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A few small tools and supplies make the difference between a frustrating print session and a smooth one. This guide covers what to buy first, what can wait, what resin users need and which upgrades are worth considering. Typical prices are shown so you can plan a budget.
About the links. Shop links open Amazon search results for each item so you can compare brands and prices. Prices are typical ranges, not quotes.
Buy firstDigital calipersMeasure parts and check calibration.
Buy firstFlush cuttersClean cuts for supports and filament.
Best upgradeFilament dryerDry filament fixes many print problems.
Resin must-haveWash and cure stationCleans and hardens resin prints.
The starter kit (buy these first)
| Item | Why you need it | Typical price | Priority | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital calipers | Measure prints and calibrate accurately | $10 – $25 | Must-have | Shop |
| Flush cutters | Trim filament, supports and stray strings | $8 – $15 | Must-have | Shop |
| Isopropyl alcohol (91 – 99%) | Cleans the build plate for better adhesion | $8 – $15 | Must-have | Shop |
| Spare nozzles (0.4 mm) | Replace clogged or worn nozzles | $8 – $20 | Must-have | Shop |
| Scraper and spatula set | Lift stubborn prints (check plate guidance) | $8 – $15 | Must-have | Shop |
| Hex key and screwdriver set | Maintenance and tightening | $8 – $15 | Must-have | Shop |
Next-level tools (buy when you need them)
| Item | Why you need it | Typical price | Priority | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filament dryer | Dries wet filament and keeps it dry while printing | $40 – $80 | Highly recommended | Shop |
| Dry box and silica gel | Cheap storage for spools between prints | $10 – $25 | Recommended | Shop |
| Needle-nose pliers and tweezers | Remove supports and stray bits | $6 – $12 | Recommended | Shop |
| Deburring tool / hobby knife | Clean edges and support marks | $6 – $15 | Recommended | Shop |
| Sandpaper assortment (120 – 800 grit) | Smooth layer lines before painting | $8 – $15 | Recommended | Shop |
| Filler primer and acrylic paint | Painted finishes (see our post-processing tutorial) | $15 – $40 | Optional | Shop |
| Spare textured PEI build plate | Swap plates between jobs and finishes | $20 – $40 | Optional | Shop |
| Glue stick for adhesion | Extra grip for stubborn materials such as PETG | $4 – $8 | Optional | Shop |
Resin printer essentials
| Item | Why you need it | Typical price | Priority | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrile gloves | Never touch uncured resin with bare skin | $10 – $20 | Must-have | Shop |
| Safety glasses | Protect eyes from splashes | $5 – $12 | Must-have | Shop |
| Wash and cure station | Cleans and hardens prints | $80 – $200 | Must-have | Shop |
| Isopropyl alcohol (99%) | Washes uncured resin from prints | $10 – $25 | Must-have | Shop |
| Spare FEP film | The vat film wears out over time | $10 – $25 | Recommended | Shop |
| Silicone mat and paper towels | Protect your table and mop up spills | $10 – $20 | Recommended | Shop |
| Resin filter funnel | Remove cured bits when pouring resin back | $6 – $12 | Recommended | Shop |
For wash and cure, Elegoo bundles a Mercury station with the Mars 5 Ultra (see the complete bundle), and Anycubic sells matching Wash & Cure stations on its store.
Printer-specific upgrades
| Upgrade | Works with | What it adds | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMS lite | Bambu Lab A1 / A1 mini | Four-color printing | about $130 over the standalone price (A1 mini) |
| ACE Pro / ACE 2 Pro | Anycubic Kobra 3 V2 / Kobra S1 | Multicolor and filament drying | Included in combos; priced as bundles |
| CANVAS multicolor | Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 | Four-color printing | Included in the roughly $399 combo |
| Hardened-steel nozzle | Most printers | Prints abrasive carbon-fiber filaments | $15 – $40 |
| Enclosure | Open-frame printers | Better temperature stability, noise reduction | $50 – $150 |
| Air filter (HEPA and carbon) | Enclosed printers | Reduces fumes and particles | $20 – $60 |
Typical cost of a starter setup
Basic FDM kit (must-haves)
$50 – $75
FDM kit + filament dryer
$100 – $140
Resin starter supplies (no printer)
$150 – $200
Resin supplies + wash and cure
Chart bars use the midpoint of each estimated range. Excludes the printer and filament or resin.$230 – $320
Software you do not have to pay for
| Tool | What it does | Cost | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bambu Studio / OrcaSlicer / Cura / PrusaSlicer | Slicers for filament printers | Free | OrcaSlicer, Cura, PrusaSlicer |
| ChiTuBox / Lychee Slicer | Slicers for resin printers | Free (paid tiers exist) | ChiTuBox, Lychee |
| Tinkercad | Beginner-friendly 3D design in the browser | Free | tinkercad.com |
| Printables / MakerWorld / Thingiverse | Free model libraries | Free | Printables, MakerWorld |
Where to spend and where to save
- Spend a little more on flush cutters, calipers and a filament dryer. Cheap versions frustrate you or fail early.
- Save on scrapers, sandpaper, glue sticks and hex keys. The basics work fine.
- Wait to buy an enclosure, air filter and hardened nozzle until you actually need them.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a filament dryer right away?
Not on day one. Buy one when you notice stringing, popping sounds or rough surfaces, or if you live somewhere humid. Many people find it the single most useful upgrade.
Is an enclosure necessary?
Only for ABS, ASA and nylon on an open-frame printer. If you stick to PLA and PETG you can skip it.
Which tools matter most for a beginner?
Calipers, flush cutters, isopropyl alcohol and a spare nozzle cover most needs. See our printer guide and filament guide for the rest of your setup.
Prices checked October 20, 2026. The prices here are typical ranges based on common retail pricing and vary by brand, retailer and sales. Confirm before you buy.
