I'd argue that point. A decent printer is going to start at $450. A good printer is going to be $700 - $1500 or more. $700 will buy a lot of 3D prints as a service especially from 3D Hubs where most people are undervaluing their services.
If one wants a 3D printer just like any other tool in their workshop, then it's an investment that will pay off in the long run, but the occasional print here and there, meh, a 3D print service would do fine.
Also, local libraries may be a 3D print resource. Our local libraries will print parts for you at cost. Quality is not that great because they aren't experts, but it's possible to get a decent print from them.
Admittedly decent is subjective. To make a $200 printer what I consider decent you're going to throw another $200 at it and endless hours. And in the end achieving acceptable quality will be possible, but like dancing on the head of a pin.
I'd argue that point. A decent printer is going to start at $450. A good printer is going to be $700 - $1500 or more. $700 will buy a lot of 3D prints as a service especially from 3D Hubs where most people are undervaluing their services.
If one wants a 3D printer just like any other tool in their workshop, then it's an investment that will pay off in the long run, but the occasional print here and there, meh, a 3D print service would do fine.
Also, local libraries may be a 3D print resource. Our local libraries will print parts for you at cost. Quality is not that great because they aren't experts, but it's possible to get a decent print from them.
Ender 3 goes for $170, the Elegoo Neptune 2 just came out for $160 both are great beginners printers that can be upgraded
You can get a decent printer for 200, easily. I did 5 years ago.
Admittedly decent is subjective. To make a $200 printer what I consider decent you're going to throw another $200 at it and endless hours. And in the end achieving acceptable quality will be possible, but like dancing on the head of a pin.
A Prusa original it will not be.