I researched the best 3D printers over the past few days because I’m planning to add one to my workshop setup to go along with my CNC projects.
I read reviews on The New York Times (Wirecutter), Tom’s Hardware, and All3DP, and they’re marking these two as top options:
However, I’m having trouble deciding which one would best suit my needs and would like your expert advice.
In my workshop, I have a CNC router, small fabrication tools, and I plan to use the printer mainly for tool holders, jigs, prototypes, and functional parts.
I need something that offers good precision, reliable performance with materials like PETG and ABS, and doesn’t require too much maintenance. So which one should I go for?
Or is there any other printer you’d recommend in this range that works well for CNC users? Any advice will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
I’ve been in the 3D-printing trenches for about seven years. Back when it was my main hobby (before CNC came along and stole my heart), I built, rebuilt, modified, and Franken-upgraded more printers than I care to admit. Hot ends, extruders, linear rails, lead screws… if it had bolts, I probably swapped it.
After hearing the legend of the “set it and forget it” Bambu ecosystem long enough, I finally caved about six months ago and picked up a P1S with an AMS 2 Pro. My beloved, heavily modded Ender 5 Plus now lives in a shrink wrapped pile of retired things in the basement.
Six months later? Yeah… the hype is real. I barely touch any settings in Bambu Studio, and even my dusty five-year-old spools of PLA filament print like they just came off the factory line. The P1S has been rock solid and stupidly reliable.
Sure, there are other printers out there vying for the crown, but honestly I wouldn’t try to save money by gambling on something that isn’t as proven by soooo many people like these Bambu printers.
Heavily recommend the Bambu printers. I have had nothing but great results with mine! I also agree with the above post, that I have barely had to tweak anything in the settings and get awesome prints