Looking for a solid yet inexpensive 3D Printer

[Jacktastic-Mofo]

I'm looking for a inexpensive yet good 3D printer, my budget is 350$ and under and I live in the US.

Also how is the Micro 3D printer? I've heard mixed reviews about it.

[Squatch]

I have the Folger Tech 202 Prusa i3 which is $289. I bought it to get into 3d printing and it was one of the cheapest options. I was very surprised by both the build and print quality. I have been using it very heavily for ~6 months and its still running perfect. It took a day or so to dial in the print settings (which it will with most printers) but now it prints great. It also has tons of potential to upgrade. It is very easy to increase build volume, dual extrusion, and material that can be printed. I run Hatchbox abs through it and have great results. If you have any questions let me know!

[Hackentosher]

If you want solid, stay away from RepRap. They can be rewarding, but there is a lot more room for a lot more headaches than printing with a more reliable machine. Get a printrbot.

[Squatch]

It depends on what he wants. Reprap is usually cheaper, much easier to repair, and much easier to upgrade. If he doesn't want to fool with calibrating and tinkering than a prebuilt 3d printer is what he wants. It'll cost more though. Reprap has a huge community and tons of people willing to help and solve any problems. Check out RepRap Subreddit

[bob345]

Printrbot simple metal. More than 350 but it's far more reliable than reprap or other cheap options. If you cheap out on your first 3d printer all you will get are headaches.

[Hackentosher]

16 hours ago, bob345 said:

Printrbot simple metal. More than 350 but it's far more reliable than reprap or other cheap options. If you cheap out on your first 3d printer all you will get are headaches.

This is absolutely true. I made the mistake of cheaping out on my first machine... oh boy. I say get a simple metal or a play from printrbot.