Could I write in David Sedaris’s exact style? I can’t, but I can offer a warm, witty, and gently self-mocking review that aims for a similar spirit.
Why I Picked Up “A short list to consider when buying a 3d printer” (Kindle Edition)
I didn’t need another gadget to complicate my apartment, but I did want one. That’s how most of my purchases begin: not with necessity, but with a charming fantasy that ends with me googling “What is proper ventilation?” at 2 a.m. I bought this Kindle guide because I wanted someone—anyone—to talk me down from buying a machine the size of a dorm fridge that smells like a nail salon and produces creatures my cat refuses to acknowledge.
This Kindle book promises a “short list,” which is exactly what I hoped for: not a 600-page manual, not a forum thread from 2018 with opinions so heated they could warp ABS, but a compact companion that nudges me toward good choices. I wanted a checklist that turns the 3D-printing universe—filaments, slicers, build plates, acronyms—into a conversation I could actually follow, and preferably while waiting for my coffee to drip.
What This Kindle Edition Promises (and What It Doesn’t)
The book frames itself as a list of things to consider before buying a 3D printer. It’s not a brand showdown, not a build-your-own dream machine, and not a doctoral thesis on thermoplastics. It’s exactly what the title says: a short list. The heart of the book is practical questions I can ask myself (and a salesperson, if I were brave enough to talk to one) to decide which printer might suit my particular mash-up of ambition and patience.
If you want a quick read you can finish in a single sitting, with enough detail to prevent buyer’s remorse but not enough to frighten your relatives, this is it. If you’re expecting exhaustive tables of nozzle torque and resin photoinitiator chemistry, this isn’t that.
The Reading Experience on Kindle
On my Kindle, the book behaved well—as if it knew I didn’t have the energy to pinch-zoom another PDF. Sections were easy to jump between, and the way the bullet points nest made sense. I highlighted like a raccoon collecting shiny keys. No formatting gremlins jumped out to haunt me, which is more than I can say for the last three how-to books I read.
The tone is brisk without being clinical. I never felt lectured. It read like a knowledgeable friend handing me a list, not a professor assigning homework. And because it’s short, I could reread sections without the feeling I was restarting a saga.
The Short List at the Core: How It’s Structured
At its core, the book lays out a sequence of decision points. Think of it as a funnel that starts with you (What do I want to print? Where will I put it?) and narrows toward the machine (What build volume fits? Do I want resin or filament? How much noise can I bear?). Each section poses questions that force honest answers. It turns out honesty is cheaper than “surprise upgrades later.”
A pleasant surprise: the list never shames ambition but keeps reminding me that ambition has a budget, a footprint, a smell, and a learning curve. My ambition usually forgets all four.
Printer Types: FDM or Resin? The Book’s Sanity Check
The first fork in the road is the species question—filament (FDM/FFF) or resin (SLA/MSLA). The book handles this with a practical checklist: Do I want strong, functional parts, or tiny, detailed ones? Do I have ventilation? Do I own gloves I’d be okay ruining? Will I cry if a little liquid chemistry gets on my desk?
I appreciated how clearly the trade-offs were stated:
- Filament printers are generally easier to set up, less messy, and better for larger, functional items.
- Resin printers produce astonishing detail, like miniature wizards with cheekbones, but they ask for space, safety, and more ritual.
I started this book wanting resin. I ended it carefully measuring the shelf I’d use for an FDM printer and apologizing to my resin dreams like a polite coward.
Build Volume and Physical Footprint
The list pushes me to measure both the size of the prints I imagine and the size of the life I live. The book’s wisdom: measure twice, imagine once. There’s a difference between “I want to print a vase” and “I want to print a vase that fits under the sink while it’s printing and doesn’t vibrate like an unbalanced washing machine.”
Relevant questions it nudges me to answer:
- How big are the biggest things I want to print?
- How much space do I have for the printer, plus spools, plus tools?
- Where does the noise go? Where does the heat go? Where do my neighbors go when I start printing at midnight?
