Needless to say, tools are very handy in every maker’s workshop. There are lots of 3D printing tools available, but we’ll be focusing on the most essential tools.

BuildTak Print Removal Tool

• What is it? Sometimes, getting a print to work is only the first challenge. Removing a print can also be trouble. Help a beginning maker eliminate this issue by buying them a nifty print removal tool that’s a breeze to use.
• How much is it? This tool costs around $20.

BuildTak Spatula

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Flush Cutters

• What is it? Despite their simple appearance, flush cutters are extremely useful. They’re sharp and have pointed tips that can reach into the smallest places that need trimming.
• How much is it? Amazon has lots of options to choose from. Expect to pay between $5 and $10 per pair.

Flush (Filament) Cutters

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Metric Hex Key Set

• What is it? Hex keys are priceless. In a perfect world, bolts don’t come loose and upgrades are unnecessary, but every maker has to tighten screws, add modifications, and perform other repairs. And having the right size key for the job is very nice. Just make sure you buy metric keys, as most 3D printers use metric hardware.
• How much is it? A set of hex keys typically costs anywhere from $10 to $30.

Hex Keys

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MatterHackers Tool Kit

• What is it? You have two options: The first is a cheaper kit that includes essential tools, while the second is more expensive and full of tools that are helpful for both beginners and experts.
• How much is it? The essential kit is around $55, while the premium kit costs $95. The saying “you get what you pay for” holds true.

MatterHackers 3D Printing Tool Kit: Essentials

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MatterHackers 3D Printing Tool Kit: Premium

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Trying new 3D printing material is one of the many joys of creating 3D printed projects. If there’s anything that makes a cool project even cooler, it’s the material. Lucky for you, there are many materials available that any beginning maker is sure to fall in love with.

Note that most printers use 1.75-mm diameter filaments, so keep that in mind when purchasing. If you need help finding more awesome filaments, or would like to see some cheaper options, check out our list of great PLA filaments.

ColorFabb nGen Filament

• What is it? Some filaments can be tricky to work with. ColorFabb has eased the difficulty for beginning makers by creating their nGen Series filament. It’s extremely easy to print, as it works with a variety of temperatures, speeds, and models.
• How much is it? A 0.75-kg spool will cost $40-$45.

ColorFabb nGen

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Multicolored Filament

• What is it? A rainbow filament is a fun type of filament that’s sure to help any beginning maker create unique prints. Check out the best brands for this spectacular filament.
• How much is it? Prices range but expect to pay $25-35 for a 1-kg spool.

Multicolored/Rainbow Filament

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MatterHackers Pro Series Tough PLA

• What is it? One of the best feelings for any maker is creating functional parts. Sometimes, normal plastic won’t do the trick. That’s why MatterHackers has made a tough plastic that’s easy to print and helps to make super strong parts.
• How much is it? Each spool costs around $52. There are lots of colors to choose from!

MatterHackers PRO Series Tough PLA

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The reality is that parts break so extra hardware or upgrades are great gift ideas. If you want to do some more research on what to buy, check out our comprehensive nozzle guide.

Metric Hardware Assortment

• What is it? Extra hardware is always welcomed into a maker’s workshop. An assortment of standard bolts, nuts, and washers, therefore, is a wonderful and practical gift idea. This particular set is Amazon’s Choice and has high ratings.
• How much is it? This assortment will set you back around $26. It’s extremely reasonable for 880 pieces!

Metric Hardware Assortment

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Extra Nozzles

• What is it? Especially when used with abrasive materials, brass nozzles wear out quickly. Any maker will greatly appreciate extra nozzles in the standard 0.4-mm size, but you could even buy an assortment of sizes.
• How much is it? It depends on if you buy a mix of different sizes or all 0.4-mm nozzles.

3D Printer Nozzles

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Specialty Nozzles

• What is it? As we’ve said, brass nozzles can wear out quickly. Some specialty nozzles, such as those made with hardened steel, are much more resilient. E3D, known for its expert creation of excellent 3D printer parts, sells a nozzle “Pro Pack” that includes some special nozzles that any maker will love.
• How much is it? This pack costs about $73.

E3D Extra Nozzles: Pro Pack

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Workshops easily become messy. Help a beginning maker out with some great organization items!

Workbench

• What is it? Workbenches are extremely helpful. In some cases, they can provide room for a 3D printer and all its necessary accessories and tools.
• How much is it? Workbenches can cost anywhere from $50 to $500. This particular item is around $52. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t include the lumber for the bench, as it only comes with links, legs, and brackets, allowing for limitless customization.

2x4 Basics Custom Workbench

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Organization Bins

• What is it? Organization drawers are, understandably, normal sights in workshops. They are handy for keeping small components and hardware that would typically get lost.
• How much is it? This set of drawers has a range of sizes and a price range that reflects as such: $39-$296.

Hardware Storage Drawers

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Heavy-Duty Shelf

• What is it? A good shelf is extremely handy, especially in a workshop.
• How much is it? This three-shelf storage unit costs around $35.

Heavy-Duty Storage Shelf

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It’s nice to turn to a book that’s written by experts in the field. Beginning makers will find information, tips, and tricks from the following three options, though there are several great books about 3D printing available.

The 3D Printing Handbook

• What is it? As its title implies, this is a handbook for makers that talks about all things 3D printing. Divided into three parts, the book discusses 3D printing materials and technologies, design tips, and its many applications.
• How much is it? A hardcover will cost you about $32, with both used and Kindle editions for less.

The 3D Printing Handbook: Technologies, Design and Applications

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 Make: 3D Printing

• What is it? If you want to find a book that’s easy to read and follow but includes lots of information, this is it. Tips, tricks, troubleshooting, and design ideas, this book will never see the bottom shelf if you give it to a beginning maker.
• How much is it? It’s about $15 for the paperback or $12 on Kindle. There are also cheaper used copies available.

Make: 3D Printing, The Essential Guide to 3D Printing (Book)

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3D Printing Failures: How to Diagnose and Repair All Desktop 3D Printing Issues

• What is it?  This is an excellent reference book as printing issues are common for advanced makers and beginners alike. They can be harder to troubleshoot for newbies, though.
• How much is it? The paperback is about $19, but the Kindle version is closer to $11.

3D Printing Failures: 2020 Edition

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Beginning makers would benefit from a printer that’s relatively cheap, easy to assemble, and simple to operate. Here are three great options! And if you need a broader selection, here are eight more.

Creality Ender 3 V2

• What is it? Although it wasn’t normally categorized as a beginner’s 3D printer, Creality’s original Ender 3 was cheap, easy to use, and wildly popular. Its successor, the Ender 3 V2, is a tad pricier but comes with plenty of upgrades and new features. And similar to the original model, the simplified assembly process will be an excellent learning experience so that the maker understands exactly how the machine works.
• How much is it? This printer is regularly available for under $300.

Creality Ender 3 V2 Learn more

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Original Prusa Mini

• What is it? The Prusa Mini is super simple to assemble and use, and you can expect top-notch quality from any Prusa machine.
• How much is it? This great printer is only around $400.

Original Prusa Mini+ Learn more

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Dremel Digilab 3D20

• What is it? This is an excellent 3D printer that is easy to use and very reliable. Its enclosure also makes printing much smoother. Although newer models exist, the 3D20 remains a solid and affordable choice.
• How much is it? Expect to pay around $680.

Dremel Digilab 3D20

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