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Well, it's time! Time to get into 3D printing. There are so many great STLs out there!

I have done my research and it's going to be an FDM printer, but I wanted to reach out and get the community's recommendations on reliable 3d sellers in Australia. Happy to also talk about any great overseas businesses noted for reliable and great customer service and willing to supply to someone in Australia.

My search on the net for Australia keeps coming up with plenty of 3D companies that deliver 3D printing & scanning services, but I'm surprised that I am not finding some major 3D sellers. The sellers I am finding seem to be niche / small businesses with mobile tel numbers, but no shopfront etc etc. so I am quite nervous especially as I am looking to buy a Prusa (but the cheaper Ender is also on my list). Things playing on my mind include backup & warranty, and the ability to actually reach back to somebody who just hasn't got an email address or mobile contact. Locations that I have found also tend to be Melb and QLD (nothing in Canberra? Sydney?). Would love some pointers on where you have bought your printers, and any shared experiences to look out for. Please feel free to pm me.

I'm up to my 8th Prusa and my advice is to go direct.

You can buy from Scott at S3D printing in QLD who is reputable, but you'll pay more than just getting it direct.

You'll get hit with GST and duty to the tune of about $250AUD on a Mk3S+ kit, but it still comes out to cheaper and the shipping is darn quick - about 2-3 days from when they posted it, last I ordered.

Can't recommend the Mk3S units enough - they're absolute workhorses and make life much easier with the filament runout sensor, spring steel bed, quality of output out of the box etc. etc.

Warranty has been good, what little stuff has died has been shipped to me ASAP from Prusa with no fuss.

angrygriffin wrote:
I'm up to my 8th Prusa and my advice is to go direct.

You can buy from Scott at S3D printing in QLD who is reputable, but you'll pay more than just getting it direct.

You'll get hit with GST and duty to the tune of about $250AUD on a Mk3S+ kit, but it still comes out to cheaper and the shipping is darn quick - about 2-3 days from when they posted it, last I ordered.

Can't recommend the Mk3S units enough - they're absolute workhorses and make life much easier with the filament runout sensor, spring steel bed, quality of output out of the box etc. etc.

Warranty has been good, what little stuff has died has been shipped to me ASAP from Prusa with no fuss.

Thanks AngryGriffen! Your feedback is exactly what I'm looking for. My reading across the internet is that Prusa is a good company to deal with. It is great to have it confirmed by someone who is very familiar with the company and the Mk3S+. I really appreciate it. Many thanks!

I'll let you know how I go ;-)

Thanks again, L-W

I am still on my first Prusa, which is an MK3S. While I did save a bit of money by ordering the kit and assembled it myself, I only have positive things to say about the printer.

Yes, it's more expensive than similar form factor offereings, but it's well made, well designed with the option to recover prints on power loss or filament loss and a clear eye on safety and reliability.

Let me put it like this. If you want to use the 3D printer as a tool, get the Prusa.

Note that FDM is great, but not really that super useful for bits and details in 28mm. That is like using a wide house panting brush on your minatures. Sure, some people can do it to their satisfaction, but there are affordable and appropriately sized brushes for miniature painting.

If you want to print scenery, markers, bases and so on, FDM will work. If you want to print miniatures, weapons, heads, go for a resin printer. I'm very happy with my Anycubic Mono X.

 Stephanius wrote:
I am still on my first Prusa, which is an MK3S. While I did save a bit of money by ordering the kit and assembled it myself, I only have positive things to say about the printer.

Yes, it's more expensive than similar form factor offereings, but it's well made, well designed with the option to recover prints on power loss or filament loss and a clear eye on safety and reliability.

Let me put it like this. If you want to use the 3D printer as a tool, get the Prusa.

Note that FDM is great, but not really that super useful for bits and details in 28mm. That is like using a wide house panting brush on your minatures. Sure, some people can do it to their satisfaction, but there are affordable and appropriately sized brushes for miniature painting.

If you want to print scenery, markers, bases and so on, FDM will work. If you want to print miniatures, weapons, heads, go for a resin printer. I'm very happy with my Anycubic Mono X.

Danke Stephanius.

I'm looking forward to the Prusa. Scenery is my main aim with this printer (along with some Home DIY).

As this will be my first printer, it will also give me confidence to eventually step into the resin printer world. But at the moment the larger build plate dimensions and an 'ok but good' result is what I am looking for.

Thank you also for your feedback on your Anycubic. I'd be interested to hear what you like about it and what made you decide to purchase it from the many others on the market.

For large items and terrain, yes, FDM is the way to go. I do know Prusa is a super primo brand and among the best, so I do not think you can go wrong, but make sure you get a genuine Prusa and not a clone from another company.

I started years ago with an A8 clone kit that I assembled and I sure did learn A LOT about the prnter, how it works, how to adjust, etc. I printed tons, but wanted something a bit better and got an Ender 3 Pro and the difference in printing was night and day. The Ender is an awesome machine, but I do not think they are one the level of Prusa, albeit Enders are less and not sure of availability down under.

And, as I am sure you have found out if looking to do any smaller items or miniatures, you will want to go with a resin printer.