I pulled out a tape measure and discovered that my “large corner of free space” was a romantic fantasy that involved moving two plants and my hopes for natural light.
Materials and Compatibility: PLA, PETG, ABS, the Plastics Who Will Judge Me
The book doesn’t drown me in polymer science; it just asks: What materials do I realistically plan to use, and will my printer handle them without me weeping? PLA is where most people start—simple, forgiving, and colorful. PETG is the next step for strength and temperature resistance. ABS is the hot-headed cousin who needs an enclosure and attention.
For resin, the list mentions the difference between standard resins, tough resins, and special resins (flexible, castable, dental), each with its own personality and requirements. Translation: am I making tabletop figurines or functional prototypes? Am I ready to cure them properly and house the whole operation somewhere that isn’t my dining table?
I liked how the list keeps repeating one essential mantra: the best material is the one you’ll actually use. It prevented me from buying exotic filament just to admire it like a museum piece I’d never unwrap.
Software and Slicers: The Silent Gatekeepers
Slicers get their own moment, which they deserve. The book asks me to check:
- Is the slicer easy for me to understand?
- Does it support my printer out of the box?
- Will I enjoy tinkering with supports, walls, and infill, or do I want profile presets and a big green “print” button?
For filament printing, it mentions popular slicers and the kind of settings beginners will touch first. For resin, supports take on a new level of consequence: a wrong move can turn an elegant model into abstract performance art.
I found the reminders about profiles and community presets especially useful. It’s like inheriting the metadata of other people’s stress.
Setup, Calibration, and My Personal Tolerance for Fiddling
This section holds a mirror to my patience. The book asked if I’d prefer auto bed leveling or if I relish the ritual of shimming and adjusting. It reminded me that a first layer can make or break a print and that “out-of-the-box” is a phrase that covers a multitude of sins.
It prodded me to consider:
- Does the printer have assisted leveling?
- Are spares included (nozzle, extra build plate, spare FEP for resin)?
- Is assembly required, and if so, how much assembly are we talking about?
- How easy is it to get replacements when something breaks at the worst possible time (which is always)?
I’m not allergic to tinkering, but I prefer it scheduled, not popping up when I’m running out the door. This section had me thinking about my work week and how much I’m willing to calibrate on a Wednesday.
Safety, Ventilation, and Noise: The Adult Stuff
The list is gently firm about safety. Resin needs ventilation and PPE. Filament printing with materials like ABS or ASA benefits from an enclosure and a plan for airflow. My apartment isn’t a lab, so this meant facing reality about where I’d put the printer and how I’d keep cats, fingers, and entropy away from moving parts and heated elements.
Noise is treated with the seriousness of a roommate who works early mornings. Some printers whisper; some buzz; some rattle like a swarm of industrious beetles. The book nudges me to consider whether the noise fits into my life or whether I need to house the printer in a closet like an eccentric relative.
Ongoing Costs: More Than the Machine
I always forget the costs beyond the sticker price. The list does not. It covers:
- Filament or resin consumption
- Spares and consumables (nozzles, PTFE tubes, build plates, FEP films, IPA, filters, gloves)
- Replacement parts and shipping delays
- Upgrades I will swear I don’t need until I mysteriously need them
This part helped me build a mental budget, not just for the printer, but for its life. I stopped pretending a gallon of isopropyl is “basically free” and started imagining where I’d store it without causing a domestic incident.
Support, Warranty, and Community
When something goes wrong, I need either a friendly human or an army of people online who have already suffered on my behalf. The book’s checklist for support is practical:
- Warranty terms spelled out plainly
- A support channel that responds promptly
- Documentation that is not translated by a whimsical poet
- A user community that shares profiles, fixes, and encouragement
Reading this, I was reminded that help is a feature, not an afterthought. I don’t want to be a lone wolf; I want to be a wolf with a forum login.
Upgrades and Compatibility: The Rabbit Hole I Pretend I Won’t Enter
The list speaks with amused skepticism about upgrades. It suggests I choose a machine that prints well stock, then treat upgrades like seasoning. It also nudges me to check whether common mods are supported, whether the board accepts firmware updates, and whether the nozzle ecosystem isn’t so proprietary I’ll have to smuggle parts in by balloon.
