed to be plug-n-play. Though time will tell, and they are not taking orders till December. I would wait to see user reviews on backer shipped units before buying too.

Other than that, to my knowledge there has not been a plug-and-play printer yet. They have all required tons of tinkering.

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