Summary of "Top 10 Purchases to Start Your 3D Printing Hobby!"

Overview

Presenter: Ernie from the PaleoMaker MD channel (also cross-posted to PaleoHiker MD). He shares first‑hand recommendations based on ~6–7 years of 3D printing experience, focused on accessories to pair with a Bamboo Lab P2S.
Context: A practical starter‑kit guide following his prior videos (why the P2S is recommended and the first 10 prints to make). The video includes product tips, how‑tos, and buying advice.

Top 10 purchases (for a Bamboo Lab P2S)

Nozzles (0.2, 0.4, 0.6 mm)
- 0.2 mm: higher detail, much longer print times.
- 0.4 mm: “bread and butter” nozzle for general use.
- 0.6 mm: faster, better for larger prints.
- Tip: get hardened steel nozzles if you print abrasive filaments (filled PLA, some PETG, etc.). Ernie demonstrates a quick nozzle change on the P2S (simple unlatch procedure).
Liquid glue (Bamboo Lab glue, Bed Weld, or glue stick)
- Purpose: improve bed adhesion.
- Tip: use even with SuperTAC plates—some plates claim glue isn’t required, but a little glue helps.
Build plates / print surfaces
- Keep multiple plates for different materials (PLA, PETG, ABS).
- Options: stock textured plate (included), SuperTAC plate (smooth finish/new version), or other specialty plates for specific filaments.
- Maintenance: keep plates clean (Dawn dish soap recommended).
Digital calipers
- Essential for measuring parts, checking fits, and verifying dimensions (mm/inch).
- Budget: reasonable $25–$30 models are adequate.
Pliers and mini cutters (snips)
- Useful for removing supports, trimming filament, and general post‑processing.
- Recommendation: decent quality tools (example: Crescent); store in a Gridfinity holder or similar.
Deburring tool
- Purpose: clean edges and smooth prints; often designed for metal deburring but excellent for plastic parts.
- Feature: replaceable tips for long life.
Tape measure (and optional digital measure)
- Use for quick layout and measurements in inches/mm.
- Ernie keeps an analogue tape and a digital option as needed.
Grease and oil (lubricants)
- Maintenance: oil smooth rails and grease lead screws/rod threads.
- Frequency: routine lubrication recommended (roughly every 6 months depending on use).
Blue painter’s tape
- Multi‑use: labeling spools, temporary fixes, or simple bed uses.
- Cheap, handy, and frequently used.
Filament stock (PLA + PETG/ABS as needed) - PLA matte finish recommended as the everyday filament (black and white most used). - PETG for stronger parts; ABS if you need higher‑temperature parts (ensure printer compatibility). - Bamboo Lab system: refill cartridges and RFID/labels on cardboard that can auto‑set printer parameters. - Buying tip: buy in bulk and watch sales (Black Friday). Example price ranges Ernie mentions: retail ~$19.99 → bulk ~$12.99–$13.99, major sales down to ~$9.99 per spool.

Additional practical tips & product/feature notes

Nozzle changes: Ernie shows unlatching and swapping a 0.4 mm nozzle without removing the AMS—work when cold and follow the unlatch steps.
Surface cleaning: keep plates pristine; Dawn dish soap is recommended for cleaning.
Filament management: label spools (date, color) with painter’s tape; reuse spools and refill cartridges when available.
Filament temps: check spool/cartridge for required temperatures and confirm printer compatibility.
Cost management: filament is the main ongoing expense—buy bulk during sales to lower per‑spool cost.
Accessories: Gridfinity organizers, 3D‑printed spool holders, and inexpensive tools from Amazon/AliExpress are useful and budget friendly.

Main speakers / referenced brands

Ernie (PaleoMaker MD) — presenter and reviewer
Bamboo Lab — P2S printer, glue/plates, RFID spool system
Tools/brands mentioned: Crescent (cutters), Gridfinity (organizer), SuperTAC plate, Bed Weld glue

Want help?

I can: - Produce a short purchase checklist with recommended models/links for each item, or - Expand on nozzle/material compatibility (temperatures, recommended hardened nozzle types) or a maintenance schedule.

Which would you like?