3d Printing - Newb Start

[conuk]

Hi all - Ive never done any 3d printing before - but am now curious to maybe have a go - usually because I look at things that I need for my sim rig - for example some kind of holder and I see on Etsy or similar for something like £25/£35 but ships from abroad.
Im sure its not too cheap to print but I would love to cut out the middle man as it were and have a go. Im not really sure what the markup is for some of these tablet holders / cup holders and the like so it got my interest.

Anybody care to recommend a current 2025 starter guide?
What kind of printer is required - use case - costs / hidden costs - types of filament - use cases etc?

Seems like something I would like to have a go at - but don't want to be disappointed to what I think I can print Versus the actual results I could achieve for a dare I say 'Hobby' cost?

Thanks for any pointers.

 

[fullspizz]

Hmm, For a starter, have a read about the Bambu A1. Seems to work for almost everyone straight out of the box with minimal tweaking. The Bambu labs app is handy for printing and you can also use the software to design your own projects.
I have both the A1 with AMS and the A1 mini. I have printed numerous things, inc wheel stops for my sons pc chair for when he is sim racing, hooks for my shed, holders for stuff like Oral B toothbrushes, hairdryers and straighteners, plus a clock.
As you say, there are loads of things that you can print and try quite cheaply, rather than buying. It can get expensive though, as you can just starting printing anything good that you see.
The A1 is around £289 on it's own or £429 with the AMS (means you don't have to carry out as many colour reel changes), or the A1 mini is £169 or £279 with AMS. The only real difference between the 2 is the print size.
Filament costs vary, but you can pick up cheap PET-G or PLA from both amazon or china for around £13 per kg.

 

[Conan257]

Another vote for the A1, although there is a little heat over their future plans to push firmware updates. I'd still go for one and ignore the foil-hat wearers.
Except for a very small percentage (for any product this is true), it is genuinely plug and play. Printing within a couple of hours of receiving it, as long as you're competent reading and using a screwdriver.