Hi, I’m way out of my depth here so joined the forum to ask for advice from those in the know lol. My partner lives collecting star wars figures and doing the model kits. For xmas i would like to get him a 3d printer to expand on this but i have no idea which one. The budget is up to £350, is this reasonable? What ones would you guys who use them recommend?
Thanks in advance x
Hi,
Other more knowledgeable members may guide you to choose which one is better, but I would like to warn you that a 3D printer is not like a laser printer that you plug and push a button to get the result.
3D printers require play with several settings and tests until you get it working. If you think your partner is prepared to learn and try, will surely enjoy the gift. Otherwise you may better spend your budget buying the stl files and taking them to a printing service…
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Hi!
I’m using an Anycubic Photon Mono 4K since 1 and half year ago, and for sure it’s a good tool for modelling. I began printing figures for my son, mainly Avengers and Pokemon. As Carlos said, you have to learn how to use the software so the printer undestands what you want to print, but it’s quite easy. A lot of try and fail at first, but reading/watching videos, you get it easily.
My printer is discontinued already, but you have the next gen, more faster and bigger printing size: Anycubic Photon Mono X 6Ks – ANYCUBIC-ES.
Also you have some types of resin, and also, you will learn what’s best for you. I use the water washable, easy and cheap to clean. But for example, I’m printing now a Chevrolet Tacoma for a diorama, and the standard resin is not the best option, as it breaks easily. In that case, you can buy the Tough resin. Even they have an ABS-like resin.
A lot of free files for printing can be found in internet, thingverse.com, cults3d.com… and payware also.
Regards!!
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Thanks, im hoping the skill and technicality of it will actually be something that he enjoys learning and getting better at, if not its the thought that counts and it can get sold on ebay 
Thank you, thats very helpful to have a recommendation from someone actually using it and the price is better than i thought too 
I highly recommend Elegoo Mars series. That’s what I use for my prints, and it has done some impressive prints. Some of my examples: 3D prints and CADs Part 2 - by petition2God - #694 by Petition2God. I have Mars 3, and the newer Mars 4 looks great.
I found Elegoo’s customer service much better than Anycubic’s btw. I had both brands, and I like Elegoo much better - not sure how they will be in the UK but that at least was the case for me in the US.
You can check the Amazon.com for the listings and even check them out on Elegoo’s official website: Mars Series Resin 3D Printers – ELEGOO Official. Compare the prices and see which one fits your budget.
Good luck!
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