I ordered a Prusa Mini and should be receiving it in April. I'm not in that big of a hurry to receive it, and the delay is allowing them to fully implement improvements found with the initial run. Prusa appears to be a great company, with great support. I'll get to find out first hand.
My hobby is model railroading, not 3D printing, and I want my first experiences with 3D printing to be pleasurable, not frustrating. That is why I opted for the Prusa Mini. I want to find out first hand what is possible with an FDM printer, and want to start working again with 3D design software. I also have the hobby license to Autodesk Fusion, and now just need the time to become conversant with it. I have been playing a bit with TinkerCad, and have a couple of blocking loads already done in it for open top loads, specifically for tractors, and road graders. My goal is to do the bulk of the blocking patterns I need with my 3D printer, and if the resolution isn't fine enough, I'll go the route of Shapeways until I'm comfortable enough to do the resin printer route. When I do that, I'll opt to spend the extra money, and get the Prusa SL1, with the wash and cure system.
I want my 3D printing to be a compliment to my model railroading, not have a hobby of building, maintaining, and improving 3D printers. Not enough hours in the day, especially while I'm still gainfully employed, as opposed to retired.
Regards,
Jerry
