If there is already a thread for this, I apologize, I did not see one. My questions are for people that have 3d printers. I would like to purchase one and use it to make weapons, armor, etc. I am looking at this one, specifically- https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=107&cp_id=10724&cs_id=1072403&p_id=15365&seq=1&format=2 What programs do you use to create models? Do you like your printer? Does you use it for making weapons, etc.? What should I know that I
Free programs for modelling - Tinkercad is probably the easiest for basic stuff, I like Sketchup (with an 'export to stl plugin') or Fusion 360 is a more powerful program but it takes a bit more learning to use it fully. Be aware that if you are making small parts with pegs eg weapons, that PLA plastic can be fairly brittle - a 3mm printed peg may snap if you don't get tolerances right, if you want to print in ABS you will probably want to put an enclosure over that printer to keep heat in, though you may get away with making small parts without it warping. The machine you linked seems reasonable for a first printer - no major warning flags, but you may find you are a bit limited by the small build volume. Before buying anything I suggest watching a ton of beginner printing videos (Makers Muse does some good ones) and try out modelling.
The #1 thing you will be doing is troubleshooting the printer. They all break down from time to time (some more than others), and understanding how the printer works is important to fix it when it does. I recommend buying a kit and building the printer. That way you will know how to dissemble it and understand how all the parts tie together. It's possible to get a good printer for cheap, but at only $200 I would be very leery of it. Make sure to read reviews from actual users and see what issues they have.
Avoid the Chinese cheap solutions like the plague. If you want to print something that it does look decent and it doesnt lose details you have to look at something with triple the cost (at least of that). Every printer I have seen first hand that amounts to the 200$ area, fails to reproduce anything but the most basic designs to acceptable levels for figures (even after weeks spend on calibration) Also the one in particular you linked, has a huge minus: It doesnt come with an enclosed space leading to temparuture loss, meaning you will have to shell out extra cash to enclose it yourself.
