1 Topic by jeff.hunt

  • jeff.hunt
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  • Registered: 2013-09-11
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Topic: help choosing a printer

Hello! I am overwhelmed by the amount of printers out there, so have decided to try to narrow down the hardware/modeling software by choosing what I would like to print.

I want to get my first 3d printer and experiment with taking my kids drawings, scanning and modeling them, and printing them as 3d objects like a website service called crayoncreatures.com is doing. As I see though they are using shapeways to print, as I would like to do it myself as I trying to learn about 3d printing.

I'm looking for the most low cost solution as I"m not a professional only wanting to choose a subject/object to learn 3d printing. Thanks for any recommendation! smile

2 Reply by foofoodog (edited by foofoodog 2013-10-05 04:51:11)

  • foofoodog
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  • Registered: 2013-08-16
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Re: help choosing a printer

The issue is that now 3d printers are like laser printers when they first came out. If you don't have a thousand or more to drop on one then you are kind of out of luck. If you are willing to assemble a kit, if you have mechanical, electronic and software skills you can do better. Maybe look at printbot, or save for a $1500 dollar home owner 3D printer, or wait another 18 months for the prices to drop. BTW, check out makerxyz.com, maybe you have a neighbor who can print for you.

3 Reply by ronsii

  • ronsii
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  • Registered: 2012-10-28
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Re: help choosing a printer

Hey Jeff, Here is a pretty good list of whats out there ---> http://www.3ders.org/pricecompare/3dprinters/?o=Price Although this does not have all the printers and kits on kickstarter and places like that it does have the major contenders and links to their websites which is a great way to see whats out there and get more info.