How easy is it to get into 3D printing for a beginner?

[T_adapledge]

Hey, so I am really interested in trying out 3D printing as a hobby and would love to try making my own twisty puzzles such as 2x2s and 3x3s or possibly some non-WCA puzzles. The world of 3D printing appears to be quite intimidating and I really don't know where to start or if I should start at all. As someone who has never had any experience with 3D printing and does not yet have a 3D printer, I would like to ask;
How easy it is for a beginner to get into 3D printing? Specifically, how accessible are online templates and will it require a lot of specialised knowledge & equipment or will I be able to start making my own puzzles/pieces pretty quickly?
Also, what 3D printer would you recommend to a beginner who's on quite a tight budget?

Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[1x1 wr holder!]

Hey, the best tip is to go in head first. The only reason to not get a printer is if the budget doesn’t fit you or if you dont think it’s something you’ll commit to. When you get your printer, don’t immediately start printing puzzles. You need to practice with easier shapes. I recommend the ender 3 pro or ender 3 v2. I own the v2 and it’s a beast. Neither are the most recent, so consider cheking out the ender 5 series or even some from prusa printers. Tell me if you have any questions. Good luck 3d printing is loads of fun and it Compliments cubing like pbnj!

 

[joshsailscga]

Also look around your community, near where I used to live there was a community "workroom" of sorts that had a lot of crafting/modeling/hobby tools including 3D printers. It worked on a subscription basis like a gym. Probably not the most common thing to find, but if there does happen to be something similar near you it would be a safer way (monetarily speaking) to try to break into the hobby and find out if it really is something you're interested in.

 

[Thom S.]

Have you ever used CAD and/or 3d Modelling Software?

 

[abunickabhi]

If you are a student in a University that has good sized 3D printers. You can give it a shot, also take help from senior students and instructors yo.

 

[G3DDU]

3D printing in libraries has become increasingly popular. You could speak with the staff members to get a better understanding of what they offer and any opportunities for learning and using 3D printers (if your local library has any.) My library even offers some courses in 3D printing from time to time

 

[T_adapledge]

Have you ever used CAD and/or 3d Modelling Software?

I only have a bit of experience using sketch up but i know someone who is very skilled at using 3D modelling software and I know they would be happy to help me.

 

[ethen]

I only have a bit of experience using sketch up but i know someone who is very skilled at using 3D modelling software and I know they would be happy to help me.

I, my self have a woodworking table top router and am starting out, would really recomend going head first. Its so fun! (woodworking routers are the opisite of 3d printers, 3d printers add and routers subtract)

 

[ethen]

I, my self have a woodworking table top router and am starting out, would really recomend going head first. Its so fun! (woodworking routers are the opisite of 3d printers, 3d printers add and routers subtract)

i forget the name of the type of router

EDIT: its a CNC router