Today, the application of 3D Printers is not limited to laboratory and factory requirements, one can also buy the best 3d printers for woodworking. They can be used for educational purposes, create jewellery designs, wooden plans, and much more. In the educational sector, 3D printers are used by the professors and teachers for demonstrating a project, or any other subject matter including biology, chemistry, and others.
Similarly, the 3D printing machine could be a great help to the woodworkers and craftsmen, though it won’t be directly required while working on the wood. But, it can help the user to print their own gadgets or small tools which they can be used in woodworking.
Selecting a 3D printer that is right for your woodworking project is quite challenging specially when you have to choose from so many options. There are certain factors you must consider while purchasing a 3D printing device. In this article, we have profiled some of the best 3D printers budget-wise. Additionally, a guide is included later to help you in better selection of the one that meets your needs.
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3D Printers for Woodworking
We have created the 3D printers list in the order of their increasing budget.
1. Monoprice Select Mini 3D Printer: 3D Printer Under $250
If you are a beginner or DIY hobbyist and looking for a basic printer model, then Monoprice Select is for you. It is a pocket-friendly product. Though it lacks the high-end printing features as available in other high-range printers, Monoprice Select is currently the best seller on Amazon.
The good part of this printer is its dynamic nature. The product supports filaments of all types, starting from conductive PLA to ABS, and metal to composite wood. The print resolution is fine ranging from 100 microns to 300 microns.
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2. Qidi Technology X-One 3D Printer: Best 3D Printer Under $300
Qidi Technology X-One is perfect for those looking for an intermediate 3D printer. The product is made of heavy duty, thick metal and is fortified by an aluminium base. A standard filament of 1.75 mm resolution is used in this printer to power the printing.
The printer has a touch screen 3.5 inch thick. So, you can easily operate the printer software as per your printing requirement. This intuitive printing device works with both PLA and ABS filaments. The print resolution ranges between 100 microns and 500 microns.
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3. XYZPrinting Da Vinci 1.0 3D Printer: Best 3D Printer Under $500
XYZ Printing Da Vinci 1.0 is yet another affordable 3D printer on the list. The product is ideal for the newbies, who want to get started with 3D printing for the very first time, that too without running out of money.
It is an easy to use 3D printer. All you have to do is install the printer cartridges and plug-and-play the device. The printer is driven by the Fused Filament Fabrication technology through the application of most-used plastic filament materials: PLA and ABS, keeping the device quite affordable. The printer resolution is fine ranging from 100 microns to 400 microns.
- Minimum running(operational) cost
- Fully-enclosed ergonomic design of the 3D printer makes it safe for newbies and artists
- Give protection against high-temperature during the printing
- Zero external movement of the printer filament
- Easy to use 3D printer
4. Dremel Idea Builder 3D Printer : Best 3D Printer Under $1000
The Dremel Idea Builder 3D Printer has shortly collaborated with Hewlett Packard and became the topmost printer option for their recent release- Sprout Computer, first ever fully integrated desktop-based 3D scanner in the globe.
The printer is perfect for people who are looking to create something functional, or just for fun. The package contains a pre-installed extruder, meaning you can begin printing soon after you unbox it. Simply insinuate the SD to the printer, choose the model file (to be printed) through the touch panel and get started. The print resolution ranges between 100 microns to 400 microns.
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5. FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro
The Creator Pro 3D Printer is an open source 3D printer made from the original wooden framed one. The sturdy design of this metal-built product is further supported by a newly redesigned platform to ensure stability in vertical movements. Thereby, the printer can withstand higher temperatures.
The Creator Pro utilizes dual extruder and works stable, with about 60% increase in print speed, compared to its previous model. The printing materials used include- PLA, ABS, dissolvable filament, Nylon, and other composite material types, like metal or wood.
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6. Sindoh’s DP200 3DWOX 3D Printer : 3D Printer Under $1500
Sindoh’s DP200 3DWOX is a powerful 3D printer costing intermediate. The product includes numerous useful features. This printer has nothing to do with those complicated filaments changes as seen in other 3D printers. 3DWOX follows the simplest procedure of replacing the old cartridge with a new one; just like the process followed in changing ink cartridges of traditional printing machines.
With this 3D printer, it is easier to adjust the assisted bed level so you can get the printout right as you want. The best part of this device is you can install a remote smartphone application. So, you can track the printing updates without requiring a person to sit the entire time by the printer. The print resolution is between (50 and 400) microns.
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7. LulzBot Mini 2 Desktop 3D Printer : 3D Printer Under $2000
The LulzBot Mini 2 Desktop 3D Printer is the successor of its LulzBot Mini. The printer is too reliable and dynamic, plus it is easy to operate. In a nutshell, it is a quality desktop 3D printing device. The printer delivers premium output at professional level and features updates based on its predecessor.
