I see a lot of really good props and costumes made from 3D printing. If I do decide to get a 3D printer, how should I go down this path? What are the best printers and software programs I can get for a $1,000 budget? Thanks for the advice!
It depends on your needs. For smaller finer print stuff, like small working pieces like gear or miniatures, a resin printer will be a good option.
I first purchased a CR-10, and honestly, I wouldn't want any other printer over it, I did just get a Mars resin printer for small stuff but that is mostly separate from prop and costume making but I would not recommend using a CR-10 for small stuff, any time I put on a .2 nozzle and tried to do really fine detail it would just clog up and I actually had to get an entirely new extruder kit cause mine blew up. The CR-10 just has a big ole build plate, which means once you get comfortable with it, you can build big pieces at a time, which for the large builds that you assemble will help structural integrity. I would say that my only complaint is the CR-10 isn't the most user friendly, and can just have some super niche issues. It was a huge headache to get running and working, and bed leveling on the huge ass bed is also a pain. However, now that I have it where it needs to be, I love the thing and if I had a $1000 budget I would purchase it and an enclosure for it (to prevent any fire hazards). Then all the supplies I needed (IE filaments, tools, and I personally got a special glass bed for adhesion).
If you're looking for durability and small details, maybe consider a resin printer (such as the Mars ones). I don't know a lot about them but they can give some REALLY nice detail. The build plate won't be as big though and it'll be more work to deal with runny resin.Sorry if i chime in late, i am thinking of getting my first own personal 3d printer too and have it narrowed down to the creality ender 3 pro vs. Anycubic i3 Mega S. Both around 300€. My bugdet is 300€ - 500€, rougly up to 560$.
I would like to print smaller gadgets, probably a lot of handgun props from halo and the like and maybe a few helmets in preferrably 4-8 pieces.
A variety of materials from which to choose when printing is appreciated. Durability is key, may try longer prints with slower speed for better quality.
Has anyone experience with those two ? Which one would you recommend?
Sorry if i chime in late, i am thinking of getting my first own personal 3d printer too and have it narrowed down to the creality ender 3 pro vs. Anycubic i3 Mega S. Both around 300€. My bugdet is 300€ - 500€, rougly up to 560$.
I would like to print smaller gadgets, probably a lot of handgun props from halo and the like and maybe a few helmets in preferrably 4-8 pieces.
A variety of materials from which to choose when printing is appreciated. Durability is key, may try longer prints with slower speed for better quality.
Has anyone experience with those two ? Which one would you recommend?
Also ENDER EXTENDER for when the machine gets too small for your liking.I don't have it but the ender 3 pro has a lot of support and help from the 3D printing community on reddit. Just youtube/google it and you'll see a bunch of entries on mods and things you should do right after you open it.
Shipping times are extended. Mine should be shipping in the next couple days. And I think I ordered mine 2-3 weeks ago. it's ok though I am fine with the wait.For a specific machine suggestion, the Tevo/Homers Tornado. It's a larger format FDM machine that's on the cheaper side of the spectrum but not lacking major features. If there is anything that you want added onto the printer for features it's easy enough to slap it on DIY style with the help of the support community which is very active. I have two Tornados that I run almost non-stop and they're absolute champs. Homers recently bought out or rebranded Tevo (weird story, don't worry about it) and some shipping times have gone up due to timing of warehouse moves + COVID outbreaks but they seem to be back on track. For SLA machines I'd say wait until you can get your hands on the Elegoo Saturn (just released, sold out most everywhere) for it's bit print volume and low price.