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[-] PorkrollPosadist@hexbear.net 5 points 22 hours ago* (last edited 21 hours ago)

CNC lathes are definitely less complex than 3D printers. They operate in 2 dimensions and as a result the G-Code is simple enough to write by hand in many cases (while there is NO practical way to program a 3D printer without CAM software). They're just a lot more expensive than an Ender 3 and require shop utilities like compressed air.

You can get mired in selecting appropriate tooling and work holding, but there are a million things which can go wrong with a 3D print also. 3D printers typically don't eject projectiles in case of an operator/programmer mistake though.

The only thing that makes 3D printing seem simple is that the slicers are really damn good, to the point of providing a better experience than commercial CAM software.

[-] Runcible@hexbear.net 1 points 12 hours ago* (last edited 12 hours ago)

The only thing that makes 3D printing seem simple is that the slicers are really damn good, to the point of providing a better experience than commercial CAM software.

Yes, this is what my claim was based on. Also I find selecting tooling to be much more complex than it initially seems and it is incredibly significant.

[-] umbrella@lemmy.ml 1 points 15 hours ago

cnc is much more involved and expensive to have though.

this post was submitted on 04 Feb 2026
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