I’m new to the hobby, but I’m doing my master’s research in it, so I’m sure it’s going to be a large part of my life, at least for a couple of years. This printer won’t be for research, but for fun!Here are some printers I’ve been looking at, and my thoughts on each one.Monoprice Maker Select v2$349.99 from Monoprice.com. Seems like it has a great price/value ratio.Currently out of stock until at least 06/10. Is available for purchase on Amazon but for about $35 moreThis seems like a reliable printer that can be easily upgraded, and has a great build volume (7.9″x7.9″x7.1″)Main complaints seem to be that it’s slow, and although it has an advertised speed of 100 mm/sec, it’s more like 50 mm/sec.Great build qualityMonoPrice Select Mini 3D$199.99 from Monoprice.com. Definitely the best price/value ratio of any printers I’ve looked at.Has a somewhat small build volume (4.7″x4.7″x4.7″)Newly released, so although has good early reviews, is a bit risky. Also no established community with respect to repairs/upgrades.Main complaint is that it is very slow. Max speed of 50 mm/sec, and I’m seeing a large amount of complaints about the z-axis speed as well.Seems like an amazing starter printer, but I’m worried I’ll outgrow the build size too quickly.Printrbot Play$399.00 new from printrbot.com, but refurbished models are available for up to $100 cheaper.Printrbot seems to be one of the most respected 3D printer companies. I only ever see good things about them.Small print volume (4″x4″x5″), but an upgrade kit is available to get that up to 4″x8″x5″. I love that it’s an option, but it seems like it would cost about $200 to do so, and that seems like a lot for 4 inches on the y-axis.I’m a little worried this model seems to be aimed more at kids? I feel like I’m paying for safety features, which while very important, might be money better put towards larger build volumes and printing features.Only available in pasty white, which is a little ugly. I could grow to love it, though!Wanhao Duplicator i3Available for $399.99 from wanhaousa.com. I’ve read it’s better not to order from them due to bad customer service, and issues with broken units being sent out and difficulties getting replacement parts? Apparently ordering from Amazon means you get it directly from Wanhao which is more desirable. Does anybody know if the Amazon version is also v2.1?Build volume is large for this price range at 8″x8″x7″.Seems to be one of the most popular printers (but most of this list seems to be). But large community means upgrades are easier to come by.Highest build plate temperature and hotend temperature. I’m sure that’s a good thing.Seems to be a very high quality build. Metal construction seems great. v2.1 seems to incorporate a lot of the community upgrades.This is literally a Monoprice Maker Select, with some slight upgrades, correct?Does anybody have any helpful opinions on these? I’m leaning towards the i3. It seems to be a little more expensive, but faster, with the biggest build volume, and the largest community behind it. The mini seems cool, but I’m worried about outgrowing it, and I’ve heard the shipping times are terrible.I was initially very set on the Monoprice Select 3D, but it seems to be out of stock, and it seems to literally just be a rebranded, cheaper Wanhao i3. I’m just not rolling in money, and I know I’ll have to buy filament and other things, so buying the Wanhao i3 which I might be able to wait a week or so to get the same machine for cheaper is tempting. If they had free shipping or something I’d probably order it right now. <- Looks like the code mannyjune gets you $5 off, free shipping, and a roll of filament for free! :O But it looks like it's worth $5 to order from ultimate3dprintingstore.comWhat do you guys think? http://ift.tt/20YfwKl