Hello, Interested But Have no Experience in 3D printing

[ExperiMENTAL]

I have some Experience with Design CAD in 2D a while back, but none in 3D. I THINK I'd like 3D printing for making parts for hobbies, currently Rocketry, but Want to Learn as much as I can before I buy a Printer, IF I buy a Printer. so I can make the Right Choice for ME and my Eclectic ways.
Just basic stuff at first, like Nose Cones, and probably not progress much past that Unless I find some files I'd like to try.

Currently recovering from Prostate cancer, taking post radiation Hormones which are kicking my butt and making my Vertigo Much worse, making it feel like i'm thinking through Jello at times, and have Anemia to boot so I'm weak as a Kitten most of the time.
SO probably by Spring I'd be ready to commit.

Retired electronics technician, and long time hobbyist of various and diverse things over the decades, from Ham Radio, to RC Planes, Computers, to... Rockets.

Any GOOD 3D Links, Videos... you think would help, Greatly Appreciated!

 

[Alan]

glad you're happy with your 3D printer! welcome to the 3D printing Community! I hope the hobby gives you a distraction from you struggle. The members may have ideas to help you out. so just ask away!

 

[ExperiMENTAL]

Hi Alan,
I don't have one yet.
From my meager research the Bambu Lab P1S seems to be reliable and recommended for ease of use for beginners, some claiming to use them professionally. It, and its little brother the Bambu Lab A1 are currently on a Black Friday sale so I MIGHT pull the trigger sooner. I want one for Durable Structural parts for myselt, Not multicolor trinkets, so single feed and the P1S Appears to better fit my needs as it can do ABS and ASA and has a Carbon Filter. The 10" ^3 print size of both is also appealing.

I'm looking for a good tool, not another hobby just to tinker with.

Any guidance is appreciated.

 

[TDAbbotts]

Quite a few similarities with your post. New to 3D printing and only now getting a workable feel for creating with the CAD software. Most of my efforts have been to create parts for high powered rockets, such as av-bays, rail guides and one off tools. Part of the reason I made the commitment to jump into it was that I needed something to keep me busy while recovering from prostate surgery, which I had in August. The internet is full of excellent videos that offer help with the printers and the software, and a quick Google search will provide a bunch.
I will say, that I’ve really enjoyed the act of designing, creating and printing, much more than I expected I would. It’s very satisfying. I also have found that with the tens of thousands of .stl files online, and free, that I’m using the skills for way more than just HPR.
Best of luck on your journey and your recovery, it’s a process.

 

[Alan]

Hi Alan,
I don't have one yet.
From my meager research the Bambu Lab P1S seems to be reliable and recommended for ease of use for beginners, some claiming to use them professionally. It, and its little brother the Bambu Lab A1 are currently on a Black Friday sale so I MIGHT pull the trigger sooner. I want one for Durable Structural parts for myselt, Not multicolor trinkets, so single feed and the P1S Appears to better fit my needs as it can do ABS and ASA and has a Carbon Filter. The 10" ^3 print size of both is also appealing.

I'm looking for a good tool, not another hobby just to tinker with.

Any guidance is appreciated.

That mindset of treating the printer as a tool, not a hobby, is exactly where the P1S shines. It’s quick to set up, handles engineering-grade filaments well, and doesn’t require daily maintenance. You might want to grab a good dry box if you plan on storing filaments long-term, though; ABS and ASA can absorb moisture easily. Any other owners here have drying or enclosure tips for these materials?

 

[ExperiMENTAL]

Thanks for the input!
Just to be clear, I have Nothing Against using 3D Printing/Printers as a Hobby, In and Of Its self... I'm just fully aware of How Deep That Rabbit Hole can go... as I fell into it with Computers back in Home Computing's early years... always looking for my next Upgrade/Fix, always tinkering for increased performance... !
NOW I still can/do assemble/work on my own PC's, things have advanced, mainly with the Internet and its MASSIVE growth, Mega Fast Multi Core Machines, and Massive Multitasking, have shifted my Perspective.

I'm just skeptical of Random Info about buying products on the Internet, too many have Financially Motivated Reasons to Recommend Product X, Y, Z... (use My Link)
Therefore my request for Good links.
BUT the P1S and A1 seem to consistently be praised, the only negative review so far seemed to be from the person not properly Dialing In Perimeters, and NOT cleaning the bed properly so as to have Initial Adhesion problems.

Your first (anything) is like your first car... Your Excited to finally have one, BUT You Can't really know what you'll Actually want/need until you drive it around for a while...

 

[AsahiAnchor]

oh this is a bit insightful. gotta read through this again.

 

[ScreamingMantis]

oh wow good luck with the recovery!