Are 3D printers easy to use yet?

[Stephen Tashi]

This article from 2013 says that the 3D printers available to hobbyists are similar to "project cars". You spent most of your time trying to adjust and fix the machine instead of using it.
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/201...n-a-maddening-journey-into-another-dimension/

Has 3D printer technology for the hobbyist improved since then?

 

[Nidum]

Yes . Most machines available now , even relatively low cost ones , are usually just plug in and run .

Really they are not very complicated devices in mechanical terms . The real sophistication is in the software to run the machines and to prepare the source data files for the objects to be made .

 

[Nidum]

TinkerCad

 

[skeptic2]

Here's one source. https://www.theupsstore.com/print/3d-printing/locations

I was surprised to find out my city's main public library has a 3D printer for use by its patrons. The cost they quoted was about $9 to do something the size of a coffee cup.