3D Printer Purchasing Help?

[Kyocobra]

(I hope this is in the correct subforum)

 

Anyway, so recently I have become interested in buying a 3D printer with the intent of learning modeling programs along with creating rad plastic gadgetry.

 

In my research, I have come across--in my opinion--a fairly difficult decision. My price range is $330 - $430.

 

On one hand, there is the HICTOP Prusa I3 [Older Version] (Amazon) for $360, with both good reviews (decent prints) and negative reviews (mainly about build quality in terms of material and packaging issues as well as terrible instructions). It has a heated bed, supports PLA and ABS, which is pretty neat, and ships in pieces meaning that I get to build it myself and learn about it; but if you go to their website (at least I think it is their website), their slightly mangled English,although entertaining to read, seems a little sketchy to me.

 

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Then, on the opposite side of the budget spectrum, there is the Duplicator I3 ($430), a fairly recent model by Wanhao USA. It offers apparently more reliable parts, more filament options, a definite warranty, and (like the HICTOP) a heated bed. This is cool, but it is pre-assembled and has slightly less build space--and that price tag is just straight on the border (I will pay no higher).

 

 

 

So I suppose this is not a battle between the HICTOP and the Duplicator, but rather a representation of my top hits while searching for the perfect printer. What I really want is some good ol' LTT advice and recommendations for printers within my price range, so is there anyone willing to help me out?

 

I would prefer printers to:

Have at least good PLA prints

Be unassembled

Have a heated bed

Have decent build quality and reliable parts

Have a reasonably sized print area

Have at least decent ABS prints

 

-Sorry in advance if I am ill-informed about 3D printers and how they do their do 

[Necrodead]

+watch

 

I also want to know!

[Kyocobra]

I think I'll just take the HICTOP Prusa I3 [Older Version]. Although the parts may not be high quality, assuming they get the job done, I can always print upgrades.

 

With a large heated bed, good PLA prints, decent ABS prints, all right to great customer service (as stated by Amazon reviews), unassembled shipment, and a saving of $70 (something a frugal SOB like me appreciates), I guess I have not realized how great this printer actually is.

[CatCloud]

I think I'll just take the HICTOP Prusa I3 [Older Version]. Although the parts may not be high quality, assuming they get the job done, I can always print upgrades.

With a large heated bed, good PLA prints, decent ABS prints, all right to great customer service (as stated by Amazon reviews), unassembled shipment, and a saving of $70 (something a frugal SOB like me appreciates), I guess I have not realized how great this printer actually is.

Have fun with the calibration it is one of the hassle one have to go through.

Heated bed is a plus.

It's a good price for the size. Didn't Se what software it came with though, hope it's not replicatorG that thing is a buggy mess.

Edit: Oh it is replicatorG.... Good luck with that... I recommend Cura.

Hmmm I'd suggest you do more research on that model. Every printer tend to have some kind of issue.

[Kyocobra]

Have fun with the calibration it is one of the hassle one have to go through.

It's a good price for the size. Didn't Se what software it came with though, hope it's not replicatorG that thing is a buggy mess.

Hmmm I'd suggest you do more research on that model. Every printer tend to have some kind of issue.

I would do more extensive research, but the naming of the product is so indistinguishable between others that I can't find any information too valuable.

 

And thanks for the heads up. Also, it seems like I can use just any software, so wouldn't I be able to download some free open source modeler and slicer? Or do most printers require a specific program?

[Kyocobra]

It comes with ReplicatorG, and they even spelled it wrong! 

 

[CatCloud]

I would do more extensive research, but the naming of the product is so indistinguishable between others that I can't find any information too valuable.

And thanks for the heads up. Also, it seems like I can use just any software, so wouldn't I be able to download some free open source modeler and slicer? Or do most printers require a specific program?

RepG is the printer software not modeling software.

Well...im not so sure, out of experience I haven't had any luck changing printing software.

I was able to connect to mine with cura, load a 3d model and press print.

.... And nothing happened.... It just sits there.

Maybe mine is just stupid or I'm missing something.

For the record I have weistek 3d printer.

Lol... Saw the misspell, I'm going to guess these people are Asians..... Now you Really need to check up on the company!