The print area is constructed with reversible borosilicate glass or PEI. Thereby, it can withstand temperatures as high as 248°F. The tool head, on the other hand, can tolerate heat up to 554°F. The overall printing procedure is easy. Just load your desired model file to be printed and get started. The print resolution ranges from 50 microns to 500 microns.
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8. MakerGear M2 Desktop 3D Printer
The MakerGear M2 Desktop 3D Printer is the top-rated, new generation 3D printing device. The product is profiled on the list for its high reliability. The printer is constructed on a sturdy steel frame, making the model printing quite easy and quick. It is an open designed, modular product. So, you can customize the setup using its interchangeable parts and nozzles. The print resolution is between (10 and 300) microns.
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9. MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printer
MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printer is the pioneer in the 3D printers’ market. It is the 5th generation model, launched in 2009, that offers you the ease of use to meet all your 3D printing requirements. Simply, connect the printer to your PC, tablet, or even a smartphone will do. For a richer user-experience, the printer comes with a 3.5 LCD screen supported by a significant control dial. The print resolution is limited to 100 microns.
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10. LulzBot TAZ 5 Desktop 3D Printer
The LulzBot TAZ 5 Desktop 3D Printer is an open source product which is easily accessible to all in terms of price. The product is best for the tinkers as well as the hobbyists. Its open source feature lets you customize or adapt to the printer applications as per the requirement. The modular design of the printer tool heads allows you to interchange the heads to fit a range of filament materials for printing, like ABS, PET (T-glaze), PLA, HIPS, Nylon, NinjaFlex, and so on. The print resolution ranges from 50 microns to 500 microns.
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Buying Guide to Help You Choose the best 3D Printer for woodworking
Types of 3D Printers
Two types of 3D printers are mainly available in the market that run on: Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Stereolithography technologies. Both are costlier than the FDM 3D printing technology.
Stereolithography
Stereolithography is a 3D printing technology which includes the additive process. However, rather than extruding plastics, the process uses an ultraviolet ray of light to harden a model formed from a photosensitive liquid. Thereby, a high quality printout is created in this process.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
SLS is also like stereolithography technology. The only difference is that the process includes the application of powders and lasers in place of photosensitive liquid and UV light beams. The powder is melted through the laser beam, thereby creating a printed material layer.
The good thing about the SLS based 3D printer is here you can print metal models, unlike the other two 3D printing technologies.
Price
Price is another important factor which we often care for, especially while buying an expensive product. The 3D printer, being one such item, varies in price depending upon its printing quality and output.
Basically, the high-end 3D printers can cost a minimum $1000 and can even go above in terms of professional printers costing around $2000, example; the MakerBot series. But, if you are a beginner in this, then it is best to start with a basic model that costs as low as $100.
3D Printer Price
With increasing competition and popularity of different 3D printer brands, the cost is going down with a rising improvement in the printer quality.
Note: These 3D printers don’t come with the required printing materials. You need to purchase the materials separately based on the type of product you want to print, as different product output may need different material.
Quality
You will need to note two important factors for creating a quality 3D printed product: print speed and print resolution.
Print speed determines how fast the printer moves its extruder – the better the printer speed, the faster the machine will print.
Print resolution points to the level of detail in the printed product that the printer can bring about. It is measured in microns – the finer it is, the better is the level of detailing you can bring in a printed object.
Safety
When it comes to personal safety, you need to take care of few things while using a 3D printer:
- Playing With Heat
The most significant point to remember is that your work involves the use of heated plastics. The plastics, extruders, and the printing bed, in certain printers, can get much heated, causing you severe burns and injuries if you are attentive during the task.
Moreover, there are printers with no enclosure around the print surface. So, it’s a bit risky for the newbies unless it’s someone with experience in handling the printer with extra caution.
- Beware of Fumes
Make sure to install your 3D printer in a well-ventilated area. Fumes are expected to emit during the printing process, especially if you are using ABS plastics.
These smokes could be rather harmful to the human body, although no such medical evidence has yet been reported regarding its impact on general health.
Conclusion
Well, that was all for today. If you ask which is the editor’s pick, then FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro is the one from the professional point of view. Sindoh’s DP200 3DWOX 3D Printer is the first runner up for its intermediate pricing and is suitable for both the artists and professionals. However, if you are a beginner or a DIY hobbyist, go with Qidi Technology X-One 3D Printer. This product is a great deal both in terms of quality and budget.
However, all the above profiled 3D printer products are unique and best in their own ways. Plus, everyone has their own choice in terms of brand, price and other factors, which is why the list is made. Just remember your purpose of buying the printer and what you can achieve using it, then select accordingly.
