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For those that have 3D printers...
Posted on 3/7/26 at 8:40 pm
Posted on 3/7/26 at 8:40 pm
I am curious how much you have used it over the long haul, or at least after the novelty wears off.
I have basically decided if I get one it will be the Bambu P1S w/ AMS while they have the combo for $550 as they transition to the P2S.
My primary impetus is to print things for tool organization for my tool boxes as well as other shop-related stuff. The numbers suggest I can about break even for the printer/AMS/dryer/filament to get what I want printed vs buying. This seems to make it a no-brainer since I am willing to put in a little work (not tons, hence the user-friendly Bambu), but I am curious about other people's experience regarding using it long term or if it was just a short-term novelty.
I have basically decided if I get one it will be the Bambu P1S w/ AMS while they have the combo for $550 as they transition to the P2S.
My primary impetus is to print things for tool organization for my tool boxes as well as other shop-related stuff. The numbers suggest I can about break even for the printer/AMS/dryer/filament to get what I want printed vs buying. This seems to make it a no-brainer since I am willing to put in a little work (not tons, hence the user-friendly Bambu), but I am curious about other people's experience regarding using it long term or if it was just a short-term novelty.
4
Posted on 3/7/26 at 9:02 pm to Obtuse1
I have a X1C and a H2D and I use them both pretty regularly. Really just depends on what “hobbies” you are using the printer to support if that makes sense. For example, I take on a lot of larger boat rebuild/refit projects, and I am constantly using my 3D printers for templates, jigs, custom mounts, enclosures and really anything else I can think of to make my life easier. Or to make something no one else makes already.
There may be 1-2 month periods when I don’t use mine because I don’t have a project or I don’t need to make anything, but mine have definitely continued to get used and for the several years I’ve owned them.
You mention you have a shop… if you’re doing a decent amount of projects or building things, I think you’ll find it useful over time. Just remember that printing is only one half of it. You’re going to need to learn 3D modelling (if you don’t already) if you plan make your own custom designs.
There may be 1-2 month periods when I don’t use mine because I don’t have a project or I don’t need to make anything, but mine have definitely continued to get used and for the several years I’ve owned them.
You mention you have a shop… if you’re doing a decent amount of projects or building things, I think you’ll find it useful over time. Just remember that printing is only one half of it. You’re going to need to learn 3D modelling (if you don’t already) if you plan make your own custom designs.
This post was edited on 3/7/26 at 9:04 pm
Posted on 3/7/26 at 9:10 pm to CP3
I also modelled/printed a fully functional remote control boat based off a real one we’ve had. Mainly due to having a few months with way too much free time, and also just wanting to see if I could actually do it 
Posted on 3/7/26 at 10:36 pm to CP3
That is the coolest Benchy I have ever seen.
THX
THX
Posted on 3/8/26 at 9:23 pm to Obtuse1
Can't answer your question, but I've had the P2S for about a month and I'm constantly printing stuff. I'm learning Fusion right now so I can build custom parts as needed, but mostly I've printed pre-designed stuff for the printer or around the house. I ride with Endymion and so part of my reasoning was to design some custom medallions for the guys I ride with. So, I see the amount of stuff I print to shrink over time, but I expect my ability to make custom stuff to go up over time. It'll be a tool like anything else.
Posted on 3/9/26 at 8:43 am to Obtuse1
My advice: Spend the extra money and get the p2s.
I have 2 P1S (and an old ender 3 in parts). I've been printing pretty steadily since 2020ish. I plan to sell one of the P1S soon and get an H2C.
Garage organization, drawer systems, enclosures for low voltage electronics, LED channel, Mardi gras throws, parts for the pool, beach toys/accessories, replacement parts and accessories for chairs, cars, bikes, etc.
Not too mention all the fidget tchotchkes and decorations for holidays.
I have 2 P1S (and an old ender 3 in parts). I've been printing pretty steadily since 2020ish. I plan to sell one of the P1S soon and get an H2C.
Garage organization, drawer systems, enclosures for low voltage electronics, LED channel, Mardi gras throws, parts for the pool, beach toys/accessories, replacement parts and accessories for chairs, cars, bikes, etc.
Not too mention all the fidget tchotchkes and decorations for holidays.
Posted on 3/9/26 at 8:43 am to CP3
That's badass. Did you post the model anywhere?
Posted on 3/9/26 at 2:51 pm to guedeaux
quote:
My advice: Spend the extra money and get the p2s.
Funny enough last night I came to that conclusion. The combo with the AMS 2 Pro is $800, and the 2 Pro can dry as well. I am going to have to make a decision quick or I am going to be looking at the H series. My buy once, cry once mentality is costing me.
