The problem with gettibg a 3D printer

When I first got my 3D printer, it was with the intention of making parts for my electronics projects. After I found an inexpensive 3D design package, and getting used to it, I was very pleased with what it could do.  Then I made a big mistake, I went to thingiverse.com. This is a huge repository of different 3D printed projects that have uploaded by3D Printer enthusiasts.  After browsing the projects, and a lot  "That's Neat" or "I should try printing that", I realized that I was hooked and now have another hobby.

My printer worked well for what I had wanted it for.  But since it used propriety software I was not able to change the settings to what I would require for some of the things I downloaded from Thingiverse.  While on one of a 3D printing Blogs I was following, I saw mention of a very small inexpensive printer by Monoprice.  
The Monoprice select mini, is a very small printer, but uses most open source slicers such as  "Cura" or "Slic3r".  It comes fully assembled and with a recent price reduction is less tan $200 including shipping.  That day I received an e-mail with a coupon that would bring the price down to around $185, so I ordered one.  It arrived in 3 days, and I quickly unpacked it.   The  machine is almost all metal, and appears to be very solid.  It came with a sample of filament that is too small to do much of anything, you will have to purchase a full spool to do anything useful. 
Using some filament from my other printer, I printed the sample print that came on the micro-SD card along with a couple different software packages.  The print turned out to be very high quality, much better than I had expected from such an inexpensive printer.  Also the printer is very quiet compared to some others I have seen.
Searching the Web I found a series of beginners guide to the printer and some help on initial setup of "Cura" for the machine.  Also found several useful items to print to make the printer a little nicer. 

 I printed up a filament guide and a couple other simple things to use with it.  This printer has a heated bed, so I could use a "PEI" plastic film to cover the print area.  This gives better adhesion to the print surface, and makes it easier to take finished parts off the bed than the blue printers tape that is usually used.

Printing 5  CW paddles at a time

Since I had full control of all the settings, I could use some of the different filaments that I could not use with the first printer. I could also change layer and print options to make some of the items I had designed stronger.  So far the only drawback to the printer I have found is its print volume.  It is only 120mm x 120mm x 120mm, but most thing I want to print will fit in this area.  This might mean that a print job that made 8 pieces at a time, I had to re do and could only print 5 at a time.  

I found a fairly active Facebook Group that covers this printer, and have been finding some useful information on possible modifications I will probably make in the near future.  All in all after less than  a week I am very happy with the little printer.  If someone wants to try 3D printing this would be a inexpensive option to try.
DARN now I have to find time for the electronics projects that are stacking up.