Beyond the Benchy: What to Really Print First on Your New 3D Printer

Ah, the early days of 3D printing! It felt like magic, didn't it? Unboxing that first machine, carefully setting it up, and then staring at it, wondering what on earth you should make first. For many of us, it was a ritual, almost a rite of passage, to print certain things to truly 'break in' our new contraption.

Back then, say around 2010-2015, printers were… well, let's just say they required a little more coaxing. A bit more fiddling. They weren't quite the 'plug and play' marvels we often see today. So, what did we all rush to print first? And more importantly, what can you happily skip now that the technology has matured quite a bit?

The Old Guard: What We Used to Print (and Why)

It's funny, isn't it, how certain prints became almost legendary? They weren't just objects; they were benchmarks, tests, and sometimes, a true measure of your patience and understanding of your new machine.

First up, the calibration cube. Oh, the humble calibration cube! This little geometric wonder was absolutely essential. You'd print it, then measure each side with calipers to ensure your printer was extruding accurately along the X, Y, and Z axes. Was your '20mm' cube actually 20mm? If not, you had to dive into firmware settings, tweak steps per millimeter, and print, print, print again until it was spot on. It was tedious, but truly necessary for any precise work.

Then, of course, there was the undisputed champion: The Benchy. This little 3D-printed boat, formally known as the '3D-Benchmarking-Hull', became the gold standard. It had overhangs, bridges, tiny text, holes, rounded surfaces, flat surfaces – everything you could imagine to stress-test your printer. Getting a perfect Benchy was a badge of honor, proof that your machine was dialed in, and you, the operator, were a master of your craft. It was a beautiful, tiny symbol of triumph.

Beyond these, people often tackled various stress tests for stringing, temperature towers to find the ideal filament melting point, or basic functional parts like simple hooks, cable clips, or phone stands. These were early attempts to make something useful, but often only after hours of calibrating the printer itself.

Fast Forward: Why Today is Different

So, why is this history lesson relevant now? Because the landscape of 3D printing has changed dramatically! Modern 3D printers, especially many entry-level models, are far more sophisticated, reliable, and user-friendly straight out of the box. Many come pre-calibrated, or at least with much simpler setup routines. Slicing software is smarter, and filaments are more consistent.

This means you don't necessarily need to spend your precious first hours, or even days, on exhaustive calibration tests just to prove your printer works. While a quick basic check is always prudent, you can, and should, jump straight into making things that are genuinely exciting or helpful!

What to Print First on Your New 3D Printer Today

Let's be real: you bought a 3D printer to make things, not just to calibrate it. Here's what you should really be considering for those thrilling first few prints:

1. A Quick, Small Test Print (But Not Necessarily a Benchy!)

Before you commit to a multi-hour project, it's wise to run a small, fast test. Many printers include a simple pre-loaded file – a small cube, a logo, or a tiny figurine. This just confirms that the hot end heats up, the filament extrudes, and the bed adheres properly. It's like a quick 'system check,' not an in-depth diagnostic.

2. Practical, Everyday Organizers

This is where 3D printing truly shines early on. Think about those little annoyances around your home or office. Tangled cables? Missing pen holder? Tools scattered everywhere? Jump right into printing practical organizers:

• Cable Clips/Ties: Keep your desk tidy.
• Pen Holders/Desk Tidies: Declutter your workspace.
• Tool Organizers: Custom holders for your wrenches, screwdrivers, or craft supplies.
• Drawer Dividers: Custom-fit to any drawer for ultimate organization.

These projects are often straightforward, don't demand extreme precision, and immediately show the value of your new machine.

3. Fun & Decorative Items

Don't forget the joy! 3D printing isn't just about utility; it's about creativity and bringing digital designs to life. For your first fun prints, consider:

• Small Figurines: Download a cool creature or character model.
• Desk Toys: A fidget spinner (if you're feeling ambitious!), a small puzzle, or a unique stand for your headphones.
• Decorative Vases or Planters: There are tons of beautiful, simple designs that print surprisingly well.

These are excellent for getting a feel for different print settings and seeing your printer bring something purely aesthetic into existence.

4. Custom Parts or Useful Tools

This is arguably the most powerful aspect of owning a 3D printer. Have you ever needed a very specific bracket, a custom jig for a DIY project, or a replacement knob for an appliance that broke? Your 3D printer can make it happen:

• GoPro Mounts: Custom angles or positions that off-the-shelf options don't offer.
• Simple Jigs: A guide for drilling straight holes, for example.
• Appliance Enhancements: A custom funnel, a modified handle, or a cap for a container.

Even if you're not designing your own parts just yet, sites like Printables or Thingiverse are treasure troves of ingenious solutions to common problems.

Embrace the Modern Era!

The bottom line is this: while the Benchy and calibration cubes hold a nostalgic place in our hearts, you don't need to embark on a lengthy calibration odyssey as your very first step anymore. Modern 3D printing is about empowering you to create, solve problems, and have fun – right from the get-go. So, fire up that printer, choose a project that genuinely excites you, and start bringing your ideas into the real world!