When the printer is sitting idle I try and think up things to print with it as I feel like I need it to be printing 24/7!

I’d also be interested to know if people get value out of laser etchers and the lightweight cnc mills from something like the Snapmaker 2.0 3in1. I kind of like the idea of having the three machines in one because my workbench space is not infinite. And it is pretty expensive if you don’t use all the functions.

I have an Ender 3 Pro. Definitely at the tinkerer end of the spectrum to calibrate and upgrade (first few weeks were spent printing upgrades for itself). Really common so you can take advantage of community feedback and developments like CHEP's Cura Profiles. In addition to a fair amount of 3d printed parts, have added an Octopi, BLtouch and glass print bed. Would recommend, though the bed is a little under your 300x300 goal.

I suspect my next 3D printer will be a self made one. I like the idea of a CoreXY - a Ratrig currently has taken my fancy though I also like the V1 engineering MP3DP. I have a (very) long term lowrider build on the go from V1.

Ender 3 pro. Just for learning and understanding. Im standing to get a better understand of them now, looking at something i want to print off.

Ender 3 Pro. After the initial mass print when I got it I've used it for several functional items such as 3.5" to 2.5" HDD adapters, Airtag holders for keyring, and custom parts for curtain rail. Doesn't get huge use but is handy when required.

afe66: Lurking.

A 3d printer has some appeal so thanks for the model suggestions.

One use I am interested in, is using the printer to make templates for moulds for casting metal. I just need to find a night school that does idiots guide to sand casting..

Maybe not moulds but have a search on lost PLA methods, may help

Waiting for HP MetalJet … (not at home).

I've got a Prusa Mini+ which has been good. I had a few issues getting it running, but after a lot of testing I think I've got it to a good space.

Recently I've been printing cases for my Home Automation ESP Boards.

My Dad has the Prusa i3. He's used the printer to fix things around the house, for example: extending the ranch bolts for shorter people, repairing a broken outdoor umbrella and recently he's 3D printed a RC plane. 

Stu: So is the Ender 3 Pro an okay all-rounder, and suitable as an entry point to printing? Any gotchas to consider? And, lastly, are these being sourced locally, or imported? Cheers and thanks.

I guess I would respond by asking you what you want a 3D printer for?

If you want to learn about 3d printing and design your own stuff, then the Ender 3 is a good starter at great value. But you absolutely have to be you have to be willing to learn and tinker to get it running to its potential. Out of the box, some basic assembly is required and the manual is fine for that. But beyond that, expect to spend a fair amount of time online reading/watching tutorials about 3d printing, set up and modelling. The more effort you put in, the better it will print. I've had mine a couple of years and still each time I do a new project I learn something new. Ender 3 is great for this because it is very common so lots of guidance and suggestions online.

If you just want to open a box and print existing models without any fuss whatsoever, something like an Ultimaker is probably a better bet, but at a significantly higher entry point.

I got my Ender direct from the Creality store in China, but since then I've discovered Kiwi3d who are local stockists. I haven't bought a printer from them, but have bought a whole load of accessories and filament and would highly recommend.

Tinkering is no problem. Since that's also where my interest lies in 3D printing, I'd prefer it that way. I have considerably more time than money, so the Ultimaker and anything else in that price bracket won't even be considered. To get it past the finance committee, the cheaper the better!

Thanks for the link to Kiwi3d.

I am about to press the button on a 3d printer myself.

I have found 3dPrintBeginner.com to have some really useful detailed reviews and tech articles

Also '3d Printing For Dummies' is well worth a read.

So I evolved from my original Ender 5 to a Prusa Mk3S since the start of this thread!

The Enders are a great starting point and I am glad I went for the lower cost option, learned the ropes of slicing, modelling, print tuning, printer tweaking & repair etc before upgrading.

Eventually I modified the Ender 5 into an early grave, but was well worth it.

I bought the Prusa kit, built it myself and am really happy with the results.

Stu:

 

Tinkering is no problem. Since that's also where my interest lies in 3D printing, I'd prefer it that way. I have considerably more time than money, so the Ultimaker and anything else in that price bracket won't even be considered. To get it past the finance committee, the cheaper the better!

 

Thanks for the link to Kiwi3d.

 

Sounds like an Ender would be a great option for you.

I would highly recommend this Youtube video for getting started (from CHEP):

He also has a range of other intro videos about bed levelling (single most important skill to master), optimising your slicer (I use Cura), and support options.

Edit: One of these days I will actually get a youtube video posting right first time...