Hey, I’m Ryan.
I’ve been breaking, fixing, and obsessing over 3D printers since 2019.
It started with a cheap Ender 3 and a lot of failed prints. Spaghetti disasters, beds that wouldn’t level, filament that wouldn’t stick — I’ve been through all of it. But somewhere between the frustration and the filament tangles, I fell in love with the process of turning a digital file into a physical object.
Today, I run multiple FDM and resin printers, and I’ve printed everything from functional household parts to detailed miniatures. I have a background in mechanical engineering, which helps me understand not just what works in 3D printing, but why it works.
Why I Started The3DGuide
When I was learning, I noticed something frustrating: most 3D printing resources were either magazine-style sites that felt impersonal, YouTube videos that buried the actual fix 8 minutes into a 15-minute video, or Reddit threads where you had to piece together answers from five different commenters.
I wanted a place that just gave you the answer. Clearly, directly, from someone who’s actually dealt with the same problem.
That’s what The3DGuide is. Every article is written from personal experience — if I recommend a printer, I’ve either used it extensively or thoroughly researched it against alternatives. If I explain a troubleshooting fix, it’s because I’ve tested it on my own machines.
How I Test and Review
I believe in transparency. Here’s how my process works:
For printer reviews: I run a standardized set of test prints — a calibration cube, a temperature tower, a detailed miniature, and a functional mechanical part. I evaluate print quality, speed, noise, ease of setup, and value for money. I note both the strengths and the deal-breakers.
For filament and material guides: I test across multiple printers and settings. I care about consistency between rolls, color accuracy, and how the material performs in real-world use cases — not just pristine lab conditions.
For troubleshooting guides: Every fix I recommend is something I’ve either done myself or verified through hands-on testing. I don’t repackage advice from forums without checking it first.
Editorial Independence
The3DGuide earns revenue through affiliate links and display advertising. When you buy a product through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is how I keep the site running and the content free.
However, affiliate relationships never influence my recommendations. I recommend products I genuinely believe in, and I’m not afraid to point out flaws — even in products from brands I’m affiliated with. My reputation is worth more than any commission check.
Get in Touch
Have a question? Found an error? Want to suggest a topic? I’d love to hear from you.
Email: ryan@the3dguide.com
Twitter/X: @The3DGuide