We are looking at getting a 3d printer

[Dizzy]

Knowing there is most probably a lot of different machines being used within this forum.
May I ask
1is there any obvious pitfalls to avoid
2 is it really a case of you need to pay a lot to get any quality
3 which software are you guys using and why

It's a minefield of info out there we really only want to make parts for our garden railway like fences brackets etc so we don't need a big print area :+

dizzy :)

[Coyote]

It all depends what you want to print with, your budget etc.

If you want to print with ABS and other filaments that shrink as they cool then an enclosed printer really is the only reliable option, or one you can enclose.

If not then open printers like the Prusa i3 is a nice choice for bargain bucket prices.

For an enclose printer the options are huge, I like my CTC, its dead cheap also.

It's a piece of string question as you will know only too well, so you would have to elaborate on what you are wanting from it to receive much better advice.

[Dizzy]

It all depends what you want to print with, your budget etc.

If you want to print with ABS and other filaments that shrink as they cool then an enclosed printer really is the only reliable option, or one you can enclose.

If not then open printers like the Prusa i3 is a nice choice for bargain bucket prices.

For an enclose printer the options are huge, I like my CTC, its dead cheap also.

It's a piece of string question as you will know only too well, so you would have to elaborate on what you are wanting from it to receive much better advice.

yeah I guessed I was a Bit vague  coyote but at this point i am reallybuneure which plasticscwould be best outdoors cheers anyway coyote I will investigate further  :)
dizzy

[Captain Crash]

I did a lot of research on a 3D printer at the beginning of the year but basically ended up with a Prusa i3 in kit form and have to say its fantastic, excellent price, big build area, easy to use and has worked flawlessly. 1 day to build though but for £500 I still think its a great deal. Only downside is the lead time which for me was about 8 weeks back in Feb..

[Njoro]

I was in your position a while ago and after much head scratching I went with the CTC as it was cheap, and although I had some early issues which the supplier resolved; it's has served me very well.

From what you've said and based on what I've seen of your railway, it looks like you'll be needing to make custom parts which will require 3D drawings; I know you're quite Techy Dizzy have you ever done any technical drawing? Drawing your own is the sticky bit for most folk, and although it might be possible to find bits and bobs on Thingiverse it might be a long search.

I'm using Simplify 3D for slicing and Autodesk Inventor for 3D drawing, you can enrol free for Auto Desk 360 and learn from scratch if you have the time; or you could invest in a 3D scanner which you can use to scan models that you've made with wood, clay, plasticine or any other material that you are used to working with then upload the Stl file to the printer.

I'm using PLA which is easy to use for all my prints and because it's adequate strength wise and once I've designed and saved the files I can print as many as I want should I break any. If it degrades outside well you can simply print another one.

[Dizzy]

Thanks guys for your advice some interesting thoughts there to take in I really never gave it a thought that once printed its ways available to print again  :)
I,m trying sketchup at present but will look around at the others i,m using cura to change the files to g code as suggested by others who bought the same printer we have .

Cheers all for your input
dizzy  :)