Is the Prusa Mini worth it?  

RE: Is the Prusa Mini worth it?

Yes.  I own 4 and it works for most.  

RE: Is the Prusa Mini worth it?

The Mini's definitely worth it. It's my first printer that I've owned, although I've worked with a makerspace's taz 5 a long while back. Although mine's having significant issues with larger prints (which is most likely a simple error) the print quality is definitely very high.

RE: Is the Prusa Mini worth it?

By assuming it should be you first 3D printer, the answer is: depends on your expectations and skills.

From opening the box to start printing with good results, it can be:
A -about 90-120 minutes if you're patient and lucky
B -about 3-4 hours (depending on issue) if you're skilled and informed
C -few days (if sh*t happens)
Btw. if you see a review saying "it works out of the box (after few adjustments)", don't just blindly believe that -because those "few adjustments" can turn out to be quite problematic for a newbie.
In that sense, Mini is like any other printer. That is, be prepared that it won't print perfectly after assembling -and if it does.. open a bottle 🙂

When deciding for Mini, I needed a small printer and in my opinion, there's no better similar sized printer out there -and that fact answered my "is it worth" question. Yes, is expensive compared even to some bigger printers, but quality isn't measured by print size. What speaks for Mini is excellent (troubleshooting) documentation, regularly updated open source firmware, good construction solution (flexible print sheet, linear bearings) and finally, one doesn't need to spend a fortune by upgrading it.

Just sharing my opinion.

RE: Is the Prusa Mini worth it?

I would recommend that you consider the kit if you are mechanically inclined and want to learn how it works as you build it.  If you are not, but it prebuilt.  You have to tinker a little with any printer, but the prebuilt will in general work out of the box.  If you are an instant gratification type, 3d printing is probably not a hobby for you.  

RE: Is the Prusa Mini worth it?

I have about 2 years of 3d-printing experience.

For me, my Mini+ KIT purchase was to replace my Flsun QQs (space is premium here and the delta dont fit in the shelf).

I wanted a machine that could print higher temp materials out of the box (the QQs and my Nereus are both ptfe-lined to nozzle so anything other then pla and petg would do very well on them).

I was looking to printing smaller structural parts and couldn't afford the mk3s (bigger print volume).

I went for the kit so i could learn how it was put together if i needed to trouble-shoot anything.

The hotend came pre-assembled. I re-seated the heatbreak and checked the grubscrews.

I took about 1-2 hours each evening for 5 days to put it all together.

I read thru the entire online build-guide beforehand, then each chapter as i built the kit.

The most snafu i had was with the wires. If getting another mini, i will definately go for the pre-built one to not have to pull all wires myself.

The next one is the mounting of the LCD-screen.

I used a M3x12 to pre-cut threads in the injection-molded part.

Other then that. I would pass on the suggestion i have gotten to get some quality hex-tools for continued maintenence.

Spare i am ordering to have on hand; nozzles, X and Y belt. PTFE-tube extruder-hotend. Extra olives. Heatbed and hotend thermistor. Hotend heater.

I have spare ptfe-tubes to cut myself for the heatbreak.

RE: Is the Prusa Mini worth it?

I was wondering the same thing, and considered getting a Creality or Monoprice printer initially.  Then I saved up a bit more money and went with the mini+.  I'm glad I did... the entire experience has been amazing, really.  I have limited experience in building printers, and have only helped build a 3d printer once before (10 years ago!). I bought the kit version (where you have to build everything yourself), and I really took my time with the it and used an iPad to view the Prusa build instructions as I went along.  I spent about 3 days working on it for a few hours a day... I'd say the entire build took about 8 hours.  If you are experienced, you will go faster.  My first print worked!  

The part that was the hardest was knowing what the first layer calibration should really look like.  The instructions are not adequate for that part.  I showed my prints to a friend who is more experienced and he advised me on the layer height adjustments.  I also had to re-level my xz to y axis to get the bed more level across with width of the build plate.  I'd say I spent about 4 hours getting the first layer and levels correct.  But now, the printer is producing great results and i'm very happy.  I think the prusa is very high quality for the money, and the support seems fabulous.  I had to contact support once (I used the live chat) because I couldn't find my LCD knob.  Turns out I could just print one, so that's what I did.