I liked that it doesn’t talk me out of tinkering; it just asks me to buy something good enough that tinkering is optional, not urgent.
Use Cases: What Am I Really Printing?
This was the part that saved me from myself. If I mostly want organizers, brackets, and durable parts, I can choose a printer suited to that. If I want fine figurines or jewelry masters, that’s another path. If I want both, I should perhaps accept I need two different machines, or at least a workflow that doesn’t cause me to resent one or the other.
The list encouraged me to write down three example prints. Mine were:
- A custom drawer divider
- A phone stand shaped like a stoic walrus
- A tiny statue of my own head that would terrify my guests
Those three alone pointed me toward filament for the first machine. My guests will be spared, for now.
Table: How the Book’s Checklist Maps to Real Buying Decisions
Here’s how I translated the book’s topics into my actual decision process. I gave each item a usefulness rating (to me) and a quick note.
| Decision Area | Key Question I Asked | What the Book Nudged Me To Consider | Usefulness to Me (1–5) | My Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Printer Type | Filament or resin? | Detail vs. mess, ventilation, footprint | 5 | Saved me from a resin impulse buy |
| Build Volume | How big do I print? | Max dimensions, enclosure needs | 4 | Measured twice, avoided buying too big |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, ABS, etc. | Ease vs. strength vs. heat resistance | 5 | Chose PLA+ to start, PETG later |
| Slicer | How complicated is too complicated? | Presets, profiles, community support | 4 | Found a slicer with beginner profiles |
| Setup | Do I want auto-leveling? | Assembly, assisted calibration | 5 | Auto-leveling felt worth the price |
| Safety | Can I handle fumes/noise? | Ventilation, PPE, room placement | 5 | Chose an enclosure-ready model |
| Costs | What’s the real budget? | Consumables, spares, IPA, time | 5 | Prevented “surprise” spending |
| Support | Who helps when it breaks? | Warranty terms, response time | 4 | Picked a brand with lively forums |
| Upgrades | Will I tinker? | Mods optional vs. mandatory | 3 | Decided to avoid “project” printers |
| Use Cases | What do I actually print? | Functional vs. decorative | 5 | Grounded the entire process |
What I Loved
I loved the format: It’s short, but not shy. It shows me toward my own answers, which feel surprisingly adult when written in a Kindle highlight. The tone is practical without being grim. It allowed me to enjoy the excitement of “new gear” while steering me away from the chaos of buying a machine for a life I don’t live.
I also appreciated that the book doesn’t tie itself to a specific brand. It gives criteria instead of trophies. If a printer meets the list, it’s a yes; if not, it’s a pause. I can respect a guide that doesn’t try to be a salesperson.
What I Wanted More Of
Because I liked the list so much, I wanted more examples. I wished for a few mini case studies, like:
- “Apartment dweller who prints organizers and cosplay bits”
- “School Makerspace with ten students and a single outlet”
- “Jewelry hobbyist with a balcony and tolerant neighbors”
I also would have loved a one-page “first month budget” example, to bring that cost section home. And while I don’t need glossy photos, a simple diagram of “space around the printer” would help me visualize the room it occupies, including the invisible air.
None of these omissions broke the book. They just indicate the “short list” is truly short.
Who Will Benefit Most
In my judgment, the sweet spot is:
- First-time buyers who feel overwhelmed
- Gift-givers trying to buy intelligently for someone else
- Teachers and librarians in charge of a printer they didn’t ask for
- Hobbyists returning to 3D printing after a few years away
If you’re deep into resin printing or chasing tenth-of-a-millimeter tolerances, you won’t learn technical secrets. But you might still benefit from the structure, like a chef enjoying a good mise en place list even if they could dice onions blindfolded.
Who Might Want Something Else
If what you want is a feature-by-feature comparison of specific models, you won’t find it here. If your joy comes from benchies sliced with custom jerk settings, you’re ready for long-form guides, engineering papers, and probably a garage. This book is the prequel, not the trilogy.
