cross-posted from: https://hexbear.net/post/3884192
For the purpose of miniature wargaming, I’m considering getting into 3D printing because there are tons of amazing sculpts I’d love to get my hands on.
A couple of questions, though
I’ll admit I know next to nothing about 3D printing, but I could spend up to 300 eurodollars (or a bit more) on a 3D printer. Are there any key things to consider when picking up a printer? I don’t need the cheapest model, as price isn’t the main reason I’m getting into 3D printing. I care quite a bit about the quality of the finished models.
I live in an apartment, so does this even work logistically? I’m aware there are some health hazards with resin/3D printing—how serious should my concerns be about that? (That’s why I’m asking here and not in a 3D printing subreddit, where folks might be biased.)
Are there any recommended communities or YouTube channels for 3D printing? As I mentioned, I’ll be using this primarily for gaming miniatures and possibly wargaming terrain, not for other 3D-printable items.
Resin printers mean extra post-processing (gotta wash the excess resin off in alcohol, trim the supports, then cure in a UV box. Then chemical disposal is complicated) but you get higher detail.
But! Fdm printers are getting much better at this too! A well tuned printer (tuning your printer is a whole-ass hobby, be warned) with a 0.2mm nozzle (or a Bambu* basically right out of the box) will work just fine for most cases.
*Look these things have proprietary firmware and that sucks, but it’s as close as we have ever gotten to “my printer is an appliance that just makes what I want with no fuss.” Don’t bother with their expensive filament, it’s no better than the cheap stuff and you can completely ignore their microchip system. An A1 mini is barely more expensive than an Ender 3 (which used to be the go-to cheap ass printer) and is the smoothest and fastest printer I have ever owned by a good deal.