My 13 year old son is asking for a 3d printer. I know less than nothing about them. After some google searches, I am leaning toward buying a Creality Ender 3 V2 for $200, but I would like to know if you recommend something different. Also, what else do I need to buy? I know I need filament but there seem to be different kinds of filament, where is a good place to start?

ATL Aggie said:

---

My 13 year old son is asking for a 3d printer. I know less than nothing about them. After some google searches, I am leaning toward buying a Creality Ender 3 V2 for $200, but I would like to know if you recommend something different. Also, what else do I need to buy? I know I need filament but there seem to be different kinds of filament, where is a good place to start?

---

Kinda depends on what you want out of it. If he likes tinkering/modding, the Ender is a decent option. If you want something you don't have to fuss with and "just works", I would highly suggest spending the extra cash on a Prusa Mini+.

He does like to tinker.

Personally, I'd spend a little bit more and get the Ender 3 V2 Neo. It has some upgrades that are highly recommended like better bed springs and automatic leveling already included. I'd also get a Capricorn Bowden tube.

I recommend he watches the assembly and startup videos put out by "3D Printed Tomb of Horrors" and "BV3D" on YouTube - they were way better than the included setup instructions.

Here's a previous thread with quite a bit of info on 3D printers. Hasn't been bumped in a bit.

https://texags.com/forums/30/topics/3252234

I have the aforementioned V2, and I've done most of the upgrades that come with the V2 Neo. I'd recommend it if he's not afraid to tinker and understands that there is a setup and calibration process that you MUST follow if you want any kind of success.

Thanks for the responses.

The V2 Neo is on sale for $240 right now, That might be the way to go.

I'm very much still learning but here are a couple things to ask as well. What does he want to do with the printer. If he's trying to make miniatures or smaller items, look at a resin printer as opposed to an Ender or other filament printer. I have a Mars Pro 2 that I bought second hand that works really well (replaced the resin tank and screen for <$60 and works like its brand new. For larger builds, I have an Anycubic Vyper. that was on sale a few months ago and I'm enjoying it. The thing that sold me on this over the Ender is that it needs much less modding to get started.

ATL Aggie said:

---

Thanks for the responses.

The V2 Neo is on sale for $240 right now, That might be the way to go.

---

This is a great deal. I bought my V2 a couple of years ago and was not aware of this model. At $200 for the V2 and $240 for the Neo, there's not really any reason at all to buy the normal V2.

Having the CR-Touch alone come pre-installed in worth more than $40. Then you get the metal extruder thrown in on top of that. No-brainer.