The Practical Impact on My Buying Process
Here’s what changed for me after reading it. Before, I was browsing printers the way some people look at puppies: eyes wide, mind empty, heart ready. After, I was slower. I made a list of three realistically sized machines with auto-leveling and enclosed options, a known-good slicer profile, and an active community forum.
I measured my shelf, the distance to an outlet, and my tolerance for humming at night. I set a budget that included two spools of filament, a spare nozzle, a nozzle-cleaning kit I may never use, and a pack of glue sticks that will last longer than I do. I picked a printer that wouldn’t ask for a lot of hands-on work the first month, because I know how easily “Saturday project” becomes “Sunday regret.”
Two weeks after buying, I printed a drawer divider that fit so perfectly I briefly suspected witchcraft. Then I printed a phone stand shaped like a walrus. The walrus is stoic, uncomplaining, and slightly uneven. I named him Herbert.
Comparison to Other Resources I Tried
I watched the videos, I read the forums, I found a blog post that thinks every problem turns into a lathe. Those resources are wonderful, but they also sprawl. This book compresses the essential questions into one sitting, which helped me create the scaffolding before I filled in details with videos and user reports.
The book is also mercifully free of dramatic takes. It sticks to the practical and resists the temptation to turn preferences into commandments.
Price-to-Value: Did I Get My Money’s Worth?
Yes. The price of a short Kindle guide that prevents a bad purchase is the cheapest part of 3D printing. If this list saves even one roll of ruined filament or the cost of returning a printer I never should have bought, it paid for itself twice.
It’s the sort of reference I’ll return to when a friend asks for advice. It’s quicker than rewriting the same email, and more reliable than me after coffee.
Kindle Quirks and Formatting Notes
I didn’t run into formatting landmines. The bullets were clean, the headings navigable, and the flow worked on both my e-ink Kindle and the phone app. Some guides feel like they were exported from a spreadsheet with no survivors; this one reads like it was actually made for Kindle.
I’d welcome internal links that jump between the big decision points, but I didn’t miss them enough to complain loudly.
A Few Practical Nuggets I Still Use
Because the book sticks to questions, I adopted a handful of them for ongoing sanity checks:
- What is the biggest object I plan to print this month, and where will it sit while printing?
- Do I have the right materials and safety provisions already in place?
- Do I have enough time this week to calibrate or troubleshoot, or should I wait?
- Does this upgrade solve a real problem or just scratch a gadget itch?
- Have I checked community profiles before reinventing a wheel that prints just fine?
For someone like me—easily seduced by novelty—a simple, repeated list keeps me loyal to the actual goal: make the thing, not make a shrine to the idea of making the thing.
A Sample Decision Matrix I Built After Reading
To keep myself honest, I created a mini matrix based on the book’s categories. It helped me compare the three printers I was considering. I’m including a generic version here to show how the list lends itself to structured choices.
| Criterion | Weight (1–5) | Printer A | Printer B | Printer C | My Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Build Volume | 3 | Meets needs | Overkill | Slightly small | Bigger isn’t always better |
| Auto-Leveling | 5 | Yes | Yes | No | I want quick, consistent first layers |
| Enclosure Option | 3 | Optional | Included | DIY | Future ABS ambitions |
| Noise | 4 | Quiet | Moderate | Quiet | Apartment life matters |
| Slicer Support | 4 | Excellent | Good | Good | Community profiles count |
| Community/Support | 4 | Large | Medium | Niche | I want active forums |
| Price | 5 | Mid | High | Low | True cost includes time |
| Reliability (User Reports) | 5 | Strong | Strong | Mixed | Fewer horror stories wins |
| Consumable Costs | 3 | Normal | Normal | Normal | Manageable across the board |
| Total Fit | — | Best fit | Overkill | Too fiddly | I picked A |
This is not from the book directly; it’s just how easily the list translated into something I could act on without opening thirty tabs.
Little Intangibles I Appreciated
I appreciated that the book:
- Respects my time. It never pads for page count.
