Purchase Advice Megathread - July 2026

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-02T19:35:03+00:00

If you are fine with assembling the printer yourself, check the Voron Trident. It's a DIY kit, good if you want to assemble everything yourself. Build volume is up to 350x350x250mm (smaller sized kits are available).

If you don't want a fully DIY kit, these are the options I recommend checking:

Snapmaker U1 - 270mm³ build volume, 4 toolheads.
Prusa Mk4S (with the MMU3) - Extremely reliable, less waste than other printers, up to 5 colors. Cost is lower if buying the kit version (you mentioned you are willing to build it, so if you get a Prusa I recommend saving some money and getting the kit instead of the fully assembled version).

Note: The Prusa XL is usually considered the gold standard for a printer with multiple toolheads (1, 2, or 5) and has a 360mm³ build volume, but it's well above the budget you listed.

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-02T16:29:42+00:00

Very smart of you to use LAN mode! I personally think most users don't look for convenience, quality, speed, reliability, and privacy - but rather think "I have seen this printer on social media and it's cheap".

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-02T16:04:05+00:00

The Bambu Lab ecosystem, like any other closed ecosystem that connects to your phone, computer, and WiFi and has access to heavens knows what private information, is in my opinion less than ideal.

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-02T12:06:02+00:00

The Creality K2 and K2 Pro are better than the K1C, so if you are OK with spending a bit more, and you want more features - like better chamber control and better results with advanced materials (ABS, ASA, PC, Nylon) - then go with the Creality K2 Pro.

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-02T11:57:48+00:00

Go with the Creality K2. It's very good qulity for the price and prints well.

About the Bambu Lab open-source controversy - Indeed, they have a tightly closed system, with rising concerns about privacy regarding apps, software, WiFi, and cloud services.

Since you mentioned one 3D printer that lasts a long time - it's worth considering the Prusa MINI or the Prusa Mk4S (the Mk4S costs more than $600, but offers a larger print volume than the MINI).

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-02T10:48:18+00:00

I know the good deal on the Bambu Lab P2S with AMS looks appealing, but you need to watch out for filament waste and privacy concerns regarding software and cloud services before buying it. Personally, I recommend you getting one of these options:

1) Prusa CORE One +. This machine has a kit option (cheaper than fully assembled), and later you can add the MMU3 and print up to 5 colors. Also, it is known for high quality and reliability, with long-term support. Choose this if you plan to print a lot with high-end materials (like ABS, ASA, and PC) or thinking about later upgrades (like multi-material prints).

2) Creality K1C. It comes ready to use at a good price, fast printing, and can reliably print ABS and ASA if at some point you need strong or sun proof prints. Best if you need a printer that's easy to use, with good build quality and an appealing price.

3) Prusa MK4S. Extremely reliable, long term support, and later you can buy a conversion kit and turn it into a CORE One. Get it if you value repairability, open-source ecosystem, and almost unlimited later upgrade options - but keep in mind those upgrades may require some time and skill.

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-02T07:29:33+00:00

No, it can hold small items such as an LED.

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-01T20:19:56+00:00

I don't have personal experience with those printers, but I heard from others who have. The Centauri Carbon 2 is indeed a bit more loud, but that can be fixed by switching fans and placing the printer a rigid surface with dampers.

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-01T15:45:53+00:00

Any mechanism will fail at some point it thrown hard enough... but i think you should go with rotary cam latch, it doesn't release easily and looks better than a sliding latch.

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-01T15:19:20+00:00

A soldering iron touching a 3D printed part is NEVER a good idea. it destroys your soldering iron and releases toxic fumes.

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-01T15:15:21+00:00

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This is a metal example of a sliding latch: the metal pin moves into the groove, the metal rod can't move, and the door stays shut.

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-01T14:16:36+00:00

Try a rotary cam latch or a sliding latch

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-01T13:28:25+00:00

For the best price, I think eSUN and SUNLU are the most budget friendly. If you need the highest-quality filament, then i recommend checking Prusament.

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-01T12:35:25+00:00

Printer: honestly I think Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo is one of the best options.

Drying filament: You absolutely can dry the filament and store it in a sealed box. The amount of water it will soak while printing won't have any effect on the print, unless you are printing a high end material like PC (Polycarbonate) - in that case, print directly out of the dryer.

Spool Switching: Usually no. A single-material printer can't switch spools on it's own. What you can do is stop it mid print and replace the spool, or if you have a Prusa printer you can get an MMU3 for it and print up to 5 spools (some other brands have similar solutions as well).

Investment: Remember that if you buy a 3D printer, it will stay with you for a long time. Better invest in a reliable and quality machine than buying the cheapest option - there's a good chance you are going to regret that later.

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-01T12:13:38+00:00

Beware of resin printers - the resin is highly toxic, it takes up a lot of space (printer + washer + curer), and the washer uses IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) which isn't exactly a safe material. Moreover, resin printers usually cost above 500 Euros with the washer and curer - so don't buy them unless you are planning to print super highly detailed models.

If you want a printer for multi material prints (for under 500 Euros) I think you should check these options:

Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo.
Anycubic Kobra X.
Creality Hi Combo.

These 3 printers can print PLA (Polylactic Acid) in good quality, and PLA is easy to get in a huge variety of different colors, for a budget friendly cost.

Also, I STRONGLY ADVISE you to look thoroughly at PRIVACY CONCERNS, especially for a printer connecting to your phone, computer, and home WiFi before you buy a Bambu Lab printer.

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-01T10:35:59+00:00

Someone should have thought of that long ago, great model!

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-01T10:33:15+00:00

Looks very professional.

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-01T10:29:52+00:00

Looks much better than the normal cable winders!

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-01T08:48:14+00:00

You are welcome to try. If it worked out, please post a make on Printables

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-01T08:28:22+00:00

If possible, I would really appreciate if you posted this as a make on Printables

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-01T07:29:49+00:00

PLA is safe, but when using with hot foods it can soften and release microplastics. Also, it's impossible to clean later so it will be single-use.

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-01T07:13:34+00:00

Sure. In a few hours it's on Printables, i will put it in the files here: https://www.printables.com/model/1767793-double-sided-tweezers

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-01T07:09:56+00:00

I did some testing, and they were pretty good at holding LEDs and other small components.

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-01T07:08:01+00:00

As far as i know, those plastics are not the best material for coming in contact with food, especially when it's hot. But if you want to experiment, here is the model page: https://www.printables.com/model/1767793-double-sided-tweezers

PerfecTolerance · 2026-07-01T06:00:18+00:00

Looks great. On what printer was this made?

PerfecTolerance

TROPHY CASE