THX
Posted on 3/9/26 at 4:48 pm to Obtuse1
quote:
I am going to have to make a decision quick or I am going to be looking at the H series. My buy once, cry once mentality is costing me.
Hah - not for me - I've had paralysis of analysis and with "buy once, cry once", I haven't pulled the trigger on anything yet.
Posted on 3/9/26 at 5:15 pm to Ace Midnight
quote:
Hah - not for me - I've had paralysis of analysis and with "buy once, cry once", I haven't pulled the trigger on anything yet.
I live in that space. Then I get into the swirl of waiting for the "next big thing" to be released and while waiting the budget creep turns into a budget sprint.
Like in the 3D area, my research keeps bringing up things like multiple hot ends, heated chambers, hotter beds/nozzles, laser, and cutting heads. I have to be out of town for most of this week so my plan is to come home and order it on Saturday. I have some more impetus because I sent the Makerworld link to my wife, and she has been filling my texts with stuff she wants printed so her impatience will help me overcome my paralysis by analysis. Maybe...
Posted on 3/10/26 at 10:03 am to Obtuse1
Hide-a-key
Posted on 3/10/26 at 10:36 am to Obtuse1
quote:Just accept that you will end up with a farm and there's no once about it.
My buy once, cry once mentality is costing me.
Posted on 3/10/26 at 11:52 am to Korkstand
Unless you are going to use more colors than 4, I highly suggest looking at the Snapmaker U1.
Multi color TPU is a nice option to have since AMS systems can’t handle real TPU.
No real waste like the H2C
Pretty much same level of ease of use and reliability as Bambu. I also have X1 and H2 Bambus. I recommend Snapmaker for people that don’t need more colors now.
Multi color TPU is a nice option to have since AMS systems can’t handle real TPU.
No real waste like the H2C
Pretty much same level of ease of use and reliability as Bambu. I also have X1 and H2 Bambus. I recommend Snapmaker for people that don’t need more colors now.
This post was edited on 3/10/26 at 12:20 pm
Posted on 3/10/26 at 2:37 pm to Dam Guide
How far do y'all think we are away from a printer that just has white/black/R/G/B pla and can mix/melt an infinite number of colors?
Posted on 3/10/26 at 2:41 pm to Kingpenm3
quote:
How far do y'all think we are away from a printer that just has white/black/R/G/B pla and can mix/melt an infinite number of colors?
Pretty far, people have tried different ways to color the filament, they mostly look bad.
Home based recycling is what we really need to get a Bambu level of cheap and ease of use. Creality has one that needs 50% raw pellets that is coming out.
Posted on 3/10/26 at 4:46 pm to Obtuse1
Something I didn't have foresight about was how much filament I would be buying. I probably have more than I need, but I found that white and black PLA basic is nice to have. It's great for prototyping. I also am finding that a lot of functional prints really should be in PETG or TPU. So, as you'll note many other have done, you'll need some way to store filament. Right now I've got most of mine still in the vacuum packing with desiccant, but I'm going to have to convert to a more elegant solution at some point.
Posted on 3/10/26 at 4:49 pm to RoyalWe
I can’t tell you the last time I have used PLA. I have about 40 spools of PETG,
a handful of ASA and TPU, and maybe one old roll of PLA I forgot about somewhere.
Honestly I just seem to get way better print results using PETG. Plus it just seems all around better to me for what I tend to print.
a handful of ASA and TPU, and maybe one old roll of PLA I forgot about somewhere.
Honestly I just seem to get way better print results using PETG. Plus it just seems all around better to me for what I tend to print.
Posted on 3/10/26 at 4:54 pm to CP3
Good to know! I'm still getting started so maybe I'll be moving that way too. What printer do you use?
Posted on 3/10/26 at 5:13 pm to Kingpenm3
quote:
How far do y'all think we are away from a printer that just has white/black/R/G/B pla and can mix/melt an infinite number of colors?
There is a kickstarter for something like that. Only $10k.
inew3d QC2A full-color 3D printer
Posted on 3/10/26 at 6:11 pm to Dam Guide
quote:
Unless you are going to use more colors than 4, I highly suggest looking at the Snapmaker U1.
I have looked into it. For me, the big issue is that I can't buy it today. The second issue is mid-level tool changers are going to be the next big wave. If I was willing to wait, I am betting Flash Forge, Wondermaker, Co-Print, or AtomForm will take the lead there very soon. The Pallete 300 looks very interesting. That being said, the U1 has huge time and waste advantages over the P2S for certain types of multi-color/material prints. There are certain multi-colored prints on the P2S where the poop weighs more than the print.
In the end, I want my first printer to have a well-developed ecosystem as I don't want to expend the time chasing my tail.
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