Can anyone recommend a 3D printer?

[Blarn]

Dh has been looking at 3D printers for years. He used to enjoy painting little models but stopped doing that a long time ago, mostly because of time after dc. But I know he would like to pick it up again and has mentioned making his own things to paint, and just messing around with one. I'm thinking that's his Christmas present sorted!

I've looked at recommendations from places like PC World etc but does anyone have one they could recommend? I'd rather not spend hundreds obviously! But know that they are not cheap so want to get this right

My DC bought me one for Christmas last year (after much research apparently). It's an Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro (I think. Definitely a Neptune 4). It's been great and does all that I want it to and produces good quality prints. Easy to construct and to use.

Ooo, thank you. That's one I saw recommended on tech sites.

Get a Bambu A1 with AMS. It's on sale at the moment, too.
I just got one a few weeks ago after wanting a 3D printer for years. I waited because I wanted to print things easily and not have to tinker with the printer too much.
I've only had one print fail in the time since I've had it and that was my fault, not the machine.

What sort of things do you print on them? I'm assuming dhs would be used for little soldiers, dolls House furniture for dc and maybe the odd model plane-sized thing?! I'm hoping he doesn't buy one himself, I don't think he will as has been talking about getting one for years and hasn't yet.

We've had a go at everything so far. I've done key rings, a Halloween mask, earrings, Christmas decorations, flexi animals, add-on parts for the printer, loads of stuff.
Have a look at https://makerworld.com/ .
I literally go to the Bambu app on my phone, choose a model and send it to the printer and it prints!
I know I sound like I'm evangelising but it's really good.

I print all sorts on mine - I've even printed useful things like a funnel to fill up the pepper grinder and hold the metal rod in place at the same time. I've also printed small models, fidget toys, replacement clips for Systema clip lock boxes...

It doesn't require any tinkering with the printer at all once you've done the construction part (which wasn't too taxing at all - I enjoyed it immensely!)

The only print failures I've had are when it's not adhered to the base plate properly and has shifted despite being printed with a "skirt". You can use a glue stick to make the base plate stickier for things that might shift though.

Do you know whether he was looking at filament or resin printers?

I've also had a go at designing simple things with Tinkercad which was immensely satisfying.

We’ve got a flashforge finder. It’s really simple to use, it’s quite old now so I’m sure they’ll have replaced the model by now. All the parts are available and it’s neat and tidy.
we use thingiverse for basic stuff not sure what programs the dc use to make their own stuff to print but they get on well with it

edited because it’s tinkercad mentioned above

Honestly no idea! I think the ability to make smaller sized accurate, detailed things so I am assuming resin?

Hello,
If you’re looking for a good 3D printer, I’d suggest also checking out Orca Slicer since it works really well with many popular models. It makes setup easy with preloaded profiles, automatic calibration, and AI error detection, which really helps in getting high-quality prints. A reliable printer paired with Orca Slicer can give you a smooth and professional 3D printing experience. https://www.orcaslicer.com/