3D printing isn't an easy hobby to get into; it can be expensive and complicated, especially if you choose a machine that isn't too beginner-friendly. However, there are some great options for newcomers if you know where to look… and it just so happens that a couple of my favorite options just went on sale.
Industry giant Elegoo is currently running a major Back to School sale with up to 45% off its many machines. I've been able to test a lot of 3D printers over the past several years, and two of my favorites (both with five-star reviews to their name) are currently included in the sale.
First up is the Elegoo Centuari Carbon 2 Combo. It's the machine I usually recommend as a good beginner 3D printer because it's so easy to use, but provides incredibly detailed prints with the option for multi-color models. This is followed by the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 16K, which uses more detailed resin but keeps things simple thanks to a clever tilt-release system, heated vat, and a camera you can use to track progress.
Naturally, that's just the tip of the iceberg. You can find way more printers in the sale, but the following are the ones I'd recommend to newcomers – with an explanation as to why they're worth considering.
Which 3D printer should you get?
Torn between the two, or unsure why you'd need one over the other? It all comes down to what you want the machine to do. There are two types of 3D printer: resin and filament. Here's a breakdown of what that means.
- Filament: This is the classic kind of 3D printer that uses reels of plastic which it heats up and lays out in a pattern on the build plate. It produces very sturdy results that may not be quite as detailed as resin, but still look amazing and will stand the test of time. Perfect for cosplay, scenery, storage solutions, larger models, and props.
- Resin: Looking for small, high detail models? You want a resin machine. Even though resin is a more difficult material to work with (it's toxic and smelly so must be handled with care), it produces far better-looking models. They aren't quite as sturdy as filament miniatures, but look so much better. Ideal for D&D/wargaming models, intricate scenery, smaller cosplay items, and models where fine detail is really important.
With that in mind, the machine I'd recommend will depend on what you need. If you're hoping to create D&D models or wargaming miniatures, grab the Saturn 4 Ultra 16K. It'll produce far superior results that are on par with professional model-makers like Games Workshop if you use the right materials.
As for anyone wanting to make terrain, props, collectibles, tokens, random nick nacks, or storage solutions, it has to be the Centauri Carbon 2 Combo. Its models are so much sturdier, the material is less expensive so is better for larger projects. Plus, it's still detailed enough on a large scale that projects look fantastic when finished.
- See the full Back to School sale at Elegoo