- Respects beginners. It doesn’t assume I’m either a child or a machinist.
- Respects my future self. It warns me about mess, noise, heat, and hidden costs without theatrical scolding.
Also, I liked that it treats 3D printing as a hobby and a tool, not a cure for mortality. There’s joy in it, but also bolts and belts.
A Few Places Where It Could Grow
If the author ever expands this, I’d love:
- A one-page “space planning” sketch: printer, tools, storage, airflow
- A basic maintenance routine checklist for month one
- Three realistic budget tiers (starter, enthusiast, school), with example consumables
- A short appendix of community terms so I can pretend I always knew what a brass nozzle does
These would keep it a “short list” but give it a longer shadow.
Stories From My First Month That Prove the List Works
- The time I thought bed adhesion was a myth: The list prepped me to use glue stick on smooth glass and gave me permission to not feel like a failure for also buying a textured plate. My second print actually stuck, and I strutted around like a person who invented tape.
- The night I learned noise is real: I moved the printer to a sturdier shelf after admitting that vibrations make things sing in a register that only anxious humans and small pets can hear. The book’s point about noise placement was not theoretical.
- The day I almost bought ABS: I reread the “enclosure and fumes” section like a snake charmer soothing himself, and ordered PETG instead. My lungs sent a thank-you card.
What This Book Isn’t (And Why That’s Okay)
It isn’t a ranking, a buyer’s guide for a specific year, or a deep parameter manual. It won’t give you slicer settings for exotic filaments or a cure for elephant’s foot. It will give you a framework that stops the madness before it begins.
I liked that. It means the book won’t age as fast as a list of model numbers. Printers change; questions don’t.
The Most Surprising Effect: It Made Me Slower, in the Best Way
I realized I rush toward purchases to relieve the discomfort of wanting. This list didn’t scold the wanting; it just gave it chores. Measure. Budget. Decide where it will live. Consider the neighbors. Think about gloves. In doing so, the wanting transformed into a plan that survived contact with reality.
That is rare for a short guide. It’s rarer still for a short guide that costs less than the shipping on filament.
A Quick Summary of Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Concise, clear, and easy to apply immediately
- Good balance of beginner-friendly and practical
- Encourages honest self-assessment
- Kindle formatting is clean and readable
- Avoids brand wars and keeps to criteria
Cons:
- Very brief; some readers may want more examples
- No detailed budgets or space diagrams
- Assumes you’ll seek out specific model info elsewhere
For me, the pros define the book; the cons are opportunities if a second edition ever appears.
If You’re On the Fence, Try This
I’d suggest reading it and then doing three concrete actions:
- Measure your intended printer space, including airflow and noise considerations
- List three prints you actually want in the first month
- Build a small budget that includes consumables and one spare part
If that process feels smooth and satisfying, you’ll know you’re ready. If it reveals problems—space, noise, ventilation—you’ll have discovered them early, which is worth more than the book’s cost by orders of magnitude.
The Verdict I Landed On
I came to this book as a romantic and left as a realist with a printer that suits my life. It’s not the biggest, not the fanciest, and not the one that wins internet arguments. It’s the one that actually prints on a weeknight without a drama arc.
That outcome began with the questions in this Kindle guide. It didn’t tell me what to buy. It taught me what to ask, which is rarer and, I think, more durable. It made my first month with a 3D printer feel like a hobby I chose, not a job I assigned myself by accident.
Final Thoughts I Wish Someone Had Told Me Sooner
- A “short list” is the right size when you’re new. The world is already loud enough.
- Your future self will thank you for buying a machine that behaves well stock.
- Resin can wait. It’s not going anywhere. Neither are gloves.
- Community is part of the purchase. Strangers will save you.
- The best printer is the one that sits in your space, fits your life, and makes the small things you actually want.
If that’s the kind of clarity you’re seeking, “A short list to consider when buying a 3d printer” earns its keep. It gave me a simple path to follow that ended with a working printer, a drawer divider that fits like a secret, and a walrus named Herbert who judges no one. That’s more than I expected from a quick Kindle read, and exactly what I needed.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
