Honest 3D printer buyer’s guide: Find the best machine for you!

Looking for your first 3D printer? Don’t spend a cent until you have watched this honest buyer’s guide. There’s some misconceptions and pitfalls with 3D printing and it’s vital to know these before you enter the hobby.

In this video we cover how to identify your preferences and intended workflow, how to gather reliable information from reviews and community groups, then explore several categories of 3D printer and who they are best suited for.

0:00 Introduction

0:52 What they don’t tell you about 3D printing

2:34 Will your 3D printer be a tool or a hobby?

3:24 What are your priorities in a 3D printer?

4:14 What to look for in reviews and community groups

5:25 Budget machines

8:02 Mid-range machines

9:08 Manufacturer supported workhorses

10:58 Premium build it yourself kits

12:32 Others

13:29 I have my 3D printer picked, what do I do now?

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[TeachingTech]

Merry Christmas folks! Some comments rightly asking why no mention of resin printers. This video is aimed mainly at beginners, and I'm not sure I'm comfortable suggesting people start with resin. Having said that, I have a video on the way about all of the steps of resin printing and how to achieve a mess free, efficient workflow.

[arklanuthoslin]

Full agree on the "tool or hobby" thing. My roommate is interested in tweaking and building and experimenting with a printer, having seen mine, but me, I just want to print my models and tweak THOSE.

[kendrickpavey]

Such a mature and level headed approach with respect to the reality of 3D printing. Thank you.

[Tierney]

I don't comment on videos often (nor subscribe to creators) but not only does it appear that you know what you are talking about and you show it, but your mindset is incredible. Pointing out that ones use case, skill, or even that it could be a bad product is not only valuable for this video and 3D printing, but also just incredible advice in general. Looking forward to getting into 3D printing now as well as what other videos you have available when it comes to tech!

[mikazeo]

G'day, I've recently found your channel and it has helped me alot with understanding my printer. I've just received my Ender 3 Pro this week and have started printing as soon as I had it setup. Prior to choosing the printer I currently have, it was a bit daunting at how many 3d printers there were to choose from. Ultimately I had someone point me in the 'right' direction and ever since I think I know where I stand in what I'd like to do with my budget one for the mean time. -Until I grow a bit of further understanding anyhow. Thank you for your informative, none fuss, straight to the point vids.

[Hasiebk]

Laying here in my bed late at night and thought "I wonder how much a 3D printer is, and what it can do" and boom! I now have plenty of knowledge! Great video man!

[larrydicus]

I am a process operator for a major 3d printing company. I absolutely love it and am amazed at what can be made

[Izzy-endl]

Merry Christmas and thank you for another wonderful opportunity to absorb some of your knowledge.

[carloscole]

Hey Michael! I'm about to get started in the fascinating 3D printing ecosystem and I want to acknowledge that your channel has become one of my to-go learning channels. I truly appreciate the mindset, impartiality and excellent quality content you create. Keep up the amazing work (and since I didn't find a mention in the comments - big shoutout for the Senna t-shirt haha)!

[brianblake]

I've got 3 Ender 3 V2's, a Sunlu S8 Plus and a CR-10 (which is undergoing a massive reconstruction). Best advice I can give is to study, read, study and read. Absorb all you can BEFORE dropping g a dime.

Next best advice: develop a thick skin. Some 'veterans' of 3D printing holds themselves in very high esteem and love to crap on people who ask questions they think are stupid.

The Teaching Tech channel, CHEP, and a few others have helped me more than all of the social media groups combined.

[originalup]

This is the best buyers guide i have seen. It really goes into everything people need to know before they buy their first printer.

[psychomarto]

"the search function is your friend" such a oooold saying yet soooo unknown in the forums... so sad... love the mention of it, and also the video by itself! Cheers!

[scratchinjack]

Awesome video! For me, it was just finding videos and communities that appeared to tell both the good and bad about printers. I think you and Thom (Thomas Sanladerer) give me much about the technical. Joel (3D Printing Nerd) and Angus (Maker's Muse) for the creative, mostly, though they have some technical understandings and Jesse (Uncle Jesse) for the resin side of things (which I'm not yet sold on a 100% though I do have a Phrozen Mini). Look, Listen and Read is the best advice I've yet heard for some one who interested in the hobby. And your price point look is spot on. Thanks Michael!

[shennalim]

Thank you. I need to buy a 3D printer, but have no knowledge of what's involved. Happily, this was the first relevant vid I came across. Now a subscriber.

[joshbolen]

Hey man, just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate this kind of content. I started 3D printing a little over 6 months ago. I bought a Creality Ender 5 pro. Its been a good unit, but out of service more than not. No big deal, I enjoy tinkering for the most part. One thing I didn't really realize until I got into this is how long things actually take to print. I always thought it was a little bit and you were good. I just printed a D20 for someone for Christmas and it took 32 hours hahaha. Not a big deal though! Set it and forget it. Totally worth it. I am off topic though, I wanted to thank you for all the guidance and assistance while getting into this. I thoroughly enjoy it, and between you, Makers Muse, and CHEP you've all been extraordinary guides in this awesome little hobby. I appreciate you!

[jstro-hobbytech]

Great video Mike. It's taken me a while and about six printers to figure out where I'm at on the spectrum. You present one of the most comprehensive list of points I've seen. As I'm a functional guy who looks at the printer as a tool I've decided to go with a commercial brand with great support. Thanks again for putting up with my stupidity a while back.

[MasterOfHalo]

YOU'RE MY FAVOURITE 3D PRINTING CHANNEL MICHAEL! Merry Christmas!

[MotokenUchia]

Honestly such a helpful video, really helped in coming to a conclusion and buying my first 3D printer. Thank you!

[calebfenton]

Thank you so much for your videos 3 weeks ago I knew nothing about 3D printers. Now I have all these awesome skulls/key rings/ egg holders/ Crazy masks around my house. My Family think I'm the coolest dad ever. Your videos are excellent for beginners. Thank you again Cheers Caleb.

[yakcoffee]

I really like your way of thinking and how you breakdown your reviews! You give solid recommendation's and always say to check out other reviews. Very informative and you come off as trustworthy. 100% Subbed. Thanks for the help.