Mk2 or mk3 for a totally noob?
So, I'm looking at my first every 3d printer. Originally was looking at the cr10s but heard such raving reviews of the Prusa that I started looking at them. I'm not really interested in tinkering, I want it to work.
So, now I'm looking between the mk2 and mk3. With the 3 kit only being $100 more I want to lean that way, but I've heard that it's still beta, and has issues?
Also, since I'm totally new, would I be better to try a cheap printer like the cr10 mini, before dropping $1000 on the mrk3? Thanks!
RE: Mk2 or mk3 for a totally noob?
The problem with really cheap printers is that those may have quite the opposite effect on you staying with this hobby: you may end up investing too much resources (time, material and financial) to make those work reliably and with good quality, that you spend more time tinkering with printers instead of printing. Then you may consider it all not being worth it. But it depends on the type of person you are - if you have time, some skill and curious mind, and don't mind tinkering, modifying and hacking things, cheaper printer that you upgrade to higher standard may be good for you. If it bothers you and you want printer that works predictably, with possibility to upgrade as well, go for Prusa MK3S. Obviously there will be learning curve regardless, plus troubleshooting and maintenance is required - we are not yet at the stage where you go to electronics store, bring a box home, connect to your computer, and start printing like you do with 2D printers while changing only filaments. Every printer today that does not start at 2.500 Eur still feels like DIY rather than consumer product.
I bought printer for my father's birthday - he'd been dealing with plastics and injection-molding past 25 or so, has now retired and showed interest in 3D printing. As a starter point I decided for Prusa kit because according to reviews and practical experience of people who owned those, they have all the features making life easier, are reliable and easily seviceable. It's a tool for him. We built it together and that made it easier for us to understand how it works and where to look at for troubleshooting (building it was enjoyable for me BTW). I am considering buying my own printer now, that's how much I like it.
RE: Mk2 or mk3 for a totally noob?
With a small difference in price, I would also recommend the MK3S.
With the sale at the time, that came out to $750 for the kit and free shipping. Now it would be $50 for shipping.
The kit is complete - it even includes the tools you need - and you won't need to spend any more money to start printing.
And we are great folks here, with lots of help available. Or so they say.
RE: Mk2 or mk3 for a totally noob?
MK3 - it has features to ease the pain of entry into the art that is 3D printing.
ps: if you are not mechanically inclined, and can't differentiate between an Allen and a socket, or understand that bearings require proper lubrication, then buy the printer assembled and save yourself a lot of headache (I answer a lot of questions that turn out to be build related self-induced foo-pahs).
RE: Mk2 or mk3 for a totally noob?
I would certainly recommend the MK3S as a stable design. It is a fairly minor update to the MK3 that has been on the market for almost 2 years now. I have had the MK3 for about 18 months and it has performed flawlessly.
Whether you want to buy the kit or fully assembled unit is your choice. I liked building the kit and the assembly instructions are awesome. It took 10-15 hours and saved around US$150. It was worth it to me.
Steve
RE: Mk2 or mk3 for a totally noob?
@steven-p8
I don't think Prusa sells MK3 anymore, only MK3S. I would definitely go for that one. I have one and I'm quite happy with it.