I am interested in getting a 3D printer but I have no idea where to even started. Is there such thing as a multi-purpose printer? What’s a good source to read up on printers, software, filament?

I am thinking small replacements items like drawer guides, funnel for espresso machine, essentially little parts and pieces that break around the house and farm. Also maybe some device cases (including outdoor ones) etc.

Ideally I don’t want a closed system. I have a Cricut for 10 years or so and I hate being locked into the app so much. Unless there is a really, really good reason.

Edited to add: Thank you all! What an amazing community!

  • neidu3@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    6·
    12 hours ago

    Just some thoughts:

    • Printing has come a long way since I was where you are now. Today I’d say most fused deposition modeling printers are multi-purpose. The most common filaments, PLA and PETG, are pretty multi-purpose too. Personally I mostly use PETG due to its increased temp and UV resistance.
    • Bambu seem to be trying to set up a walled garden. Prusa is doing the opposite for what I think are ideological reasons. Some claim that their printers are a but overpriced, but I’d claim it’s worth it. My toolchain is usually Blender - > Prusaslicer -> Prusa Core One, but there’s nothing stopping me from changing out one of those.
    • In highly recommend assembling from kit if you can, as a learning experience, as it makes it easier for you to maintain, repair, and upgrade your printer later on.
      • papalonian@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        4 hours ago

        I’ll offer a counterpoint. If this is your first printer, don’t build it from a kit. Most printers will require some assembly, and that’s totally fine, but if you have no experience with 3d printers (and likely anything similar in size or technical requirements), it’s going to be way too easy to make some small mistake that results in days of diagnosing where you went wrong.

        My advice would be to find a decent mid-range printer, and if you really wanna dive deep in to the hobby, build or buy a big fancy second one later. I’m still rocking my $150 Neptune 3 from like 3 years ago, I’ve thought about upgrading but haven’t really needed to.