Fascinating stuff James, thanks for keeping us informed of your adventures in 3D.
So do you think it is worth getting for a modeller such as myself and how much should I spend?
I have waited a very long time to buy one. I just could not see spending the money when I am incapable of drawing so cant make what I want. Then I saw some 1/35 files for tanks and that pushed me over the edge. Then I found a fantasy figure site and that was it, I was sold. Now I have also found an awesome modeler on Patreon who makes some very cool files and it is very much worth while to me. Now I want a second Saturn Printer or if I had the money a Neptune.
How much to spend?, Its going to be pricey. I started with a Mars 2 Pro because I heard so much good stuff about it. I also got a wash and cure machine which I think is very much worth it. So much less hassle than trying to wash the print and then cure in a box with uv light or in the sun. I bought a second printer, the Saturn because the Mars 2 Pro was just too small. I'm sold on the Saturn now and seldom use my Mars. The Saturn is twice the resolution and 2.5 times the build plate size. When I compared some German tool clamps done on the Mars to the same ones done on the saturn it was like night and day. Saturn so much better. The Neptune is even bigger and higher resolution so prints should be even better. So my advice is to get a larger machine for size and resolution. This caused some more issues though as the plate would not fit in the wash machine I have. I could not get the Elegoo Mercury Plus though and so had to soldier on. Then a couple of weeks ago found an Any Cubic Wash and Cure machine that is very large and the Saturn build plate fits so back in business.
If I did get the newest machine there is no wash and cure for it yet and I would be back to trying to make do. The thing is though that another printing method has started coming out. All my printers are resin one and SLA or Steriolithography. but I see DLP is coming on strong. From pictures it looks like it has incredible detail which would be perfect for the stuff I do. Just waiting to see how much the printers will cost. A good write up on the different types of printers is here.
https://3dinsider.com/3d-printer-types/
Now this is all long and boring , but its how I ended up joining the club.
Cost. Its going to be expensive. First off is the printer. The Saturn is about $600 and other brands of the same calibre can go up to the $1K level.
Second resin is expensive depending on where you get it. I have gone through about 7 liters so far. Price varies
Alcohol, you need 99.9% stuff unless you use water washable resin. I didnt have a lot of luck with it but may try again now I know a bit more about my printer.
FEP, the film in the bottom of the tank. You will be changing it out occasionally. I did my first change which went well until just as I finished I dropped the screw driver though it. Second change went very well.
The Mono screen is good for about 2000 hours I think I have to check again. You might have to change it out at some point either when it gets old or if your fep gets a leak and the resin becomes one with the screen.
I've had a rough time lately and today was a kick in the gut so this is probably a rambling piece of WTF did he say??? You are an excellent artist and so 3D drawing in Fusion 360 or Blender will probably be easy. So you will have a better chance of making things no one else has. It can also earn you a few bucks which can offset the cost. I would ask around about printers and price them out to see what is best for you. I blissfully thought that was it, but resin and extra materials and new toys and then joining patreon and Loot and a couple of other places is costing me. I'm not complaining, I love what I have been getting and printing and using. I just didnt figure it into the price.
I hope this helps although I doubt it. Still ask me any questions, I'll try and help you out.
James